Erdogan is sworn in: I'll be president of all

The 69-year-old leader, taking office for the third time, will later appoint his cabinet, which will be tasked with dealing with an economic crisis that has witnessed rising inflation and the decline of the lira.

“I, as president, swear on my honour and integrity before the Turkish nation and great history to protect the existence and independence of the state”, Erdogan said at a ceremony in parliament in Ankara, broadcast live on television, “reports Alzeera”

“We will embrace all 85 million people [in the country] regardless of their political views, origin or sect”.

Saturday's inauguration was followed by a luxury ceremony at the presidential palace in the capital, attended by dozens of world leaders. Turkey's longest-lived leader faces significant diplomatic challenges amid tensions with the West, Klankosova broadcasts.tv.

Turkey's reformist but divisive leader won the May 28th runoff against a strong opposition coalition and despite the economic crisis and criticism following a February devastating earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people.

Erdogan won 52.2 per cent of the vote, while his rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu, 47.8 per cent, show official results. /Klankosova. tv