Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took the oath of office for asecond term as president in front of Iran's parliament, Wednesday -delivering a short and sober speech saying he would defend the nation. A number of his opponents in parliament did not show up for theceremony.
Iranian members of parliament stood at attention forthe national anthem, before the oath of office was officiallyadministered to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The ceremonycomes after weeks of unrest, following a disputed June 12presidential election, amid charges of vote-rigging by his opponents.
Reportsof scattered protests, both outside of parliament and elsewhere, spokeof small crowds being dispersed by security forces, using pepperspray. Reuters says at least one woman protester was arrested.
Mr.Ahmadinejad's opponents in parliament had vowed not to attend hisswearing-in ceremony and Iranian TV's quick pan of the parliamentchamber revealed a number of empty seats.
Looking serious andspeaking in a firm and sober tone of voice, President Ahmadinejad vowedto protect his country and his religion.
He went on to reiterate criticism of outside forces saying that their efforts to question his re-election would get nowhere:
Withoutnaming them, he says that opponents and enemies had tried to create adusty and hazy atmosphere, sowing doubt and trying to depict a somberfuture. He says intelligent people turned out in elections, seekingthe assistance of God.
The Iranian president also took what appeared to be a subtle swipe at several Western leaders, including President Barack Obama.
Hesaid that no one in Iran is waiting for congratulations and that theIranian nation does not give importance to frowns and threats or tocongratulations and smiles.
Eyewitnesses say that hundreds ofpolice and security forces were deployed outside the parliament, toprevent any sizable opposition gathering. A nearby transit station wasclosed to the public.
Supporters of opposition leaders MirHossein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi had called for protests against Mr.Ahmadinejad's inauguration ceremony.