Clinton stepping down not 'retirement'
2013-01-09 22:32
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Washington - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on
Wednesday she was looking forward to stepping off "the very fast
track" for a while, but wouldn't necessarily call it retirement.
Appearing at her first public engagement before the
cameras after being taken ill more than a month ago, Clinton said she was
"thrilled to be back”.
"I have to say, I really missed you all. I wouldn't
say that under normal circumstances," she said.
She was taking part in a retirement ceremony for US
ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney, on only her third day back at work in the
State Department since she caught a stomach virus, which then led to a concussion
and blood clot.
But when it came to her own plans as she prepares to step
down in several weeks and hand over the baton, most likely to Senator John
Kerry, Clinton was a little more coy when asked if she was heading towards
retirement.
"I don't know if that is a word I would use, but
[I'm] certainly stepping off the very fast track for a little while," she
said.
Right now Clinton said she was focused on preparing to
hand over to Kerry, whose nomination by President Barack Obama still has to be
confirmed by the Senate.
"Obviously, it's somewhat bittersweet because I have
had the most extraordinary experience and I've worked with an amazing team of
people," Clinton said.
"But I am very much looking forward to doing
everything we can these last few weeks to resolve and finish up wherever
possible and then to have a very smooth seamless transition to Senator Kerry to
continue the work."
Clinton is stepping down after four years in office,
during which she has been largely credited with helping to restore America's
image abroad.
The former first lady and New York senator has said she
is exhausted and wants to rest, before deciding what to do next.
But despite repeated denials, many people believe she
could run again for the White House in the 2016 elections.
