Separatists swear in new leader in east Ukraine

DONETSK, Ukraine -- The leader of separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine was officially sworn in Tuesday after an election that was roundly condemned by the West as illegal and destabilizing.

Alexander Zakharchenko, 38, was inaugurated in a heavily guarded theater in the main rebel stronghold of Donetsk.

Zakharchenko's election was largely a formality as no strong candidates opposed him, but the rebels say the vote gives them a mandate to pursue their secessionist goals.

Ukraine and Western government say the poll Sunday gravely endangered a much-violated cease-fire agreed upon in September that envisioned local elections across the whole of the east but under Ukrainian law. Russia, however, quickly lent its support to the vote.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, underlining her displeasure over what she said was Russia's role in the conflict, said there is no reason yet to lift European Union sanctions against Moscow. Merkel said she hopes for a diplomatic solution to Ukraine's crisis but added the vote shows "how difficult it is even to maintain agreements that have been made, if we look at the illegal elections."

Fighting eased after the truce but eastern Ukraine still sees almost daily clashes.

Zakharchenko took the stage after four sabre-wielding Cossacks carried in the flag of the self-styled Donetsk People's Republic. He swore the oath of the office with his hand on a Bible to applause and whistles from the audience - many of them men in combat fatigues carrying automatic rifles.

Lawmakers from Russia and Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia, whose independence is recognized only by Russia and three other countries, later mounted the stage. Russian lawmaker Alexei Zhuravlev congratulated Zakharchenko, declaring: "Russia doesn't give up on its own."

Post-inauguration entertainment included a traditional Russian dance troupe led by a performer in a bear suit.