A rebel offensive against the government of the Central African Republic has led to the United Nations ordering over 200 non-essential staff and worker families to leave the country.

In a major political mission, the UN is attempting to help the Central African Republic's government to overcome more than a decade of conflict.

Pope Benedict XVI delivering his 2012 Christmas Day message has urged for an end to bloodshed in conflicts around the world.

Extracts reproduced below

“...may peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenceless and reaps innocent victims. Once again I appeal for an end to the bloodshed, easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced, and dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict.”

“...grant Israelis and Palestinians courage to end to long years of conflict and division, and to embark resolutely on the path of negotiation.”

“In the countries of North Africa, which are experiencing a major transition in pursuit of a new future - and especially the beloved land of Egypt...- may citizens work together to build societies founded on justice and respect for the freedom and dignity of every person.”

Results through on Tuesday showed that voters in Egypt voted overwhelmingly in favour of the constitution drafted by President Mohamed Mursi and his allies.

According to the final elections commissions figures, 63.8% of votes were cast in support of it.

Russian president Vladimir Putin has unveiled the final part of its pipeline to the Pacific Ocean.

The new pipeline will help Russia expand sales to Asia and is also expected to increase sales to the US.

"The American market will receive 35 per cent of Kozmino oil," Nikolai Tokarev, the head of Transneft state oil pipeline operator, said at the opening.

Six people were killed in a shooting at a church in the northeast of Nigeria early on Tuesday reports Reuters.

For the third consecutive year, a deadly attack has been carried out on Christmas services in Nigeria.

The UN-Arab League envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi  has held talks with besieged Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in efforts to stem violence in the country, whilst alleged attacks by government forces continued.

After meeting with Assad on Monday, Brahimi said,

Russia and India have signed new weapons deals worth billions of dollars, during a visit to Delhi by Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Indian Premier Manmohan Singh and Putin signed a $1.6billion deal for 46 Sukhoi fighter jets, which will be assembled in India from Russian parts. The two leaders also signed a $1.3billion dollar for 71 Mil Mi-17 military helicopters.

"We agreed to further strengthen the traditions of close co-operation in the military and technical areas," Mr Putin said in New Delhi.

Palestinian militants in Gaza violated laws of war when launching rockets during their conflict with Israel, asserted the US based human rights organisation, Human Rights Watch (HRW).

An air strike in Syria's Hama province on Sunday has killed dozens of people queueing for bread from a bakery, reports Reuters.

The Central African Republic’s third largest city has fallen to rebels who are fighting to overthrow President Francois Bozize.

The southern city of Bambari was taken by a coalition known as Seleka, a day after regional leaders called on the rebels to withdraw from cities recently taken and start talks with the government.

Amnesty International has condemned the execution of six Taiwanese prisoners as “cold-blooded killings”.

The six men had been convicted of murder and were executed in three prisons across the island.

The Russian government has called on South Sudan to punish those responsible for the downing of a UN helicopter, staffed by Russian crew.

"We call on the government of South Sudan to carry out the necessary investigation, punish the guilty and take every measure to guarantee that this never happens again," a statement by Russia's foreign ministry said.