Ukraine's President-Elect Viktor Yanukovych has taken the presidential oath of office.
"I, Viktor Yanukovych, elected president of Ukraine by the will of the people, take the oath of allegiance as I assume this lofty post. I solemnly swear that with all my actions I will protect Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, seek the welfare of the Fatherland and the welfare of the Ukrainian people, protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, respect the Ukrainian Constitution and laws of Ukraine, perform my duties for the sake of all fellow countrymen and enhance the prestige of Ukraine in the world," the newly elected president said, with his right hand placed on the Constitution and the 16th-century Peresopnytsia Gospel.
After Yanukovych signed the oath of allegiance, the head of the Constitutional Court, Andriy Stryzhak, presented him with presidential credentials and regalia - the seal and the mace, the presidential badge and the chain with the state emblem.
Stryzhak announced that Viktor Yanukovych had assumed the duties of president.
Central Election Commission Chairman Volodymyr Shapoval handed Yanukovych his president's certificate.
All rose when the inauguration ceremony began.
