An official from the Brotherhood was quoted by the US daily New York Times as saying that American diplomats had contacted the party’s leaders to persuade them to play an active role even after the overthrow of Morsi, a former Brotherhood leader.

“They are asking us to legitimize the coup,” the officials said on condition of anonymity, adding that such an agreement would be a death blow to the Egyptian democracy that was born only last year through free and fair elections following the downfall of the country’s long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak.

Supporters of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood have mobilized en masse in different parts of Cairo in recent days, vowing to defend Morsi who was ousted by the military on Wednesday after mass protests calling for him to be removed from power.

Morsi was Egypt's first democratically elected leader whose government lasted only a year.

However, since taking office last year, Morsi has been accused of seeking to monopolize power by opposition groups which have been trying to have a bigger say in country’s decision-making.

The situation is still tense in the country five days after the removal of Morsi with demonstrations staged on Sunday in support and opposition to the deposed leader.

Medical sources say at least 42 pro-Morsi protesters were killed by the security forces during protests in the capital Cairo on Sunday.

Shots were fired at Morsi supporters near the military building where he is being held, according to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Efforts at crafting a transitional government have hit a snag with Salafi al-Nour party blocking the appointment of opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei as prime minister.

SHI/AA