28 June: US State Department Spokesperson, Victoria Nuland, says that the results of the Kazan summit were dissapointing (www.state.gov)

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.

World leaders remembered Pope Francis as "a beacon of compassion", reacting with sadness after the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics died on Monday. From King Charles III to Russian president Vladimir Putin, leaders from across the globe took a moment to hail the 88-year-old pontiff, whose death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica.