Islamist Morsi sworn in as Egypts president

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Islamist Mohammed Morsi has been sworn in before Egypt's highest court as the country's first freely elected president, succeeding Hosni Mubarak who was ousted 16 months ago.

Morsi promised a "new Egypt" as he was inaugurated as the Arab world's first freely elected Islamist president and Egypt's fifth head of state since the overthrow of the monarchy some 60 years ago.

"We aspire to a better tomorrow, a new Egypt and a second republic," Morsi told the judges of the court during a solemn ceremony shown live on state television. "Today, the Egyptian people laid the foundation of a new life absolute freedom, a genuine democracy and stability," said Morsi.

He took the oath on Saturday before the Supreme Constitutional Court in their Nile-side courthouse built to resemble an ancient Egyptian temple.

After the ceremony, Morsi headed to Cairo University to give his first presidential speech. Morsi declared the beginning of a new era in Egypt’s history, stressing that he will uphold the republican system and respect both the constitution and law. “I will safeguard the interests of the people and the nation’s sovereignty and territories,”he added.

“I will do my best to maintain our national security and to protect our borders along with the armed forces”, Morsi said.

On the other hand, Morsi stressed that “we support the Palestinian people until they receive all their rights”, adding that the bloodshed in Syria must be stopped.

Morsi said that “Egypt will not export its revolution and will not interfere in other countries’ affairs”.

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces in Egypt announced in a statement that it will fulfill its promise and transfer power to president elect Mohammad Morsi.

After his speech at the University, Morsi headed to a military base on the outskirts of Cairo to attend an official military ceremony where the generals offered him a military salute as he exited his vehicle.

Morsi addressed the armed forces saying that they “should not leave their places because the country needs them”.

Morsi declared that he accepts the transfer of power from the head of Egypt's ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi.
In turn, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi confirmed his support for the newly-elected President, stressing that the military council has always been convinced that there is “no substitute for the legitimacy that satisfies the People”.

Tantawi offered Morsi the “Shield of the Armed Forces”, while the artillery fired 21 gun salute to the new Egyptian president.

AP/REUTERS