LA PAZ (BOLIVIA), Aug 7: Former dictator General Hugo Banzer was sworn in as President of Bolivia on Wednesday, promising to combat poverty, inequality, corruption and cocaine trafficking.

``I promise that my administration will work towards creating a society with greater social justice and combat serious poverty that continues to afflict many of our people,'' he said.

Banzer, 71, took the oath in the National Congress Building before the Presidents of Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay, along with Spain's Prince Felipe, heir to the Spanish throne.

After being sworn-in for the five-year term, Banzer crossed the city's main square to the presidential palace, where he reviewed the troops while thousands cheered. Banzer inherits a stable and growing economy .

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.