24 February: President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree on Thursday appointing 6 May 2012 as the the date of parliamentary elections in Armenia. (agencies)

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.