Defiant Iran president takes oath

05 August 2009

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been sworn in for a second term as Iran's president, after weeks of post-election unrest.
In an address after the ceremony, he criticised foreign powers who have cast doubt on the validity of the election, saying Iran would resist them.
Opposition supporters protesting outside parliament were met by hundreds of riot police.
Germany, France, Britain and the US all said they would not be sending letters of congratulation to Mr Ahmadinejad.
At least 30 people died during the street protests which followed the 12 June poll.
Mr Ahmadinejad now has two weeks to form a government that must then be approved by parliament.
'We will resist'
Taking his oath of office, broadcast live on state TV, Mr Ahmadinejad promised to "protect the official faith, the system of the Islamic revolution and the constitution".
He vowed to "refrain from being autocratic and to protect the freedom and dignity of individuals".
We heard that some of the Western leaders had decided to recognise but not congratulate the new government... Well, no-one in Iran is waiting for your messages
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Profile: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Who's who in Iran
Following the swearing-in, he used his first address to defend the official results of the election - which gave him an overwhelming victory - and criticised Western powers' response to the disputed poll. sorce: bbc.com

Posted by News Point at 1:38 AM  
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