CNBC/Reuters: Trump praises Brazil's new President Bolsonaro after he vowed to 'strengthen democracy'
* Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, and immediately called on Congress to combat endemic corruption and promised to "work tirelessly so that Brazil reaches its destiny."
* Addressing a joint session of Congress minutes after taking the oath of office, Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and admirer of the country's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, vowed to adhere to democratic norms.
Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, and immediately called on Congress to combat endemic corruption and promised to "work tirelessly so that Brazil reaches its destiny."
Addressing a joint session of Congress minutes after taking the oath of office, Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and admirer of the country's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, vowed to adhere to democratic norms.
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MIDDLE EAST
Fighting among rebels in northern Syria kills dozens.
Syria's Idlib braces for government offensive.
Some 400 Kurdish YPG leave Manbij under deal with Damascus - Syrian military.
Iraq’s new president to pay his first visit to Turkey.
Hariri urges end to Lebanon impasse as Hezbollah voices optimism.
Israel PM urged to expand illegal settlements ahead of election.
Mike Pompeo vows US support for Israel despite controversial Syria exit.
ASIA
China warns Taiwan that unification is 'inevitable' and threatens to use military force and 'all necessary means' to end the island's independence.
Trump says he 'looks forward' to another summit meeting with Kim Jong Un even as North Korea's ruler warns U.S. against sanctions.
Taliban blow up Afghan army outpost, killing five soldiers, police say.
Myanmar says police attacked as western fighting displaces thousands.
Bangladeshi journalist arrested over election irregularities reporting.
Indian police clash with protesters over women in Hindu temple. 'Millions' of women in India form a human chain in defiance of temple ban controversy.
'Indian spy quadcopter' shot down at border - Pakistan military.
Japan's Emperor Akihito makes his final New Year's Day appearance to over 150,000 people.
AFRICA
Armed men kill 37 civilians in part of Mali hit by ethnic violence.
Conflicts to monitor in 2019: Cameroon, Nigeria, South Sudan.
Sudan restricts social media access to counter protest movement.
Regional observers endorse Congo's election - with caveats.
Somalia expels UN envoy Nicholas Haysom.
Libya's rival governments hold peace talks in Benghazi.
Trump and Egypt's Sisi discuss Middle East in phone call.
EUROPE
Soldier killed, two wounded in eastern Ukraine clashes, despite truce.
Family of accused spy Paul Whelan is 'deeply concerned' for his safety in Russian prison. US seeking access to ex-Marine detained in Russia: Pompeo.
Germany has big plans for UN Security Council seat.
UK PM May will find a way to get Brexit deal through parliament - Hunt.
Russia Magnitogorsk blast: Death toll rises to 21.
Fatal train accident closes Denmark's Great Belt Bridge.
AMERICAS
Hill leaders, Trump to meet on border in WH Situation Room.
Romney slams Trump's character in new op-ed. Trump responds to Romney op-ed: ‘Be a team player & win'.
Maduro's second inauguration in troubled Venezuela puts U.S., other foreign critics in conundrum.
Cuba celebrates 60 years since Castro's communist revolution.
Colombia Farc: 85 ex-rebels killed since peace deal.
Honduras in talks with US, Israel on moving embassy to Jerusalem.
Peru’s president accuses AG of damaging big corruption probe.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Lethality intact, ISIS builds on global threat.
Australia stands by cancelling citizenship of Islamic State recruiter despite Fiji challenge.
Manchester stabbings suspect may have mental problems as UK terrorism probe ongoing.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Big IPOs eyeing a brittle Wall Street in 2019.
US Trade Rep. Lighthizer thinks more tariffs could be needed to get meaningful China concessions.
Netflix removes Hasan Minhaj comedy episode after Saudi demand.
