Rice replaces Powell

US President George W. Bush has announced that national security adviser Condoleezza Rice is his choice as the new secretary of state.

Rice, 50, a close confidante of Bush, is to succeed Colin Powell. {{more}}

If confirmed in the post by the US Senate, she will be the first black female secretary of state.

Bush said that during the last four years, he had appreciated the experience, counsel and “sound and steady judgement” of Rice.

The president also announced that he would promote deputy national security adviser Stephen Hadley to succeed Rice as national security adviser.

Bush also paid tribute to Colin Powell, 67, who resigned on Monday. He said it had always been his intention to serve only one term.