The new Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison attends a swearing-in ceremony in Canberra, Australia August 24, 2018. REUTERS/David Gray
Reuters: New Australian PM pledges 'generational change' to heal ruling party
CANBERRA (Reuters) - New Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised generational change in the warring Liberal party on Friday, seeking to end an internecine battle that has scarred the conservative government ahead of an election due by May 2019.
Morrison, who was treasurer under outgoing prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, emerged the surprise winner in a three-way challenge for the leadership of the Liberal party brought on by a right-wing rival this week.
Stepping up to become Australia’s sixth prime minister in less than 10 years, Morrison has inherited leadership of a coalition between the Liberal and National parties whose one-seat majority will have to be defended when a by-election is held for a safe Sydney seat that Turnbull is set to vacate.
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MIDDLE EAST
Turkey says military solution for Syria's Idlib would be a disaster.
‘We’re down to the last few villages’: British air campaign in Syria faces new phase.
Survivors of last major Islamic State battle in Iraq beg for food.
War in Yemen: Dozens of civilians killed in Saudi-UAE bombing.
HRW says Saudi-UAE alliance covering up war crimes in Yemen.
Air France, British Airways cutting flights to Iran next month.
US to cut $200m aid to Gaza and West Bank.
ASIA
Malcolm Turnbull out, Scott Morrison in as new Australian prime minister.
Donald Trump cancels Mike Pompeo's North Korea trip, citing lack of progress. Donald Trump blames China for his decision to pull directs US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s North Korea trip.
US-China trade war: China to respond 'resolutely'.
Video mocking Donald Trump pulled by Chinese state media ... just hours before trade talks.
U.S. to appoint special envoy on Afghanistan to promote peace: Reports.
U.S. senator plans measure to help Taiwan keep its allies.
Pakistan disputes US account of Pompeo-Khan phone call.
Indonesia earthquake death toll rises to 555.
AFRICA
South Africa condemns Trump's 'polarising' white farmers tweet.
Fighters from new rebel group attack Chad soldiers at Libya border.
Burundi UN peacekeeper killed in ambush in C.Africa.
Ebola in the DRC: Death toll rises in second outbreak.
Ebola treatment challenged by DR Congo rebel activity.
'Critical worsening' of conditions for migrants detained in Libya: UNHCR.
Zimbabwe court upholds presidential election results.
Uganda's ex-police boss charged in military court.
Missing tanker docks in Togo after suspected hijacking.
EUROPE
Bolton: U.S. sanctions to stay until Russia changes its behavior.
Ukraine crisis: Five soldiers killed in clashes in east.
Odyssey for refugees stuck on Italy ship goes on as EU talks fail. Italy clashes with EU over Diciotti migrant boat.
Atrocities against Armenians should not be forgotten says Chancellor Merkel.
Mixed emotions in Ireland ahead Pope Francis' first visit in 39 years.
Franco’s remains to be exhumed, threatening to reopen Spain’s old wounds.
Berlin-area firefighters beat back major forest fires.
AMERICAS
Trump Organization financial chief Weisselberg 'given immunity'.
Trump blames China for ‘outrageous’ fentanyl overdose epidemic and wants death penalty for dealers.
Trump accuses social media giants of censorship, says ‘millions’ being silenced.
Biden 'incredibly proud' of bin Laden raid commander for rebuking Trump: report.
McCain ending brain cancer treatment.
NAFTA talks with US 'very far' along: Mexico's Guajardo.
Venezuelans rush to Peru to beat passport deadline.
Latin American states urged to ease entry for fleeing Venezuelans.
Ex-Argentina president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's homes raided.
Hurricane Lane: Hawaii hit by flooding and landslides as storm nears.
First known Australian refugee sues Canadian officials over asylum process.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US urges ‘enduring defeat’ of ISIS, offers force if necessary.
ISIL playing the stock market to raise cash: Russia.
Three Southeast Asians in IS beheading video blacklisted by US.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
S&P 500 reaches new high to clinch record bull run.
US Fed chair Jerome Powell backs cautious path on rates.
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will play an 18-hole prize match, with $12 million to the winner.
‘Information ops’: Secret meeting of social media & tech giants to tackle midterm elections.
Chinese underwater drone maker’s plan to rule the waves could be scuppered by US trade war.
