KYIV. Feb 25 (Interfax) - Viktor Yanukovych has become Ukraine's fourth president after taking his oath of office on Thursday.
"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 swear to do all I can to defend the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, to care about the wellbeing of the Fatherland and of the Ukrainian people, to protect citizens' rights and liberties, to observe the constitution and law, to fulfill my duties in the interests of all compatriots and to work to enhance Ukraine's authority in the world," he said in his oath of office 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.