• published: 04 Jul 2013
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A senior Egyptian judge has been sworn in as the interim leader a day after the army removed elected President Mohamed Morsi. The head of the constitutional court has been sworn in as Egypt's interim president, a day after the overthrow of the country's first democratically elected leader, Mohamed Morsi. Adli Mansour took his oath of office under an army transition plan in a ceremony that was broadcast live on state television. Egypt: military coup, watch live "I swear to preserve the system of the republic, and respect the constitution and law, and guard the people's interests," Mr Mansour said. Millions celebrated all night while as Mr Morsi was ousted only a year after he was elected president. General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi. Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi announces the overthrow of Mohamed Morsi Mr Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood allies have blasted the army's intervention as a "full coup" by the generals. The Islamist leader's forced exit also prompted clashes across Egypt that left at least 14 people dead and hundreds wounded. The "second revolution" - after Arab Spring uprisings that led to the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in 2011 - leaves Egypt's 84 million people deeply divided. Fearing a violent reaction by Mr Morsi's Islamist supporters, troops and armoured vehicles deployed in the streets of Cairo and elsewhere, surrounding Islamist rallies. Mr Morsi was being detained at the Defence Ministry, according to a senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Both the head and deputy chief of the Muslim Brotherhood have also been arrested, with warrants issued for 300 members of the political party. Protesters, who are against Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, react in Tahrir Square in Cairo Anti-Morsi protesters react to the army statement In a televised address, the commander of the armed forces, General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi, said Mr Morsi had "failed to meet the demands of the Egyptian people". Flanked by military officials, Muslim and Christian clerics and political figures, he unveiled details of a political transition which he said had been agreed with them. As the military coup got under way with the deployment of tanks and troops including commandos across the capital Cairo, the general declared a review and temporary suspension of the Egyptian constitution. As acting leader, Mr Mansour will be assisted by an interim council and a technocratic government until new presidential and parliamentary elections are held, he said. No details were given as to when the new polls would take place. The military chief also announced a national reconciliation committee that would include youth movements, and said the armed forces and police would deal "decisively" with any violence. Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Egypt's President Mursi react after the Egyptian army's statement was read out on state TV, at the Raba El-Adwyia mosque square in Cairo Muslim Brotherhood members and pro-Morsi supporters react in Cairo "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," he said. President Barack Obama voiced his concern over the military intervention and urged a speedy return to a democratically elected government. In a statement he said: " ... we are deeply concerned by the decision of the Egyptian Armed Forces to remove President Morsi and suspend the Egyptian constitution. "I now call on the Egyptian military to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process, and to avoid any arbitrary arrests of President Morsi and his supporters." EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton condemned the bloodshed and called for a swift return to democracy. "I urge all sides to rapidly return to the democratic process, including the holding of free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections and the approval of a constitution," she said. Mr Morsi's overthrow followed the end of crisis talks after an army deadline for Mr Morsi to yield to mass nationwide demonstrations expired and he refused to step down. Egypt Protests Intensify As Army Ousts President Morsi A military helicopter above Tahrir Square Fireworks and flares were set off over Tahrir Square and near the presidential palace where tens of thousands of jubilant protesters against Mr Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood erupted into cheers on hearing the news, which they hailed as a "victory for the people". "The people and the army are one hand," they shouted, dancing and waving flags amid the roar of chanting and car horns, and coloured confetti in the air.