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Yushchenko addresses crowd in Kiev square

Kiev - Thousands gather in square
Kiev - Thousands gather in square

Ukraine's Viktor Yuschenko has addressed a crowd of hundreds of thousands who have gathered in Kiev's Independence Square to celebrate his swearing in as their new president.

He told them he aimed to secure a full place for Ukraine in a united Europe.

He also said that the people of Ukraine had now acheived an honest election, and that he wanted to create a democratic and prosperous nation.

Earlier today the former opposition leader took an oath of office at a ceremony in parliament.

It was attended by hundreds of guests, including the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, and the presidents of seven countries. 

The pro-Western Mr Yushchenko beat the Russian-backed candidate, Viktor Yanukovych, in a re-run of last November's disputed election.