(cctv.com)
Updated: 2007-09-13 10:35

Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, has announced his resignation.

The 52-year-old premier made the announcement in a nationally televised news conference. Abe said he was quitting the post because there would be a better chance of continuing Japan's support for US military operations in Afghanistan under a new leader. He also said he had difficulties in implementing policies and gathering public support.

Abe did not announce a date for his departure from office. But Japanese media says it could happen within a month's time. Abe will continue to act as prime minister until the ruling party selects a new leader. Abe took office last September. He has been plagued by a series of scandals involving his Cabinet ministers. His party also suffered a crushing defeat in July's upper house election.

Earlier last week, the Prime Minister said he would resign if he failed to win parliament's agreement on extending a refueling mission for US-led anti-terrorism operations.