Burris sworn in as a US senator

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Roland Burris, the man selected to fill Barack Obama's vacant seat, has been sworn in as a senator.

Following Mr Obama's departure, Mr Burris becomes the only black member of the US Senate.

Mr Burris's appointment was initially blocked by senate leaders because he had been selected by scandal-hit Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.

Mr Blagojevich was arrested last month and charged with attempting to "sell" the vacant seat to the highest bidder.

He has defied calls to resign, and also calls to delay naming a new senator.

Under Illinois law, the state's governor has sole responsibility to fill vacancies in the senate.

Barred entry

Senator Burris, on behalf of all Senators, we welcome you as a colleague and a friend Harry ReidSenate Majority Leader

Mr Burris was initially turned away from Congress when he attempted to attend the swearing-in earlier this month.

Officials said he did not have the correct credentials because his appointment had not been signed off by the Illinois secretary of state.

But after discussions with Mr Burris, Senate majority leader Harry Reid and senior Illinois Senator Dick Durbin said he had provided fresh paperwork confirming his appointment.

And Mr Reid made a statement welcoming Mr Burris to the Senate after he had been sworn in.

"Whatever complications surrounded his appointment, we made it clear from the beginning - both publicly and privately - that our concern was never with him," he said.

"Senator Burris, on behalf of all Senators, we welcome you as a colleague and a friend."

The Illinois House of Representatives voted almost unanimously last week to impeach Mr Blagojevich.

Illinois's state Senate will now try Mr Blagojevich. If found guilty, the governor will be forced out of office.

He was arrested in December and charged with three counts of soliciting bribes, and offering to distribute public funds in return for political favours and campaign contributions.