12 February: The 30th national open mass cross-country ski race Piste of Russia-2012 will be held on Sunday in 68 Russian regions, Russian Minister of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko said. The race is expected to draw some 1.5 million partici

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.

The European Union has decided to cancel €121 million in funds intended to support Georgia's economic development and its aspirations for EU membership. The decision was confirmed by the EU delegation in Georgia, which said that the growing repression of dissent was the reason for the withdrawal of financial assistance.