4 June: The EU-Russia summit started on Sunday in St Petersburg with an informal dinner attended by President Putin, EU Council President Van Rompuy and EC Commission President Barroso. The official part will start on Monday (Ria-Novosti)

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.

Turning the page for his country, Syria’s president addressed the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday 24 September, marking the first time any president from his country has done so in almost 60 years. As he spoke, AP reported that hundreds of people gathered in front of giant screens in Syrian cities and towns to witness the speech while waving the country’s flags.