Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was sworn in today for a second term as president of Iran after a disputed election caused mass demonstrations.

Amid tight security, Mr Ahmadinejad appealed for national unity and denounced foreign interference in his inauguration speech.

He took the oath this morning and pledged to protect the constitution and frontiers of Iran. The ceremony was boycotted by opposition leaders and moderate politicians.

Iran's opposition claimed that Mr Ahmadinejad stole the vote in the June election and at least 30 demonstrators were killed during the protests. Opposition groups called protesters to the streets again today.

Mr Ahmadinejad said: "I will spare no effort to safeguard the frontiers of Iran." He added: "We will not remain silent, we will not tolerate disrespect, interference and insults."

He made only a vague reference to the West and the US. "Some countries have not recognised the elections or extended their congratulations.

"They do not respect the rights of other nations, yet they recognise themselves as the yardstick for democracy," he said.

• 

  Lenny Henry: 'Maybe one day we can have a black Doctor Who'

  Shortlisted at today's Evening Standard theatre awards for his role as Othello, Lenny Henry has come a long way from black and white minstrels

  ---

• 

  Spread of the Jedhead

  Jedward, voted off the X-Factor this weekend, are the most obvious proponents of the sticky-uppy look - but the style crosses boundaries of age, gender, sexuality and taste, says Nick Curtis

  ---

Sky in plot to hire students on the cheap

Sky News is currently recruiting students as reporters for its coverage of next year's general election. However, the opportunity doesn't quite seem so appealing

All stories