Clinton out, Kerry in as US secretary of state
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WASHINGTON (AP) - Mrs Hillary Rodham Clinton formally resigned on Friday as United States (US) America's secretary of state, capping a four-year tenure that saw her shatter records for the number of countries visited. Mr John Kerry was sworn in to replace her.
In a letter sent to President Barack Obama shortly before she left the State Department for the last time in her official capacity, Mrs Clinton thanked her former foe for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination for the opportunity to serve in his administration. Mrs Clinton said it had been an honour to be part of his Cabinet.
"I am more convinced than ever in the strength and staying power of America's global leadership and our capacity to be a force for good in the world," she said in the letter.
Her resignations became effective at 4pm on Friday, when Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan swore in John Kerry as the top US diplomat. The former senator and 2004 Democratic presidential candidate is the 68th secretary of state.
