Egypt has a new interim president - following last night's coup which saw Mohammed Morsi removed from office.
The former head of the constitutional court - Adli Mansour will now lead Egypt until elections can be held.
He took his oath of office under an army transition plan in a ceremony that was broadcast live on state television.
Above Tahrir Square, for days the centre of anti-government protests, Air Force planes painted the sky in the colours of the national flag.
"I swear to preserve the system of the republic, and respect the constitution and law, and guard the people's interests," Mr. Mansour said.
And he says free and fair elections will be held as soon as possible.
"Early parliamentary and Presidential elections according to the will of the people - this is the only safe entry to a better tomorrow and more freedom and more democracy" he said.
Richard Chambers reports:
Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said civilian rule in Egypt "should be resumed as soon as possible", and that the country's future leadership should reflect the Egyptian people's will.
"It is a volatile situation (and) it is not clear where we are heading," Ban told journalists in Copenhagen, adding that "inclusivity" was key to any solution of the country's woes.
Cautioning that "army interference is not consistent with democratic principles", the secretary general said Egyptians needed to find "common ground to move forward... to find a truly democratic and prosperous way."
They must do so "without any threats or harassment and (while) protecting the freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly," he said.
"Those are the basic principles of a democracy," he added.
