Australia's foreign minister quits

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd Wednesday made a sudden announcement to resign from his job.

Rudd's decision comes amid leadership tensions within the Labor Party as there were speculations that Rudd was threatening Prime Minister Julia Gillard's authority, reported Xinhua.

Rudd said the decision came as he no longer felt he has the Labor leader's support.

"The truth is I can only serve as foreign minister if I have the confidence of Prime Minister Gillard and her senior ministers," he said, making the announcement in Washington Wednesday. He added he will return to Australia Friday and will make a full statement on his future.