Five EU nations urged an immediate political transition to end violent unrest in Egypt. In a joint statement, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain said, only a quick and orderly transition to a broad-based government will make it possible to overcome the challenges Egypt is now facing. The statement said the Egyptian people must be able to exercise freely their right to peaceful assembly, and enjoy the full protection of the security forces. It added that attacks against journalists are completely unacceptable.