Tokyo - Saba:
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed on Wednesday his determination to remain in office, denying reports that he intends to resign soon and stressing the need to avoid a political vacuum.
In press statements following a meeting with senior figures from the Liberal Democratic Party, Ishiba said that they had not discussed his resignation at all, adding that "these reports are baseless."
Ishiba is facing a critical political juncture, as discontent within his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) threatens his leadership following an internal review of the party's crushing defeat in the recent House of Councillors elections.
The Mainichi newspaper reported earlier today that Ishiba had informed his close aides of his intention to step down by the end of August.
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