Erdogan takes oath of office as Turkey's first executive president

ANKARA, July 9 (KUNA) -- Erdogan took the oath of office Monday becoming the first president under the new system of government.
After President Erdogan's swearing-in ceremony, the presidential system officially began in Turkey. Erdogan pledged to preserve democracy and the principles of the founder of Turkey Mustafa Kamal Ataturk within the concepts of stability, welfare of the people, national solidarity, justice and loyalty to the Constitution. He stressed the preservation of the honor of Turkey and to do his best for his nation without being bias to any side. Erdogan's inauguration ceremony will take place in the presidential compound later today in the presence of states presidents, government presidents and parliament's speakers including the representative of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanim. The Turkish President will hold a press conference today announcing the new government formation.
Erdogan was elected on June 24 in a vote marking Turkey's transition to an executive presidential system of government, doing away with the prime minister's post, among other changes. (end) rs.aa