Sunday’s inauguration of Ukrainian president-elect Viktor Yushchenko differed from previous ones not only because it was held at the Verkhovna Rada and on the Maidan, but also because it featured an attractive combination of protocol and festivities with millions of Ukrainians enthusiastically taking part, the crowds considering Mr. Yushchenko’s inauguration their own personal victory.
Compared to the ceremony in 1999, almost four times as many countries sent their representatives, including US Secretary of State Colin Powell, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Polish President Alexander Kwasniewski (he and Georgia’s Parliamentary Speaker Nino Burdzanadze were especially warmly greeted by Ukrainian MPs), Russia’s Federal Assembly Chairman [Lower House Speaker] Sergei Mironov, Slovenian Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Dimitrij Rupel, OSCE Secretary General Jan Kubis, EU Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, CIS Executive Secretary Vladimir Rushailo, Council of Europe’s Secretary General Terry Davis, and others.
As Viktor Yushchenko appeared in the audience, he was followed by the presidential attributes of power: a mace, a medallion, and a seal. Placing his left hand on his heart and his right hand on an ancient Bible (Peresopnytsia Gospel) and the Constitution of Ukraine, he took the oath of office, solemnly pledging allegiance to Ukraine and promising to protect its sovereignty and independence with all his deeds, to care for the good of his country and his people, defend human rights and freedoms, observe the Constitution and other laws of Ukraine, discharge his functions in the interests of his fellow Ukrainians, and increase Ukraine’s prestige in the world arena. The ceremony in parliament ended with the cabinet’s resignation. Viktor Yushchenko once again stood at the lectern to deliver his inaugural address. He said the legitimate handover of power was a great national victory, adding that he wanted to shake hands with every MP. After that he invited everyone to the Maidan. Most went there at once. Viktor Yushchenko rode to Maryinsky Palace to take the military commanders’ oath and then appeared on the Maidan. Standing at the foot of the Monument to Independence with his wife, five children, and two granddaughters, the new president declared he was there to continue his oath of allegiance to the people. He stressed that he owed his victory to the people and to every citizen; he noted the Maidan’s special place in Ukrainian history and that he wanted to be president of the entire nation, all citizens of Ukraine, regardless of whom they had voted for. “Our common choice, our national colors unite those living in the west and east,” he declared and promised Ukraine a bright future (perhaps a bit of an utopian touch) as a state occupying a worthy place in the international community of nations, where “one and all will be able to teach their children in their mother tongue and offer up prayers in their temples,” where there will be “freedom of conscience, mother tongue, and a possibility to go to one’s own church,” where there will be “freedom of speech and an independent press, with everyone being equal before the law.” The government of Ukraine will do so honestly, professionally, and patriotically; everyone will be employed and be paid adequate wages; pensions will increase and “we’ll turn into a decent and prosperous nation” in which “the fruits of economic growth will be available to all,” where corruption will be uprooted and there will be no shadow economy; “our culture will make the world see our uniqueness...” President Yushchenko made it absolutely clear that Ukraine’s place is in the European Union and that his objective is Ukraine in a united Europe. Of course, his priorities will be the national interests of Ukraine. In conclusion, Viktor Yushchenko promised to do his utmost to make all Ukrainians believe in their own strength, their country, their land.
