New president
Adly Mansour sworn in as interim president of Egypt
The head of the country's Supreme Constitutional Court steps into the role following the ousting of Mohamed Morsi
Adly Mansour has been sworn in as Egypt's interim leader, following the military coup which saw Mohamed Morsi deposed as president.
He took the oath at around 10.00am, stating: "I swear by God to uphold the Republican system and respect the constitution and law... and safeguard the people and protect the nation."
Speaking shortly afterwards, he said: "It as a great honour and gratitude to receive the honour of being the interim president of the government in an interim period.
"I swear to preserve the system of the republic, and respect the constitution and law, and guard the people's interests."
"The revolutionaries of Egypt are everywhere and we salute them all, those who prove to the world that they are strong enough, the brave youth of Egypt, who were the leaders of this revolution."
Minister of defence Abdul Fatah Khalil Al-Sisi had announced on national television yesterday that Mansour would act as interim president.
Mansour is a judge by profession and head of the country's Supreme Constitutional Court, of which he has been a member since 1992.
Born in Cairo in 1945, Mansour graduated with qualifications in law from Cairo University in 1967 and joined the state council in 1970. He rose through the ranks, being appointed deputy president of the constitutional court in 1992.
After being appointed as the court's president in May 2013 and took up his post on 1 July.
While the constitution states that the prime minister should take over the presidency in case of such a void, the army - who have torn up the constitution - had said that it had its own plans.
Speaking yesterday, Al-Sisi said: "Those in the meeting have agreed on a road-map for the future that includes initial steps to achieve the building of a strong Egyptian society that is cohesive and does not exclude anyone and ends the state of tension and division."
Mohamed Morsi continues to be held at a military facility in Cairo, as do other leading members of his Muslim Brotherhood party.
Millions celebrated through the night after Morsi was ousted in scenes reminiscent of the Arab Spring uprising which brought the Islamist candidate to power only a year ago. The country now faces a continuing period of political uncertainty.
The rapid developments were met last night with an ecstatic reception in Tahrir Square, the crucible of the 2011 revolt. Tens of thousands of protesters inside the square erupted in wild celebration on hearing the news. Fireworks lit up the crowds as they danced and chanted "God is great" and "Long live Egypt."
But many did not join in the celebrations. "Hosni Mubarak has returned," said one man, reflecting the belief that the current opposition movement has been buoyed up by elements from the previous regime.
Elsewhere, clashes erupted in several provincial cities when Islamists opened fire on police, with at least nine people killed by this morning, security officials said.
(Published by The Independent – July 4, 2013)