Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in before the Shoura (consultative) Council as the Iranian President on Wednesday, after being elected for a second presidential term. Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony, Ahmadinejad pledged service to the nation and the people, and to defend their rights and freedom, as well as justice. He also promised to defend the state's political, economic and cultural independence, according to a report of the Kuwaiti News Agency "KUNA". According to Article 121 of the Iranian Constitution, the elected president must take the constitutional oath in front of the Shoura Council, after being endorsed by the Supreme Leader. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who officially endorsed Ahmadinejad two days ago, attended the oath-taking ceremony.
