State Department security official resigns

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Richard J. Griffin resigned Wednesday following a harsh assessment of security in Iraq.

The resignation of Griffin -- a former Department of Veterans Affairs and Secret Service official -- marked the most recent upheaval in the U.S. Bureau of Diplomatic Security since 17 Iraqi civilians were killed Sept. 17 by Blackwater USA guards, The Washington Post said.

Blackwater employees claimed a motorcade had come under enemy fire, and they returned fire. At least 17 Iraqi civilians were killed, prompting investigations by the Iraqi government, U.S. State Department and FBI.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has approved 19 new rules for private security contractors in Baghdad. The changes will reportedly affect how Blackwater USA operates as it protects diplomats and embassy employees.

Rice also appointed a panel to review policy, which recommended a committee investigate and judge all contractor incidents "involving the use of deadly force."

Veteran diplomatic security official Gregory B. Starr will take over for Griffin, who the Post said offered no reason for his resignation.