Syrian President Bashar Assad sworn in for third term Wednesday July 16,2014

President Bashar Assad was sworn in on Wednesday July 16,2014 marking the start of his third seven-year term in office amid a bloody civil war that has ravaged the Arab country.

Wearing a dark blue suit and a blue shirt and tie, Bashar Assad placed his hand on the Quran, pledging to honour the country’s Constitution.

“I swear by the Almighty God to respect the country’s constitution, laws and its republican system and to look after the interests of the people and their freedoms,” he said to thunderous applause from the audience.

“They wanted it to be a revolution but you were the real rebels,” he said. “They failed in trying to brainwash you, or break your will.”