Moscow, 19 October 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Akhmed-hadji Kadyrov (pictured) was sworn in today as the new president of Chechnya, despite various security concerns. He took the oath of office not in the capital Grozny but under high security in Gudermes, a city near the eastern border with the Russian Federation.
Kadyrov, who was the administrator appointed by Moscow prior to winning the 5 October election, received strong support from the Kremlin in an election that western observers termed a farce. Kadyrov received nearly 81 percent of the vote.
Fearing attacks by Chechen separatists, several locations were prepared in Gudermes for the swearing-in ceremony.
Kadyrov, who was the administrator appointed by Moscow prior to winning the 5 October election, received strong support from the Kremlin in an election that western observers termed a farce. Kadyrov received nearly 81 percent of the vote.
Fearing attacks by Chechen separatists, several locations were prepared in Gudermes for the swearing-in ceremony.