TEHRAN - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in as president for a second term on Wednesday in the parliament.

With his hand on the Holy Quran, Ahmadinejad swore to fully observe the Constitution, to uphold the people’s rights and defend their liberty, to administer justice, and to avoid despotism.
He was sworn in by Judiciary Chief Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi.
Ahmadinejad was reelected president in the June 12 presidential election.
In his inaugural address, the president said everyone should make an effort to help his administration realize its plans over the next four years.
Ahmadinejad explained that he outlined his general policies in the cultural, social, economic, and political spheres during the presidential campaign, adding that he reiterated those plans on Monday at the ceremony in which the Supreme Leader approved his presidency.
“The outlines of these plans were welcomed by the people and were approved by the Supreme Leader,” he told MPs and other senior officials in the Majlis after taking the oath of office.
The president said he is sure that all the MPs will help his administration implement its plans.
He also stressed that the country needs unity.
Commenting on reports about Washington’s new position on Iran’s presidential election, Ahmadinejad said certain U.S. officials have stated that they will recognize the vote and the administration but will not congratulate him on his victory.
This stance shows that U.S. officials respect democracy only when it serves their interests, he added.
“(And) this is the notion the Iranian nation is standing against,” he said.
“You (U.S. officials) should know that, in Iran, nobody is waiting for your congratulations,” he stated.
Majlis advises administration to abide by law
Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani has said that parliament advises the new administration to abide by the law, to adopt a clear-cut plan, and to make use of experts over the next four years.
“We advise that the president should have a (clear) plan for realizing the (objectives of) the Outlook Plan so that people can live predictable lives and so that sustainable development is promoted,” he said at the inauguration ceremony.
Larijani noted that parliamentarians will regard a bright revolutionary record, loyalty to the principle of velayat-e faqih (rule of the Islamic jurisprudent), and competence as the main criteria in assessing the president’s cabinet nominees before they vote to approve or reject them.
He also stated that the three branches of government should cooperate closely to solve the country’s problems, saying this will send a message to foreigners that Iranians are united in the face of foreign interference, despite their differences.