Talks aimed at resolving Kenya’s post-election violence have resumed in the capital Nairobi, amid fears among church and other groups that ethnic and political tensions are seriously worsening, in spite of efforts towards peace.

European governments - and particularly the UK government - should encourage peace talks between the Afghan government and insurgency groups such as the Taliban to find a way out of the current stalemate, according to Christian Aid.

In a carefully-worded statement clear in its intent, the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics has urged the President of Sudan towards positive action in resolving the Darfur crisis, which has killed many thousands and displaced millions.

The UK and France should use what ever leverage they have over Chad and Eritrea to encourage them to help build a consensus among the Darfur rebels and bring a just peace to the Sudan killing fields, says a leading church agency.