Russia on Thursday called on all of Egypt’s political forces to "exercise restraint" and refrain from violence, following the toppling of Egyptian President Mohammad Mursi.

Russia on Thursday called on all of Egypt's political forces to "exercise restraint" and refrain from violence, following the toppling of Egyptian President Mohammad Mursi.

“We consider it important for all political forces in Egypt to exercise restraint... to consider the broad national interests of their actions, and to prove that they strive to solve the brewing political and socio-economic problems in a democratic framework, without violence, and accounting for the interests of all social groups and religious confessions," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"From the beginning of the deep changes in the Middle East we have declared support for lawful aspirations of the Egyptian people for a better life with freedom and democratic renewal. Russia's position remains invariable and principled," said the statement, calling Egypt a country with "historical friendly ties" with Moscow.