Outgoing Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko...

"I was a little soldier who fought for his grandfathers" dream to come true, for an independent, sovereign Ukraine, following its own course," Yushchenko said at a news conference.

Yushchenko is handing over power to opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych, whose tainted victory he overturned in a re-held vote after the 2004 "orange revolution" protests. The president"s departure from office was confirmed in the first round of voting on January 17, when he came fifth with just over 5%.

Yushchenko said he was willing to stay in politics, perhaps as prime minister or central bank chief. "I am open to these proposals," he said.

Yanukovych, who is set to be inaugurated in a ceremony in parliament on February 25, has ruled out appointing Yushchenko prime minister, calling him a political enemy.

The Party of Regions leader has mentioned former central banker Sergei Tigipko, who came third in the first round, as a possible prime minister. His campaign chief Mykola

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