United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on Thursday said civilian rule in Egypt "should be resumed as soon as possible", and that the country's future leadership should reflect the Egyptian people's will.

"It is a volatile situation (and) it is not clear where we are heading," Mr Ban told journalists in Copenhagen, adding that "inclusivity" was key to any solution of the country's woes.

Cautioning that "army interference is not consistent with democratic principles", the secretary general said that Egyptians needed to find "common ground to move forward... to find a truly democratic and prosperous way".

They must do so "without any threats or harassment and (while) protecting the freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly", he said.