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A senior United Nations official today condemned the latest wave of violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) capital Bangui, including the killing of a member of the National Transitional Council, and called for those responsible to be brought to account.

United Nations-sponsored talks between the Syrian Government and opposition resumed today, 10 days after a first round ended with little progress, in efforts to end the civil war, as an already- violated ceasefire to allow humanitarian access to a city cut off by siege for nearly two years was extended for another three days.

Released detainees from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) must be part of the national political dialogue in South Sudan, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country reiterated today as anti- and pro-Government representatives prepare to meet for a new round of peace talks.

Building on the “remarkable progress” made in Kosovo during 2013, particularly with regard to local elections, both parties must consolidate “the critical achievements”; Pristina and Belgrade must continue their dialogue to reach regional reconciliation, stability and prosperity, the top United Nations official there said today.

A top United Nations official said she is deeply disappointed that a three-day humanitarian pause agreed between the parties to the Syrian conflict was broken on Saturday and aid workers were deliberately targeted as they tried to deliver food and medicine to Homs.

Civilian casualties in Afghanistan rose by 14 per cent last year, according to a new report released on Saturday by the United Nations, which also found that it was the worst year since 2009 in terms of the number of women and children killed or injured as a result of conflict-related violence.

The United Nations has extended its relief operations in the South Sudanese town of Malakal, scene of some of the fiercest fighting between Government and opposition forces, moving outside its base where it is sheltering 28,000 civilians to reach 10,000 others driven from their homes.

The Olympic spirit of fair play, mutual respect and friendly competition “melts away barriers” and sets an example for international relations, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told tens of thousands of spectators and tens of millions of others watching on television around the world at the opening of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, today.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated the urgency of ending the political crisis in Ukraine through dialogue and the need to prevent further violence, as he met with the country’s President ahead of the opening ceremony for the Sochi Winter Olympic Games.

The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today deplored the killing of Cambodian journalist Suon Chan and called for those responsible for the killing to be brought to justice.