Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov was sworn in Friday for a second term, becoming the country's first president to win re-election since 1989.

At the inauguration ceremony, Parvanov swore to uphold the constitution and support any motion designed to protect Bulgaria, which joined the European Union (EU) on Jan. 1.

"We will look for better commitment and a presidential institution that will be more responsible," Parvanov said.

He said he would push forward the fight against high-level corruption and powerful organized crime gangs.

"I look at criminality as the key risk for security. Our EU entry should not slow the fight against organized crime. On the contrary, it should intensify it," he said in parliament after taking the oath of office.

The president added that Bulgaria's EU and NATO memberships had committed the nation to new responsibilities to the region, and he pledged to support the aspirations of his Balkan neighbors to join the EU. Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004.

The 49-year-old president, a historian and former leader of the Socialist Party, won re-election in a landslide victory in November's presidential race.

The presidency in Bulgaria is a largely ceremonial position, with the real power in the hands of the prime minister and parliament.

Nevertheless, the president carries moral authority and legislative veto powers.

Source: Xinhua