The head of the constitutional court has been sworn in as Egypt's interim president, a day after the overthrow of the country's first democratically elected leader, Mohamed Morsi.
Adli Mansour 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.
Millions celebrated all night as Mr Morsi was ousted only a year after he was elected president. Mr. Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood allies have blasted the army's intervention as a "full coup" by the generals.
The Islamist leader's forced exit also prompted clashes across Egypt that left at least 14 people dead and hundreds wounded. The "second revolution" - after Arab Spring uprisings that led to the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in 2011 - leaves Egypt's 84 million people deeply divided.
Fearing a violent reaction by Mr. Morsi's Islamist supporters, troops and armoured vehicles deployed in the streets of Cairo and elsewhere, surrounding rallies.
Both the head and deputy chief of the Muslim Brotherhood have also been arrested, with warrants issued for 300 members of the political party.
In a televised address to the divided nation last night, commander of the armed forces, General Abdul Fatah Khalil al Sisi, said Mr. Morsi had "failed to meet the demands of the Egyptian people" and would be replaced.
Flanked by military officials, Muslim and Christian clerics and political figures, he unveiled details of a political transition which had been agreed with them.
The military chief also announced a national reconciliation committee that would include youth movements - and warned the armed forces and police would deal "decisively" with any violence.
US President Barack Obama voiced his concern over the military intervention and urged a speedy return to a democratically elected government.
In a statement he said " ... we are deeply concerned by the decision of the Egyptian Armed Forces to remove President Morsi and suspend the Egyptian constitution.
"I now call on the Egyptian military to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process, and to avoid any arbitrary arrests of President Morsi and his supporters."
Meanwhile the Department of Fireogn Affairs has urged against all non-essential travel to the region.
It says "Due to ongoing civil unrest, Irish citizens are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Egypt, with the exception of the Red Sea resorts".
It warns that protests continue to be held in Cairo and other cities, especially on Fridays and that these can turn violent, often without warning.
"We strongly advise Irish citizens who are currently in Egypt to exercise extreme caution, to avoid all protests and demonstrations and to monitor this travel advice and the local media for updates on the situation" it adds.
If caught up in a demonstration, Irish citizens are being warned not attempt to take photographs and should leave the area immediately.
