BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- ian President Mohamed has addressed the nation after violent overnight clashes between supporters and opponents left five people dead and more than 600 wounded.

In a televised address, Morsi expressed his sorrow for those killed in the violence. He also said the political crisis, sparked by his move to expand his powers and a row over the country’s new constitution, should be resolved by dialogue not violence.

In a bid to calm fears over the decree granting the president sweeping powers, Morsi said the powers of the decree only apply to sovereign state matters and will end after the constitutional referendum on December 15.

He also said he will not insist on decisions being shielded from judicial review. Earlier, after ordering protesters to leave the area, the Egyptian army set up barricades outside the presidential palace. Most protesters left peacefully, though some opposition activists remained.

(Source: CNTV.cn)