World today: Dozens killed as UN peace talks collapse

Officials from three states and the UN had met for talks in the remote town of Mayendit in Unity state in an effort to reduce inter-ethnic tensions. Those killed in the gun battle included civilians, but most were police.

According to the UN, yesterday’s incident occurred after a row broke out at the meeting. Four trucks arrived filled with gunmen, who opened fire indiscriminately.

One member of the UN was wounded.

Obama pushes recovery plans

US President Barack Obama has challenged Congress to keep the economic recovery going as new data showed unemployment was at its lowest rate in three years.

The unemployment rate dropped to 8.3 per cent, beating analyst forecasts. Speaking at a fire station in Virginia, the president warned Congress: “Do not slow down the recovery that we’re on.”

Hackers release police call

Hacking network Anonymous has released a recording of a conference call between the FBI and UK police in which they discuss efforts against hackers.

The call, said to have taken place last month, covers the tracking of Anonymous and similar groups.

The FBI and Scotland Yard confirmed the leak and said they were investigating.

Emerald trader faces paramilitary links probe

Prosecutors are investigating a businessman who controls much of Colombia’s emerald trade for suspected links with paramilitaries.

Officials said they are trying to find out if Victor Carranza financed a number of paramilitary groups in Colombia in the 1990s. The investigation was launched after jailed paramilitary members reportedly gave evidence of meetings between Mr Carranza and paramilitary leaders. Mr Carranza has denied any wrongdoing.

Facebook decorator makes his millions

A US graffiti artist who painted Facebook’s offices is set to become a multi-millionaire when the social network begins trading as a public company.

David Choe, who first spray-painted the walls of Facebook HQ in 2005, accepted shares in payment for his work. Now the site is planning to float on the stock market, its thought his share could be worth around £126 million.

Deep freeze claims more than 100 lives

More than 100 people have died as a result of freezing weather in Ukraine since last Friday, the government announced.

Most of the 101 who died were homeless people and 64 of them were found dead on the streets, the emergencies ministry said. Hundreds of others have been treated in hospital for frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-related conditions.