Morsi to military: I'm responsible for you

CAIRO, July 2 (UPI) -- Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi said that while he was responsible for the military, the security regime would continue under its conventional duties.

Morsi took the oath of office before the country's high constitutional court during a ceremony in Cairo during the weekend. As the candidate from the Muslim Brotherhood's political arm, the Freedom and Justice Party, he became the first democratically elected Egyptian president in history.

Morsi, during an address at a military headquarters near Cairo, said his inauguration marked the beginning of civilian rule in Egypt.

"I'm now responsible for you, the armed forces, as I am for all Egyptians," he was quoted by Egyptian news agency Al-Ahram as saying.

The Supreme Council of Armed Forces, the junta that took control of Egypt after the 2011 revolution, was criticized for its slow transfer of power. Morsi said the internal role of the armed services would continue until national security is ensured.

Parts of Egypt, notably the Sinai Peninsula, have been lawless since the revolution. Morsi, nevertheless, said the country's security forces "were up to the expectations of the people of Egypt."