Ouattara sworn-in as Ivory Coast president

ABIDJAN: Alassane Ouattara was sworn in as Ivory Coast president in a ceremony Friday after months of political violence in the world's top cocoa producer followed his victory in last November's elections.

Ouattara, 69, was sworn in at the presidential palace by the head of the Constitutional Council, Paul Yao N'Dre, watched by members of his government, the armed forces and the diplomatic community.

"It's the start of a new era of reconciliation and unity between all the daughters, and all the sons of our dear Ivory Coast," Ouattara said in a brief speech after taking the oath of office.