UKRAINE: Amid pageant, ceremony and a final gathering of orange-clad demonstrators, Ukraine's president Mr Victor Yushchenko was installed as president yesterday, ending two months of political turmoil.
He was inaugurated in the Kiev parliament after winning an election re-run following huge protests that were dubbed the 'Orange Revolution'.
Even the date for the inauguration was uncertain until late last week, when the Supreme Court dismissed a final appeal against the results of the re-run poll. After kissing a leather-bound Bible, Mr Yushchenko was given two badges of office, a golden chain and a golden sceptre.
Among guests were US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell, and the presidents of Poland, Romania and five other East European states.
In contrast to the solemn parliamentary ceremony, there were scenes of delight in Kiev's Independence Square when Mr Yushchenko arrived to address the crowds. "This is a victory of freedom over tyranny," he said. "The victory of law over lawlessness." Standing beside his wife and five children, he said his top priority was now closer relations with Western Europe.
"Our way to the future is the way of a united Europe. We, along with the people of Europe, belong to one civilization. We share similar values."
The ceremony marks the end of two tumultuous months which began when international monitors declared the results of the original presidential poll, on November 21st, invalid.
At first Ukraine's government ignored the protests, insisting its candidate, prime minister Mr Victor Yanukovich, was the rightful winner. But after three weeks of huge protests, the authorities gave way, agreeing to fresh elections on December 26th which Mr Yushchenko won.
The protesters were back in the square last night, many in reflective mood. Ms Anna Voznitsa (24), a hotel administrator, said the 'Orange Revolution' had put her country on the map: "Many people thought we were a part of Russia before. Now they understand what Ukraine means."
But she said realism will quickly take the place of euphoria. "We won the victory but it is not the end," she said. "We know what is the programme of Mr Yushchenko, now the important thing is to prove his words."
After meeting Mr Yushchenko, Mr Powell said: "I want to assure you that you will continue to enjoy the full support of the American government and the American people."
Mr Yushchenko's first task will be to find a way to unite a country that was split down the middle over his candidature. His call for the country to face westwards will delight his support in the Ukrainian-speaking west. But it is likely to inflame the Russian-speaking east of the country, which backed Mr Yanukovich and wants closer ties to Moscow.
The diplomatic wounds in the wider world may also take time to heal: Russia backed Mr Yanukovich and was furious at seeing Mr Yushchenko win.
In a bid to ease tensions, Mr Yushchenko is today flying to Moscow, the first foreign visit as head of state, to meet President Mr Vladimir Putin. The aim is to reassure Russia that Ukraine's turn to the West will not see its ties with Moscow severed.