London (AFP) – Liz Truss is announced as winner of the vote to choose the leader of Britain’s Conservative Party, thus becoming the UK’s next Prime Minister. In her acceptance speech, Truss pledges a ‘bold plan to cut taxes and grow our economy’ while tackling energy supply issues brought about by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Venice (AFP) – The most eagerly-awaited historical event of the year in Venice opens with a procession of 16th century boats along the Grand Canal. The Regata Storica is one of the most spectacular and picturesque traditions of the city, followed closely by Venetians who gather along the banks of the Grand Canal to welcome the 300 athletes and participants.
Santiago (AFP) – Chileans celebrate after the emphatic rejection of a proposed new constitution to replace one adopted during the Augusto Pinochet era, in a result that exceeded the expectations of the conservative opposition.
New Delhi (AFP) – Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrives at a airport in New Delhi for a four-day state visit.
Venice (AFP) – Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet will test the stomachs of his many fans with a ‘cannibal romance’, premiering in Venice. He stars alongside newcomer Taylor Russell in the emotional coming-of-age drama by Luca Guadagnino.
Prague (AFP) – The Czech Philharmonic celebrates the Czech EU presidency, with a concert on the Vltava river in Prague’s historic centre. From a stage built on a pontoon, they performed the EU anthem Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, as well as pieces by a selection of Czech composers. Listeners gathered on the river banks or arrived on pedal boats to enjoy the music. The Czech Republic took over the EU presidency from France on July 1.
Moscow (AFP) – Moscow residents queue to attend the farewell ceremony for Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the USSR, who died on August 30 at the age of 91. One of the great political figures of the 20th century, he was lionised in the West for helping to end the Cold War and trying to change the USSR, but despised by many in Russia for the economic chaos and loss of global influence that followed the Soviet collapse. Among those present at his farewell ceremony however, there is only respect for the man who brought ‘a breath of freedom’, in the words of teacher Natalia Leleko.
Samsun (Turkey) (AFP) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warns Greece it will pay a “heavy price” if it continues to “harass” Turkish planes over the Aegean. The two uneasy NATO neighbours have long-standing sea and air boundary disputes which lead to near-daily air force patrols and interception missions mostly around Greek islands near Turkey’s coastline.
Buenos Aires (AFP) – Images outside the police station where the Brazilian national who attempted to shoot Vice President Cristina Kirchner is detained in Buenos Aires.
Kennedy Space Center (United States) (AFP) – NASA scraps its launch of a 30-story rocket due to orbit the Moon, citing a fuel leak in delaying the mission for a second time. The leak occurred as liquid hydrogen was being pumped into the rocket. No new date for another try was immediately announced.
