MikeLigalig.com

by pna

The White House on Saturday welcomed the swearing-in of Joyce Banda as new president of Malawi, calling it a transition following the constitutional procedures.

"We welcome today's announcement that Vice President Joyce Banda was sworn in as president," National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said.

"By following constitutional procedures for this transition, the government and people of Malawi have reaffirmed their commitment to democratic principles and demonstrated the critical importance of sound democratic institutions," he said in a written statement.

He extended condolences to the people of Malawi and the family of President Bingu wa Mutharika, whose death of a heart attack was confirmed Saturday by the government.

"We stand with the people of Malawi during their time of mourning, and look forward to deepening the partnership between our nations," Vietor said.