Two security officials told The Associated Press that the recording, published by the privately owned Al-Watan newspaper, was released to show the public that Morsi knows protests will not bring him back to power. The two spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the tape.

In the recording, when the lawyer tells him that the protests going on are not productive and that negotiations should be held, Morsi seems to agree, saying, "It's useless from both sides," referring to both the protests and the crackdown against them.

An Egyptian court trying Morsi, over the death of anti-government protesters in 2012, has adjourned the trial until Tuesday, state media say.

According to Egyptian media, Morsi’s trial was suspended until February 4 after it opened at a makeshift courtroom at the national police academy located on the eastern suburb of the capital on Saturday.

Eralier, Egyptian voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution drafted by the military-installed government and boycotted by the opposition.

The Interior Ministry said that results showed that 95 percent of participants approved the draft.

The result could pave the way for the army chief to announce his candidacy for president.

RA/NJF