US and world leaders remember Albright, former top diplomat

"Madeleine Albright was an incredible force. Her hands turned the tide of history. ... America was led by no more dedicated champion of democracy or human rights than Secretary Albright. She knew firsthand the dangers of autocracy and wrote strongly about them. ... Madeleine will be remembered fondly when I think about her.

__

"Madeleine Albright, a brilliant diplomat, was a visionary leader and courageous trailblazer. She was also a mentor and a great person who loved America deeply and dedicated her life to it." -- Secretary Antony Blinken

__

"Few leaders are so well-suited to the times they serve. She saw her job as both an obligation to America and an opportunity, because she had seen firsthand how America's policies could make a difference in peoples' lives all over the globe. "...And through it all... even our last conversation just two week ago, she never lost a great sense of humor and her determination to go out with boots on, supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom and democracy." -- Former President Bill Clinton.

"One of my favourite stories: A man from Ethiopia approached Madeleine at a naturalization ceremony and asked her if he could meet a refugee form Africa. She replied that only in America could someone from Central Europe become Secretary." -- Former President Barack Obama

__

She lived the American dream, and she helped others achieve it. ... She was a distinguished foreign-born foreign minister, who saw firsthand how important free societies are for world peace. Laura and I appreciate her love for country and public service and are grateful to Laura for calling Madeline Albright our friend." -- Former President George W. Bush

__

"She left an indelible impression on the world, and the United Nations. Her service made our country and the United Nations stronger." -- U.S. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Ambassador to the United Nations

__

"From the halls and the United Nations to her leadership at the State Department, advocacy across the globe, Madeleine Albright has been a trailblazer and role model for multilateral action." -- U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres

__

"Today, the United States and the world lost a great champion for peace, diplomacy, and democracy: Secretary Madeleine Albright. Her role as the nation's first female diplomat was a landmark achievement that has paved the way to allow generations of women to represent America abroad and serve at the highest levels in government. ... "...

__

"I will never forget the amazing friendship Bill and I had with (at)madeleine, and the wise and unfailing advice she gave over the years. Many people are living better lives today because of her services." -- Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

__

"Above all Secretary Albright was proud to have served as the first female secretary-general of our country, but her legacy was much more. She was extraordinary hardworking, skilled at managing difficult challenges and even more tough people, and she had the uncanny ability of breaking down complex issues in an easy-to-understand and practical way. Secretary Albright was clear and forthright when faced with injustices, at home and abroad." -- William Burns, CIA Director

__

"Madeleine was one the most extraordinary people I had the honor to work with. She was a brilliant thinker with a lively conscience, and had deep compassion for others. She lived her life with the mission to improve the world and continued that mission through her remarkable career." -- Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister.