Britain, Germany and Italy warn Egypt against further bloodshed

European leaders bluntly warned Egypt against any breakout of violence during Friday's "departure day" protests as they took stock of the turmoil sweeping the Arab world. With Europe slammed for saying too little too late on the unrest rolling across its southern flank, leaders of Britain, Germany and Italy joined a European Union summit warning against further bloodshed and calling for transition to democracy.

"If we see on the streets of Cairo today state-sponsored violence or the hiring of thugs to beat up protesters, then Egypt and its regime would lose any remaining credibility or support it has in the eyes of the Western world," said Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron, AFP reports.

Leaders from the 27-nation European Union are expected to issue a joint statement on Egypt at the end of the one-day meeting.

Meanwhile Friday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the uprising in Egypt is a sign of Islamic awareness in the region.  He called on Egyptians to set up an Islamic regime in their country, Voice of America informs.