New Egyptian Prez: I Will 'Preserve' Military

Mohammed Morsi speaks, reportedly leaves Muslim Brotherhood
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 24, 2012 4:00 PM CDT
New Egyptian Prez: I Will 'Preserve' Military
Yemeni protestors celebrate the victory newly elected President Mohammed Morsi, during a rally at Taghyeer (Change) Square in Sanaa. Yemen, Sunday, June 24, 2012.   (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed)

Egypt's new Muslim Brotherhood-backed president addressed the people in a televised speech tonight as tens of thousands gathered in Tahrir Square, Al Jazeera reports. "I have no rights, only responsibilities," said Mohammed Morsi, who won today's election with nearly 52% of the vote. "If I do not deliver, do not obey me." He also thanked the nation's security forces and vowed to "preserve" the military—while crowds outside chanted "God is great" and "down with military rule."

Morsi did not directly address Israel but said he would "keep all international treaties," which presumably includes the 1979 Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said today that he "expects to continue cooperation with the Egyptian administration," and the White House congratulated Morsi on his victory. The Muslim Brotherhood announced that Morsi has fulfilled his campaign promise of leaving the Brotherhood and its Freedom and Justice Party. (More Egypt stories.)

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