Daniel Ortega was sworn in as president of Nicaragua on Wednesday.

Ortega, 61, led the country in 1979 after overthrowing the government of Anastasio Somoza. He won the presidency in 1984 but lost the next election and left power in 1990.

After winning the election in November, Ortega said he would work with Washington within a framework of mutual respect.

Meanwhile, Ortega also said he will be keeping close relations with other leftist leaders in Latin America, like Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Cuba's leader Fidel Castro.

Domestically, the president vowed to fight poverty and corruption and enforce free education.

In the ceremony at the Non-Aligned Countries Square, Ortega received the presidential sash. Chavez, who was just sworn-in for his new term hours before Ortega, also showed up on the scene.

Source: Xinhua