Nikolic Sworn In As Serbian President

New Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic (left) and former President Boris Tadic at the National Assembly building in Belgrade

Tomislav Nikolic, a former hard-line Serbian nationalist opposition leader, has been sworn in as president of Serbia.

Nikolic was sworn in to a five-year term during the first session of Serbia's new parliament.

Nikolic, who has toned down his nationalist rhetoric in favor of a pro-European stance, unexpectedly defeated his pro-Western predecessor, Boris Tadic, in a May 20 runoff.

Nikolic told parliament he wanted Serbia to become an EU member, but also said Serbia would never give up its claim to Kosovo.

In a general election earlier in May, Nikolic's Progressive Party won more seats in parliament than Tadic's Democratic Party, but neither party has a majority.

Tadic is tipped to become the new prime minister as his Democrats are seen as more likely to form a workable coalition.

Based on reporting by AFP, AP, and B92