Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday conveyed his intention to step down as prime minister, citing the conclusion of tough negotiations with the US over tariff measures. At an extraordinary meeting of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) executives, Ishiba also announced his resignation as the LDP president. According to Kuwait News Agency, Ishiba stated, "I decided to resign as the LDP president. I must take responsibility for the election results, and I had said I would decide at the appropriate time. I thought the appropriate time was when the difficult Japan-US tariff negotiations came to a conclusion," Ishiba told the meeting. The prime minister further expressed his regret, saying, "I sincerely apologize and express my gratitude for the concerns I have caused, and all responsibility lies with me." The announcement came after Ishiba faced mounting pressure within the LDP following the Party's defeat in the July Upper House election. The 68-year-old leader had assumed office last October.
