United Nations Under Secretary General Shashi Tharoor, who had unsuccessfully contested for the top post of the world body, resigned from his post on Friday.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon, who beat Tharoor, has accepted his resignation.

Tharoor, whose contract as UN Under Secretary General for Public Information expires at the end of February, was not immediately available for comment.

Tharoor, had on an earlier occasion, told media persons: "If he (Moon) feels that there is an honourable role for me, then I will continue for another period. Or if there is no meeting of minds, I will leave and continue to support UN from outside."