WORLD

Chocolate giant hails hero manager killed during Sydney siege.

A YouGov poll finds 57% of people in France are not looking forward to Christmas.

Chanukah "festival of lights" begins on the evening of 16 December and ends on 24 December

Ukraine has called for $10bn in financial assistance as it seeks to emerge from deep recession.

Attack by militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (Pakistani Taliban) in response to Pakistani military operations.

Islamic State publishes photos of public execution of 13 men in Iraq's Salah al-Din province.

Number of people who join protests against 'Islamisation' of Germany is rapidly growing.

Al-Qaeda soldiers capture Wadi al-Deif and Hamidiya military bases in south-west Syria

The 23-room ancient farm house is extraordinarily well-preserved.

Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman among those paying respects to those who died during Lindt café siege

Australia's Prime Minister says the self-styled sheikh behind an 'appalling and ugly' siege at a Sydney cafe was "deeply disturbed.""This has been an absolutely appalling and ugly incident. That's the only way to describe it, an appalling and ugly incident. Our hearts go out to the families of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson. These were decent, good people, who were going about their ordinary lives. It's about as innocent a thing as anyone can do to go and grab a cup of coffee before the working day has fully started. Decent, innocent people who got caught up in the sick fantasy of a deeply disturbed individual," he said.

Martin Place siege victim died confronting hostage taker Man Haron Monis.

Australian TV presenter learns live on air that Lindt cafe hostages Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson have died.

17-year-old Mohammed Islam admitted the tale was a 'hoax' after mass media coverage in the US.

At least five or six heavily armed gunmen stormed into the army-run school in Peshawar as gunfire is being exchanged with Pakistani security personnel.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott lays flowers at Sydney's Martin Place to mourn death of two hostages in 16-hour siege.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra earlier evacuated over bomb scare in wake of Sydney siege.

Marking a 50% rise in attendance since the last demonstration, protesters chant against flood of asylum seekers and Islamisation.

New York Governor signs legislation to prevent the abuse of animals to make fashion statements.

Lawyer Katrina Dawson was confirmed as the woman killed in the siege at the Lindt Chocolat Cafe in Martin Place. She died in hospital after being held hostage for more than 16 hours.

Iranian foreign ministry spokeswoman says 'provoking fear in the name of Islam is not in any way justifiable.'

The Vatican could be the location for Olympic archery and football, as Italy gears up for the bidding as host nation for the 2024 Games.

A gunman who has allegedly killed six people and seriously wounded one other in three separate homes in Philadelphia is still on the loose, authorities said.

Drug lords 'living like kings' and operating rings from luxurious cells inside Philippines' Bilibid jail.

Police departments in the US are implementing a change in procedure to alleviate public distrust after protests over the killings of black people.

Police officers stormed the Lindt cafe over fears Muslim fanatic Man Haron Monis had begun to execute hostages.

Russian foreign minister calls on Ukraine to give more autonomy to pro-Russian rebels.

Iran set for talks with world powers over its nuclear programme and economic sanctions.

Suspect barricaded in a home where one of the shootings took place.