Egypt Morsi accepts transfer of power, promises to preserve army rights

Egypt's President Mohamed Morsi has attended the Hikestep military training headquarters on the outskirts of Cairo for a military parade in his honour.

Upon arrival, Morsi received a military salute from both Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, and Chief of Staff Sami Anan.

A narration of the accomplishments of the armed forces was given at the opening of the parade, paying a tribute to the role they played following the toppling of Hosni Mubarak to today, and where "seven hundred members of the armed forces were killed and injured."

Tantawi later gave a speech congratulating the newly elected president, saying: "There are very few unforgettable moments, this is one of them." Tantawi also thanked Morsi for his words during a speech at Cairo University's following his inauguration and promised "to stand by the side of the president the way we did with the revolution."

Tantawi further saluted the martyrs of Egypt's revolution and both the police and the army.

Also giving a speech at the parade, President Morsi thanked members of the armed forces. "Today we witness how the armed forces transferred powers to a civilian based on the people's demand," said Morsi, describing it as a historic moment that will be praised in the Arab world and globally.

In his speech, Morsi announced accepting the transfer of power from Field Marshal Tantawi, "I'm now responsible for you — the armed forces — as I am for all Egyptians."

Morsi praised the role of the armed forces during the transitional phase: "You were up to the expectations of the people of Egypt," he said, adding that the country needs their presence until security is regained.

Morsi promised to grant both members of the armed forces and the police all powers necessary for them to successfully bring security back to Egypt.

The president confirmed that the internal role of Egypt's armed forces would continue unchanged for the time being, until the domestic security apparatus is rebuilt.

Mohamed Morsi took the presidential oath Saturday morning before the Supreme Constitutional Court. He is Egypt's first non-military president.