(Guardian) - Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister, today said he would resign to take responsibility for his scandal-ridden party's disastrous showing in recent national elections, sparking a new round of political turmoil in the world's second-biggest economy.
Mr Abe said he hoped his departure would also end the political stalemate over the future of Japan's logistical support for US forces in Afghanistan.
"In the present situation, it is difficult to push ahead with effective policies that win the support and trust of the public," he said in a televised news conference. "I have decided that we need a change in this situation.