Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Abelardo de la Espriella officially takes office as Colombia's president Friday, beginning a term marked by a sharp shift to the far right following the administration of leftist Gustavo Petro and a pledge to fight organized crime with an "iron fist."

BOGOTA, Aug 7 - Right-wing lawyer Abelardo De La Espriella is set to be sworn in as Colombia's new president on Friday after pledging a hard line on security, drug trafficking and the economy. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Colombian President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella takes office August 8, vowing to launch a war on drug gangs and cosy up to the United States. The former lawyer won June's run-off election by less…