YUSHCHENKO'S INAUGURATION SPEECH IN PARLIAMENT

Holy fathers, Mr Speaker, people's deputies, esteemed guests, dear friends. It is the first time I speak from this rostrum as president of Ukraine.
 
Previously, I have had the honour of standing at this rostrum as chairman of the National Bank of Ukraine, as prime minister of Ukraine and as leader of the Our Ukraine faction in this parliament. From this rostrum I have had occasions to speak words both sweet and bitter, to be sad and to be very happy. Each time, I ascended the rostrum like a scaffold because I wanted every word I said to strengthen our great home, a democratic and independent Ukraine.
 
I am happy that my effort was not in vain. It added to the effort of my political brothers, to the effort of our parliament, to the cause of the Ukrainian people and to the cause of each citizen. In my view, this is a case of us building a wall and the wall building us. Today's event has proven once more that the Ukrainian nation and the Ukrainian state have arrived. Citizens of Ukraine have achieved a fair election. A legitimate handover of power has taken place. It is a great national victory. [Applause]
 
The democracy built by millions of Ukrainian hands has stood the test. The Supreme Council also has withstood a difficult test. At the time of trial it found the strength to defend justice. Parliament was together with its people, supporting their hopes and aspirations. You, esteemed people's deputies, have defended Ukraine's democracy. You have defended the unity,  sovereignty and independence of our Ukraine. [Applause] I sincerely thank you for it. I sincerely thank each people's deputy present in this chamber.
 
Today I want to offer you my hand. Today I want to shake the hand of each people's deputy, each faction, each faction leader and to invite you for cooperation. We have a common goal: a rich and democratic Ukraine. I am confident that each people's deputy present in this chamber puts Ukraine above all. It is a good cause for our cooperation. I am confident that our work, esteemed friends, will continue. We shall work together with the people and for the people.
 
On this day, esteemed friends, I am looking for a way to be among the people. I now invite all those present in this chamber, all people's deputies, guests, friends, I invite you all to Independence Square after this session closes. I want to carry the oath I swore in these magnificent walls to my people. I urge you all, let us go to the public, for they are waiting, and let us be together. Thank you. [Applause]