Armenia becomes parliamentary republic as new president sworn in

Armenia's new President Armen Sarkisian was sworn in on Monday but power is expected to remain with his predecessor as the ex-Soviet republic shifts to a parliamentary form of government.

The former ambassador to the United Kingdom took the oath of office at an extraordinary parliamentary session, his right hand laid on a 7th-century manuscript of the New Testament, and the Armenian Constitution.

The 64-year-old then received blessings from the head of the Armenian Church, Catholicos Garegin II.

Sarkisian's inauguration allows controversial 2015 constitutional amendments to come into force, turning the country into a parliamentary republic with a strong prime minister.

The political shift was initiated by the outgoing president Serzh Sarkisian -- who is no relation to the new leader -- and was approved in a referendum with 63 percent of the voters backing the changes.

Critics of Serzh Sarkisian, 63, say the reforms have been designed to increase his power in a new capacity as premier.

The ruling party has defended the reform as a move aimed at consolidating the Caucasus nation's democracy and improving the balance between the legislative and executive branches of power.

But the opposition complained of widespread violations at polling stations during the December 2015 referendum, prompting thousands to rally in protest.