Lukashenka missed Yanukovych inauguration

After the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada said the ceremony was attended Alyaksandr Lukashenka, it was found out that the latter was absent.

Viktor Yanukovych was inaugurated as the fourth president of Ukraine in the Verkhovna Rada.

Yanukovych took his oath with his hand on the Gospel and Ukrainian Constitution; the Chairman of the Constitutional Court handed in the certificate of president and the symbols of the presidential power – the seal and mace, Radio Svaboda reports.

When speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Vladimir Litvin said there was Alyaksandr Lukashenka among the guests, it was found out that the latter was absent. Litvin noted Lukashenka would take part in other events to celebrate newly-elected President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych entering office. Reception of heads of foreign delegations is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

We remind that Lukashenka left for Ukraine with a working visit on February 24. The press-service informed that he “will attend the inauguration ceremony for the President-elect of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, and hold a number of international meetings.”

Earlier the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informed about Lukashenka’s participation in the inauguration ceremony on February 25, however as reported by a press-service representative, his arrival had been expected in the morning.