Germany's offer to station 600-800 troops in Afghanistan after NATO's combat role ends next year could encourage others to step up to the plate, the head of the military alliance said Friday. "I warmly welcome the German commitment ... to contribute in such a significant way," NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said. Germany could "serve as an example ... an encouragement" to other countries who have forces under NATO command fighting the Taliban, Rasmussen told a press conference.

EU and NATO leaders reacted with revulsion Tuesday to the twin bomb blasts at the Boston Marathon that killed at least three people. "I condemn the appalling acts carried out in Boston and deeply regret the tragic outcome and loss of innocent lives. Those responsible for the atrocious acts will be brought to justice," said European Union President Herman Van Rompuy in a statement.

NATO head Anders Fogh Rasmussen Monday welcomed an agreement due to be signed with Tokyo pledging Japan's continued cooperation in the fight against "emerging security challenges". Secretary General Rasmussen, a former Danish prime minister, said he would be meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later in the day to issue a joint declaration on closer NATO-Japan partnership.

On April 11 Deputy Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, Chief of Staff of the Allied Command Transformation (Norfolk, U.S.A.) will be paying a visit to the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence (NATO ENSEC COE) in Vilnius, Lithuania's Ministry of Defence said. During the visit the guest will familiarise with the activity of the NATO ENSEC COE and discuss opportunities for further cooperation. While in Vilnius, Deputy Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt will deliver a lecture at the Institute of International Relations and Political Science of Vilnius University in which he will represent t