Putin says Egypt on Verge of Civil War

Thousands of supporters of Egypt's ousted President Mohamed Mursi protest in Cairo while a military-driven plan to resolve the political crisis remains mired in mistrust and confusion.

Mursi was toppled Wednesday in a takeover the military denies was a coup.

His supporters say they have the numbers on their side.

The opposition is also out in force after transitional authorities had been set to appoint liberal politician Mohamed ElBaradei, before his candidacy was thrown into doubt when a hardline Islamist party objected.

Russia's Vladimir Putin in Kazakstan says he fears a civil war.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:

"Syria is already in the grip of a civil war. No matter how sad this sounds, Egypt is moving in the same direction. I would like the Egyptian people to avoid this possible negative development."

Washington has not condemned the military takeover or called it a coup, prompting suspicion within the Muslim Brotherhood that it tacitly supports the overthrow.