24 July: The Russian Defence Minister Anatoli Serdykov has started a two-day visit to Azerbaijan during which he is expected to discuss with Azerbaijani leaders the future of the Russian radar facility in Gabala (Trend News Agency)

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.