EGYPT'S military urged politicians yesterday to solve disputes through dialogue, warning failure would drag the country into a "dark tunnel" – which it would not allow.

A military statement on state media made no mention of President Mohamed Mursi, but said a solution to the crisis embroiling the nation should not contradict "legitimacy and the rules of democracy".

Egypt has plunged deeper into crisis since Mursi decreed himself wide powers in November and pushed ahead with plans for a referendum next Saturday on a new constitution.