Egypt's newly elected president has read the oath of office in Tahrir Square and defied the country's military rulers by saying: "I fear no one but God."

Mohammed Morsi addressed tens of thousands of mostly Islamist supporters in a strongly worded speech.

He spoke on the eve of his official swearing-in ceremony that was scheduled in front of a high court.

But many protesters called on him to take the oath in the square to defy the ruling generals who took power after Hosni Mubarak's driven from office.

Mr Morsi vowed that the power of people is above all and that no one can take away the president's authorities.