5 February: Russia and China joined in a double veto of a Western and Arab-driven resolution on Syria at the U.N. Security Council endorsing the Arab League plan for President Assad to hand power to a deputy to make way for a transition towards democracy.

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.