By Ron Popeski
KIEV (Reuters) - Liberal Viktor Yushchenko will be sworn in as Ukraine's new president on Sunday, ending weeks of turmoil and setting the stage for the ex-Soviet state to edge closer to Europe while upholding traditional links with Russia.
Yushchenko, his poll victory confirmed by the Supreme Court early on Thursday, is walking a tightrope in determining Kiev's future policy orientation.
Congratulated finally on his victory by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin (news - web sites), he fulfilled a longstanding promise to make Moscow his first foreign visit, agreeing to make a working visit to the Russian capital the day after his inauguration.
That gesture was aimed at millions of voters who supported his defeated rival, former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich -- backed by Russia in the campaign's early stages.
Yushchenko's packed schedule next week then calls for high-profile visits to western and central Europe.
Putin sent his first congratulations -- nearly a month after the Dec. 26 contest, a re-run of a rigged November vote. Other leaders long in contact with the president-elect offered him new encouragement in advancing toward Europe.
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