Misty-eyed Rice bids farewell to State Department

WASHINGTON, Jan 16, (AFP) -A smiling but moist-eyed Condoleezza Rice bid farewell Friday to hundreds of applauding and cheering State Department colleagues who worked under her during her four years as US secretary of state.

“You will always be in my thoughts, my prayers and my heart,” Rice, her voice choked with emotion, told the gathering after a brief speech about the importance of defending liberty and democracy in the world.
She then descended a few steps to shake hands with ambassadors, diplomats, security officers and other employees. She also stood for photographs before leaving the building's main entrance.