A close adviser described her decision as a "first step" towards a possible campaign for the Republican nomination, according to Newsweek magazine.

Red Cross officials would not confirm the report, but said Mrs Dole would make a "major" announcement at 1900 GMT on Monday in Washington.

Mrs Dole's husband, the former Kansas Senator, Bob Dole, was the Republican presidential nominee in 1996 and she has consistently scored high in public opinion polls as a potential candidate.

Newsweek said she had been expected to meet the executive committee of the Red Cross over the weekend ahead of Monday's announcement.

'Departure not unexpected'

Earl Cox, national campaign manager of Draft Elizabeth 2000, refused to say whether he knew about Mrs Dole leaving the Red Cross.

But he added: "If indeed that is the situation, it's encouraging."

A Dole family adviser said her departure from the Red Cross was "a not-unexpected prelude to the next phase of her life," which could include her running for president.

Mrs Dole is considered a strong prospect for a vice presidential nomination regardless of whether she seeks the Republican nomination for president, according to party activists.

They say her departure from the Red Cross has been expected for several months.