Syrian President Bashar Assad was sworn in Saturday for a fourth, seven-year term in the war-ravaged country.
The May elections, which Assad won by a huge margin, were described by the West and the opposition as illegitimate and a sham.
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The swearing-in ceremony was held at the presidential palace and attended by clergymen, members of parliament, political figures, and army officers.
The elections "have proven the strength of popular legitimacy that the people have conferred on the state," 55-year-old Assad said, in his inauguration speech.
They "have discredited the declarations of Western officials on the legitimacy of the state."
Assad called on "those who bet on the demise of the homeland" to return to its "embrace" saying, "We tell each and every one of them, you are exploited by the enemies of our country against your own people. The revolution with which they deceived you is an illusion."
