While you were sleeping: Friday world news wrap

Bastille Day celebrations in Paris (Reuters)
Bastille Day celebrations in Paris (Reuters)

Boris Johnson's appointment as the UK's new foreign minister is already causing controversy, after his French counterpart labelled him a liar.

While you were sleeping: Friday world news wrap

UK foreign minister Boris Johnson addresses his staff (Reuters)

Speaking on radio, Jean-Marc Ayrault said Mr Johnson had lied to the British people during the recent Brexit campaign, and was now under pressure to "defend his country".

Johnson, the former mayor of London, campaigned vigorously and at times flamboyantly for Britain to leave the EU, and was a surprising appointment in new Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet.

Mr Ayrault went on to say: "I need a partner with whom I can negotiate and who is clear, credible and reliable. We cannot let this ambitious, blurred situation drag on, in the best interests of the British themselves."

France and other EU nations have urged Britain to begin the process of leaving the EU as soon as possible, to minimise uncertainty.

A contingent of New Zealand Defence Force personel has stolen the show in the annual Bastille Day parade down the Champs-Elysees in Paris.

While you were sleeping: Friday world news wrap

Maori warriors from the NZDF honour New Zealand's war dead in France (Reuters)

Marching to honour New Zealand's contribution to the Somme offensive in France one hundred years ago, Maori warriors carrying Taiaha brought plenty of pride and honour to the ceremony, while several NZDF members dressed in authentic First World War costumes.

Over 12,000 New Zealanders died in France and Belgium during the war, four times the number killed at Gallipoli.

The catastrophic economic situation in Venezuela has seen the country's military forces called in to protect limited food supplies and medicine.

While you were sleeping: Friday world news wrap

A Venezuelan soldier controls the crowd while people queue to try and buy basic goods (Reuters)

Despite having the world's largest oil reserves, the South American nation's inflation rate has climbed to a world-leading 180 percent, and there are constant power cuts and shortages of basic goods.

World oil prices have plummeted leaving the Venezuelan government almost destitute and unable to import the goods its people need.

Thousands of Venezuelans again crossed the border with Colombia overnight to buy food.

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