Japan: Shinzo Abe announces resignation

Japan's longest-serving prime minister Shinzo Abe has resigned due to his health. He suffers from the bowel disease colitis. He will stay in office until his successor is chosen.

Abe gave a press conferences on Friday. He said: "Even though there is one year to go in my tenure and there are challenges to be met, I have decided to stand down as prime minister."

About his illness, he said: "For almost eight years I controlled my chronic disease, however, this year in June I had a regular check-up and there was a sign of the disease. I made a judgment that I should not continue my job as prime minister. I need to fight the disease and need to be treated."