CAIRO, Jan 26 (Aswat Masriya) – The European Union's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy called on all parties in Egypt to "show restraint" following nationwide violence which erupted on the fourth anniversary of the January 2011 uprising.

Eighteen people were killed and 84 others were injured in nationwide violence marking the fourth anniversary of the January 2011 uprising on Sunday, state television reported, citing the Health Ministry.

EU official Federica Mogherini addressed the violence in  a statement released late Sunday.

"Freedom of peaceful demonstration must be safeguarded and dialogue is the only way forward," Mogherini said. "I extend my condolences to the families of those killed."

The Health Ministry's latest toll for deaths and injuries was last updated at 10 p.m. on Sunday. Those injured included at least 19 security personnel.

The Cairo district of Matariya, a Muslim Brotherhood stronghold, saw deadly confrontations between protesters and security forces.

The banned Muslim Brotherhood has been rallying for protests nationwide to commemorate the anniversary. A 17-year old girl was killed during a Brotherhood protest in Alexandria on Friday.

Security forces also dispersed a protest against "military rule" staged outside the press syndicate in downtown Cairo on Sunday. Protesters included families of those killed during the 2011 uprising which toppled the regime of former President Hosni Mubarak.