Ramzan Kadyrov, 30, was sworn in Thursday as the new president of the semi-autonomous former Soviet republic of Chechnya amid much pomp and circumstance, Itar-Tass news agency reported. Kadyrov swore the official oath to follow the constitution of the republic as more than 2,000 guests took part in the celebrations at his residence in the town of Gudermes, the German news agency "DPA" reported. A guard of honour dressed in Chechen national costume ringed the stage. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his congratulations via his envoy for the North Caucasus, Dmitri Kozak.