Ukraine loser bows out grudgingly

Yanukovych (left) met disappointed supporters in Donetsk

The defeated candidate in Ukraine's marathon presidential election, Viktor Yanukovych, has urged his supporters to respect the result.

He said they should dismantle the tents they had erected in Donetsk and other eastern cities during the bitterly contested election.

Liberal opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko is to be sworn in on Sunday.

"The right of force has won against the force of the law," Mr Yanukovych said, referring to his rival's mass rallies.

"I will not leave politics and will do everything to restore justice," Mr Yanukovych said in his Donetsk stronghold. His speech was broadcast on Ukrainian television.

'Only legal means'

The pro-Russian former prime minister pledged to use "only legal means" to win the parliamentary elections set for March 2006.

Viktor Yushchenko drew vast crowds into central Kiev

Earlier, Ukraine's parliament decided that Mr Yushchenko, would be sworn in on Sunday.

The Supreme Court confirmed Mr Yushchenko's victory on Thursday, dismissing a final appeal by Mr Yanukovych, who had challenged the 26 December re-run poll.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had shown support for Mr Yanukovych, sent congratulations to Mr Yushchenko.

"The development of neighbourly and equal relations with Ukraine is one of Russia's most important national priorities," Mr Putin is reported to have written to Mr Yushchenko.

The two leaders are to meet in Moscow on Monday. Correspondents say this is a sign of Mr Yushchenko's wish to patch up the rift created by the election and reassert links with Ukraine's traditional ally.

Independent election observers said the re-run election had been much fairer than the earlier rounds.

It was held after Mr Yushchenko's supporters staged massive protests over the outcome of a November poll, alleging vote-rigging by Mr Yanukovych.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell will attend Mr Yushchenko's inauguration, showing support for the pro-Western leader.