Iran's new President takes oath of Office
Pakistan Times Wire Service

TEHRAN (Iran): Iran's new President Mahmood Ahmadinejad pledged to defend Islam and the country's independence in taking the oath of office before parliament on Saturday.

Speaking on this occasion, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that the Islamic Republic, facing intense pressure from the West over its nuclear ambitions, would
not be intimidated.

Taking the oath of office in parliament following his stunning June election win, the former Tehran mayor said his priority would be to tackle unemployment and his foreign policy would seek to reduce international threats.

"We are logical and respect international rules, but will not give in to those who want to violate our rights," he said in a brief address.

"The Iranian nation cannot be intimidated," he said by adding; Iran would respect international regulations but would not accept "submission" to any other nation.●