(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 freedoms of the people."
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Putin, Russian President
Yeltsin, whose unexpected resignation on December 31st made Putin acting head of state, smiled during the ceremony that marked a peaceful and voluntary transfer of power - unprecedented for Russia.
The former President said that it was time for energetic, younger people to take charge and build a new Russia.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"We should build a new Russia. That is why we need a new generation of younger politicians who are dedicated to the ideals of democracy. It is easier for them to break with the habits of the past than it is for us."
SUPER CAPTION: Boris Yeltsin, Former Russian President
In addition to the many top leaders, Putin found space to invite his former judo coach Anatoly Rakhlin, whom he credits with keeping him off the streets as a boy in St. Petersburg.
Putin is a judo black belt and still finds time to practice.
He also invited his former elementary school teacher, Vera Gurevich.
In his speech, Putin said his appointment marked an important moment in Russian history.
SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"For the first time in Russian history, the executive power of the country is being transferred democratically, legally and peacefully."
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Putin, Russian President
Shortly after the swearing-in ceremony Putin named Russia's new prime minister as Mikhail Kasyanov, the cabinet's top economic policy maker.
Russia's economy has struggled in the decade since the end of Communism, with inefficient Soviet central planning replaced by a distorted free-market system dominated by corruption, organized crime and bureaucracy.
Putin hasn't said how he plans to tackle the mess.
Nor it is clear how he can resolve the rebellion in Chechnya, where a costly military campaign has retaken most of the separatist republic, but hasn't ended rebel ambushes and sniping.
Chechnya has complicated Russia's foreign policy, drawing criticism from Western governments at a time when Putin needs foreign loans and investment.
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