TOKYO, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday apologized once again for the ruling party's defeat in the recent House of Councillors election, saying that he will make a decision on whether to resign at an appropriate time amid calls for him to take responsibility and step down.
At the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) joint general assembly, Ishiba said he had no intention of clinging to his position. "My duty is not to evade responsibility, but to make the proper decision at the proper time."
He highlighted priorities including ensuring wage growth above inflation, negotiating tariffs and strengthening the economy, and reforming agricultural policy such as rice support measures, national broadcaster NHK reported.
Once the party's review of the election is formally adopted, the LDP will begin procedures to decide whether to hold an extraordinary presidential election. ■
