8 November: Russian President Dimitri Medvedev has started an official visit to Germany. He will later today join the leaders of several European countries at the launch of the Nord Stream Gas Pipeline which will transport Russian gas to European markets

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.