Morales inaugurated for further term as Bolivian president

Jan 22, 2010, 18:28 GMT

La Paz - Evo Morales was sworn in Friday in La Paz for a second mandate as Bolivian president.

In the presence of Spain's Crown Prince Felipe and of presidents Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, Rafael Correa of Ecuador, Fernando Lugo of Paraguay and Michelle Bachelet of Chile, the ceremony sought to underline Bolivia's varied heritage.

As a new symbol that breaks with the colonial past, Morales, 50, received a presidential sash that incorporated the Whipala - the seven-colour flag of indigenous communities - and a medal with the effigies of two historic indigenous leaders.

On Thursday, the left-wing populist Morales, the first president of indigenous descent in Bolivia's history, took part in a traditional Andean ceremony that sought to give him positive energy for his new five-year term.

An Aymara priest officiated at the rituals at the archeological site of Tiwanaku, about 70 kilometres west of La Paz at an altitude of 3,800 metres, along with around 20 authorities of indigenous communities, known as 'Mallkus.'

Dressed in a white tunic with traditional motifs symbolizing prosperity, wisdom and success, Morales addressed thousands of supporters and made offerings to 'Mother' Earth.

Morales, a member of the Aymara indigenous community, first took office in Bolivia in 2006, and he was re-elected in December with over 64 per cent of the votes. He is set to govern with full control of Congress.