RUSSIA: VLADIMIR PUTIN INAUGURATION (2)

(7 May 2000) Russian/Nat XFA Vladimir Putin has been sworn in as Russia’s second democratically elected President. As well as Russia’s first President, Boris Yeltsin, and other top dignitaries, the ceremony was attended by Putin’s former judo coach and elementary school teacher. The new president has already named 42-year-old economist Mikhail Kasyanov as his new prime minister. Vladimir Putin took the oath of office on Sunday, becoming Russia’s second democratically elected president at a lavish ceremony in a former czarist throne room in the Kremlin. Putin took the oath in the ornate Andreyevsky Hall as hundreds of top officials and political leaders watched. Standing next to him was Russia’s first president, Boris Yeltsin. With his right hand on a copy of the 1993 Russian Constitution, 47-year old Putin took the oath of office. SOUNDBITE: (Russian) “In fulfilling my duties as President, I swear to protect and respect the rights and freedo