Mohamed Mursi becomes Egypt's first elected president

Egypt's first elected president, Mohamed Mursi, began consultations with aides on the shape of his new government on Monday, even as he called on top military officials at the defence ministry to discuss the future of the Arab republic.

Barely a day after his historic victory, Mursi, representing the orthodox Muslim Brotherhood, gave indications that he was flexible enough to deal with the military and even his political rivals including Mohamed El Baradei, the Nobel peace prize laureate.

According to sources close to Mursi, the president-elect called on field marshal Hussein Tantawi and prime minister Kamal al Ganzouri, appointed by the army, to discuss steps leading to the formation of a new government. He also went on a tour of the presidential palace along with his wife.

The former political prisoner was declared elected on Sunday, though many expected the army to intervene to prevent a Muslim Brotherhood leader from taking over as president. The military had earlier dissolved the Islamic-led parliament on the basis of a court order and the generals also imposed limits on the new president, curbing his powers.

Though Mursi can select his own cabinet, the legislative powers remain vested with the army, which is also expected to steer the country's foreign policy. His victory has led to hopes of a revival in ties with the Islamic republic of Iran and a sharp scaling down in ties with Israel.

In an interview with Fars, the Iranian news agency, just before his victory, Morsi had said that he would reconsider the Camp David accord signed by Egypt and Israel in 1979. He also declared that he was keen to improve ties with Iran, a country which broke off diplomatic relations with Egypt following the signing of the accord.

However, hours after his victory, in a televised address to the nation, Mursi said he would work with all to ensure the success of the democratic revolution in Egypt. ''There is no room now for the language of confrontation,'' declared the president-elect. Appealing for national unity, he said he was determined to build a new and inclusive Egypt.

Mursi also stuck to his promise and resigned from the Freedom and Justice Party, which is affiliated to the Brotherhood.