Yushchenko sworn in

January 23, 2005

The new Ukranian president Viktor Yushchenko was today sworn into office in 's Independence Square, drawing a line under a bitter dispute between him and opposition candidate. Taking the oath of office, Yushchenko added "This is a victory of freedom over tyranny. The victory of law over lawlessness."

Opposition candidate and backed Viktor Yanukovych has challenged the validity of the election rerun on December 26 2004, which saw his victory overruled. As recently as a few days ago, the Supreme Court overruled a final request to delay the ceremony. Mr Yanukovych has stated that he will take his battle to the.

In a ceremony watched by eight heads of state, Viktor Yushchenko urged unity between sides and promised deeper integration into the.