Wanted Bashir Sworn In As Sudan President

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, the only sitting head of state wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been sworn in after his reelection in polls marred by boycotts.

Bashir rejects charges of ordering mass murder, rape, and torture in war-torn western Darfur.

The ceremony at Sudan's parliament followed Bashir's election one month ago with 68 percent of the vote, according to official figures.

The poll was marred by opposition boycotts and allegations of widespread fraud.

Bashir will now preside over a January, 2011 referendum on secession for Sudan's semiautonomous south, which observers believe will result in independence for the oil-producing region.

compiled from agency reports