Kiev, Ukraine ? Viktor Yanukovich, the humiliated loser two years ago when Orange Revolution protests forced a presidential runoff election to be repeated, completed a remarkable political comeback Friday by becoming Ukraine’s prime minister.

Yanukovich swiftly declared that he intended to govern as a partner with President Viktor Yushchenko, his 2004 rival.

Yushchenko ended months of political uncertainty Thursday by agreeing to nominate Yanukovich as prime minister rather than dissolve parliament and call new elections.

Yanukovich’s Party of Regions took first place in March parliamentary balloting but until July was unable to form a majority in parliament. Yushchenko had the option of calling a fresh vote, and many of his supporters were angered that he instead accepted Yanukovich.

Both men said their cooperation would help heal divisions between the western and eastern halves of the country. Yanukovich, whose support base is in the Russian-speaking east, was backed by Moscow in the 2004 contest.