Guatemala president takes oath of office

Alvaro Colom was sworn in Monday as Guatemala’s first leftist president in more than 50 years, promising to fight poverty in a nation where half the people live on less than $1 a day.

Colom, who led Guatemala’s efforts to coax thousands of war refugees back home after its civil war ended in 1996, took office in a ceremony attended by world leaders including Presidents Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Alvaro Uribe of Colombia, who recently clashed over a hostage-release mission.

“Today is the beginning of privileges for the poor, the beginning of privileges for those without opportunities,” Colom, 56, said after receiving the presidential sash to the tune of traditional Maya music.

Despite his ideology, Colom said he doesn’t want to be identified with other leftist governments in Latin America, including that of Chavez.

Maya leaders, some wearing colorful embroidered blouses and skirts, attended the inauguration.

Former Houston Methodist Hospital heart surgeon Rafael Espada took office as vice president at the event.

“We are going to fight for the unity of the country, for the harmony with our indigenous people,” Colom said.

He has promised a broad social agenda that includes building schools and medical centers, creating jobs and bringing security to a country where gangs behead victims and drug traffickers control much of the police force.

Colom plans to recruit business leaders to participate in a pact to improve the economy and alleviate poverty.