Egypt military warns dialogue must resolve crisis

CAIRO (AFP) - Egypt's powerful military threw its weight behind dialogue Saturday to resolve the political crisis dividing the nation, warning it would "not allow" events to take a "disastrous" turn.

"The path of dialogue is the best and only way to reach agreement and achieve the interests of the nation and its citizens," said a statement from the armed forces -- the first since street protests against President Mohamed Morsi erupted more than two weeks ago.

"The opposite of that will take us into a dark tunnel with disastrous results -- and that is something we will not allow."

The statement said the military would maintain its role safeguarding the nation's security, pointedly not taking sides.

"The military establishment stands always with the great Egyptian people and insists on its unity," it said.

"We confirm that we support national dialogue and the path of democracy... to bring together all factions in the country."

The military's refusal to become embroiled in political differences in Egypt recalled its hands-off position during the uprising that toppled president Hosni Mubarak early last year.