Egypt has sworn in its first freely elected civilian president, Mohamed Morsi. The Muslim Brotherhood candidate took the oath of office under the watch of Egypt’s ruling military council, which has expanded its own authority since Morsi won a run-off vote late last month. One day before his official inauguration, Morsi addressed a massive gathering of supporters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. In remarks clearly directed at the military, Morsi said no authority is above the will of the Egyptian people.

President Mohamed Morsi: “No institution, no authority, none can be above this will — the will of you, your will. You are the source of the powers. The nation is the source of the power. The nation is the one to decide. And the nation is the one to give unity. And the nation is the one to appoint and hire. And the nation is the one to fire.”

At his inauguration ceremony the following day, Morsi sounded a more conciliatory tone, praising the Egyptian military for its role in the transition from the Mubarak regime. Morsi also renewed his vow to respect all of Egypt’s international obligations.

President Mohamed Morsi: “We carry a message of peace to the world, and we carry with it a message of righteousness and justice. And as we have always promised, we emphasize Egypt’s commitment to international treaties and agreements. We will look after these treaties and agreements.”