France has handed over more than 1,000 assault rifles to the military in the Central African Republic (CAR), where rebel groups have forced about 750,000 people to flee their homes.

The UN imposed an arms embargo five years ago after civil war broke out - but exemptions have been made, including last year when Russia supplied a similar consignment of weapons.

Correspondents say Russia has mining interests in the CAR and has deployed hundreds of military advisers.

After handing over the weapons the French armed forces minister, Florence Parly, called on all countries, including Russia, to support African Union-led peace talks in CAR.

Russia has been criticised for organising a different set of peace talks.