Erdogan sworn in for third term as president

Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan was sworn in yesterday for a third term as president, promising to serve "impartially" after winning a historic runoff election to extend his two-decade rule.

The inauguration in parliament was scheduled to be followed by a lavish ceremony at his palace attended by dozens of world leaders.

"As president, I swear upon my honour and integrity, before the great Turkish nation ... to work with all my power to protect the existence and independence of the state ... and to fulfil my duty impartially," Erdogan said in parliament after a ceremony where he saluted soldiers under pouring rain.

Supporters in parliament gave Erdogan a minute-long standing ovation while some opposition lawmakers refused to stand up.