Bush, Rice praise Powell

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell Friday received rich tributes from his successor and from President Bush.

"All of us admire and appreciate the service of Colin Powell," Bush said. "Colin Powell left big shoes to fill when he left the State Department. Condoleezza Rice is the person to fill them."

Rice, who replaced Powell as secretary of state, said she was "indeed fortunate" to succeed a man of the character and quality of Powell.

"(Powell) served with such distinction, who's done so much to strengthen the State Department, so much to carry forward America's message and goals, and so much to help me personally in so many ways," she added.