Afghanistan's first democratically elected president, Hamid Karzai, has been sworn in under heavy security in Kabul.
After the playing of the national anthem, Mr. Karzai placed his hand on the Koran and took an oath of allegiance.
In his inaugural speech, the new Afghan president thanked the United States, the United Nations and the international community for their support.
Mr. Karzai received a standing ovation from Afghan and foreign dignitaries attending today's (Tuesday) ceremony in the capital.
Among the guests were U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who earlier today joined in telling U.S. troops in Afghanistan that the military operation is not over, as freedom still has enemies there.
Russia has welcomed the inauguration as an important step forward toward the formation of a united, independent and democratic Afghanistan.
Information for this story is provided by AFP, Reuters and AP