5:58pm UK, Friday June 04, 2004

A second top CIA official has announced he is to retire, just hours after the emotional resignation of director George Tenet.

James Pavitt, deputy director for operations, is said to have made the decision some weeks ago.

Resigning: George Tenet

Analysts say the move will mean more upheaval in the organisation at a critical time.

Mr Tenet, 51, said he was quitting for "personal reasons".

But he has faced severe criticism for the September 11 attacks and the failure to uncover weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

President Bush described Mr Tenet as "strong and able" and said he would miss him.

Deputy Director John McLaughlin will take over temporarily when he leaves on July 11.

Mr Tenet appeared publicly before the September 11 commission.

He said the failures that occurred before the attacks were due to woefully inadequate resources, not a lack of effort.