Governments in Latin America have reacted angrily to the impeachment of Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo in the wake of a land dispute scandal.
Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay have condemned the move and recalled their ambassadors for consultations.
But Federico Franco, who replaced Mr Lugo as president, denied that Mr Lugo's removal from office was a coup.
In his first news conference, Mr Franco said there had been no break with democracy.
A 39-4 vote in the Senate on Friday saw Mr Lugo impeached, in a case stemming from his handling of clashes between farmers and police last week in which at least 17 people died.
Earlier, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez had said her country "would not validate the coup" in Paraguay.
President Fernandez also said that the South American trade bloc, Mercosur, would take "appropriate measures" at next week's summit in Argentina.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota condemned the impeachment as a "backward step" liable to be sanctioned by regional institutions such as Mercosur, Reuters news agency reports.
'Legal and constitutional'
Mr Franco, who had been serving as Mr Lugo's vice-president, was sworn in as president immediately after the impeachment.
He insisted the proceedings had been conducted in line with Paraguay constitution.
"What was carried out was a political trial in accordance with the constitution and the laws," he said.
Mr Franco acknowledged the impeachment had caused tensions with Paraguay neighbours.
