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Iranian president sworn in, stresses nation's sovereignty

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in as Iranian president yesterday, declaring his foreign policy would focus on good relations with the rest of the world but likewise rejecting all outside pressure on his government to change course.

"Justice, peace and detente are important elements in our foreign policy. These are inseparable parts of our policy," Ahmadinejad said in an inaugural speech to parliament after his swearing-in.

At the same time, Ahmadinejad said, "Our nation is not terrified by any threat. Nothing can crush the power of an integrated nation. Our government, based on support of such a nation, will bravely defend national interests and will not be humiliated."

On domestic affairs, Ahmadinejad said he would focus on restoring Islam as the guiding force in public policy.

"In the past years there were some efforts to weaken the role of religion in the country's politics and government. If religion weakens then our identity will be weakened and confiscated," he said.

He also renewed his promise to wipe out unemployment and poverty.

On Wednesday the former Tehran mayor, whose victory in June elections was flawed by charges of unfair voting practices, received approval from Iran's Islamic religious establishment. At the time, he promised to work for social justice and the alleviation of poverty.

Without directly mentioning the controversy over Iran's nuclear program, Ahmadinejad said his government respected international norms, but said "it would not follow illegal decisions that violate rights of the Iranian nation."

"I don't know why some countries do not want to understand the fact that the Iranian people do not tolerate force," Ahmadinejad said.

Shortly after his inauguration, the foreign ministry rejected Europe's proposal for ending the deeply divisive standoff over Tehran's nuclear program, calling it "unacceptable" and not up to Iran's "minimum expectations."

"The European proposals are unacceptable and against the provisions of the Paris agreement. The proposals do not meet Iran's minimum expectations," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said on state radio.

The Paris Agreement was reached between Iran and the three European countries negotiating on behalf of the 25-member EU. Under the deal, signed in November in Paris, Iran agreed to continue suspension of uranium enrichment and related activities.
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