Hamid Karzai was sworn-in as Afghanistan's first directly-elected president amid tight security at his fortified Presidential Palace Tuesday, vowing to boost war on the booming poppy cultivation, introduce good governance and strengthen security in the war-plagued country.

Karzai gained a landslide victory in the Oct. 9 presidential election. 

"I swear to obey and safeguard the provisions of the sacred religion of Islam, to observe the constitution and other laws of Afghanistan and supervise their implementation," said Karzai in repeating the oath of allegiance read to him by Afghan Chief Justice Mawlawi Fazl Hadi Shinwari, "with the assistance of God and the support of the nation, to make great and sincere efforts for the happiness and progress of the people of Afghanistan."

The ceremony, administered by the chief justice, was witnessed by over 200 Afghan and foreign dignitaries including former United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy to Afghanistan Lakhdar Brahimi, US Vice President Dick Cheney, Chinese assistant Foreign Minister Li Hui and Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi.

Karzai, who got the mandate through the historic Oct. 9 presidential elections to rule the post-war nation for a five-year term, earlier ruled the country as head of the interim and transitional administrations after the fall of Taliban in late 2001.

Outlining his policy to the nation, immediately after taking oath as the popularly elected head of state, he said that fighting on drug and establishing durable peace were among his agenda.

"Our principal promises are ensuring lasting stability throughout the country, elimination of poppy cultivation, fight drug trafficking, disarmament of former combatants, eradication of poverty and provision of public service," Karzai said to the Afghan nation as well the guests attending the inauguration ceremony.

"We will stand by the promises which we have made for the goodness of this nation, we will invoke Almighty Allah for his blessing and we will depend on you for courage and support," a smiling Karzai said.

"I am confident and proud that this nation is determined to rebuild Afghanistan and rebuild it fast to live in security and stand on its own feet," said the trimmed-beard Karzai attired in national dress.

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2004)