Islamist Morsi sworn in as Egypt's president

Cairo, June 30 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Mohamed Morsi was sworn in as the first freely-elected president of Egypt Saturday before the country's highest court here following his victory in the presidential election caused by Hosni Mubarak's ouster following a civilian uprising.

The former leader of the political wing of the Muslim Brotherhood pledged before Egypt's Supreme Court to defend the country's republican system, sovereignty, independence and integrity, safeguard the interests of the Egyptian people and observe the Constitution and national laws.

After taking oath , Morsi officially started to perform his functions as the head of state.

On June 24, Egypt's electoral commission announced the results of the presidential elections. Morsi won the election after garnering about 52 percent of the vote.

Morsi, who contested the election as the candidate of the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, left the party shortly after he was elected. He has already called for national unity and pledged to form a coalition government.

Mubarak was ousted 16 months ago following a civil uprising.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

sd/vm