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Ahmadinejad sworn in as Iranian president

by albertacowpoke | August 5, 2009 at 02:49 am

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President Ahmadinejad, who was re-elected in a controversial election in Iran, was sworn into his second term of office in Teheran today.

In his inauguration speech he appealed for unity and he denounced interference by foreigners. He took the oath of office, pledging to protect the constitution and frontiers of Iran.

"I hereby swear by the almighty God to protect the system of the Islamic Revolution and the constitution, I will spare no effort to safeguard the frontiers of Iran" Ahmadinejad said.

He urged for unity and said: "We should join hands as we move forward to fulfill our goals."

Opposition leaders and some parliamentarians did not attend the inauguration.

Opposition groups had claimed that Ahmadinejad had stolen the June 12th election. Some 30 spectators were killed in the subsequent protests.

Protesters were notably absent during the inauguration. They were dispersed as soon as they had gathered.

Ahmadinejad took the oath and pledged to protect the constitution during his inauguration speech in Tehran.

"I hereby swear by the almighty God to protect the system of the Islamic revolution and the constitution. I will spare no effort to safeguard the frontiers of Iran," Ahmadinejad said.

Tens of thousands of people streamed into the streets to protest Ahmadinejad's controversial 2-to-1 election victory in June.

At least 30 demonstrators have been killed in the demonstrations, according to the authorities.

The president did not directly address the massive demonstrations but warned that his government would resist any interference.

"We will not remain silent," he said. "We will not tolerate disrespect, interference and insults."

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at 05:24 on August 5th, 2009

I think Ahmadinejad has under estimated the people of Iran and their determination. This may be over for the short run, or may appear to be over, but I don't believe they can be silenced this easily.