Afghan President Resigns Office

NEW DELHI--President Nur Mohammed Taraki of Afghanistan resigned the presidency and leadership of the ruling party here yesterday, as intensifying rebel warfare and political dissension pushed the country into turmoil

Citing poor health, Taraki resigned in favor of Prime Minister Hafizulla Amin. The 50-year-old Amin has emerged recently as the pro-Soviet regime's most prominent figure.

A split within the ruling Khalq People's Party and an insurgency by right-wing Moslem tribesmen has weakened the government. The tribesmen now control about half the countryside.

Taraki's resignation followed the dismissal Friday of the remaining two military officers in Amin's cabinet. Taraki came to power in April 1978 following a coup that ousted President Mohammed Daoud.