CAIRO — Egypt's Islamist president has warned against any unrest that could harm the drive to repair the country's economy in a sharply worded speech pushing the opposition to work with his government.

Mohammed Morsi made the comments in his first speech to the newly convened upper house of parliament, saying it was time for the nation to turn to "production, work, seriousness" after two years of turmoil. The past month saw a surge in unrest when the opposition launched a wave of protests against a new constitution, and Islamist supporters of the president held counter-rallies.

Morsi said all sides must "realize the needs of the moment" and work only through "mature democracy while avoiding violence." He said violence from any faction was "totally rejected."

He called on the opposition to work alongside the government to stabilize the country and revive the economy, saying all must take stock of the nation’s needs and renounce violence. He also said it is time for the country to restart production and realize the goals of the uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak.