Japan's PM Ishiba stresses his resolve to stay on and avoid political vacuum

Following polls setback, he wants to ensure trade deal with US is fully implemented

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TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reiterated his resolve to stay on to avoid creating a political vacuum and to ensure that a trade deal with the US is fully implemented.

"I intend to fulfil my responsibility so as to never create a political vacuum for the nation and its people," Mr Ishiba said on July 28 at the start of a rare meeting in which the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) lawmakers have gathered to assess the reasons for the party's recent election setback.

The meeting, which started around 3.30pm local time, would give those in the party who seek a change at the top an opportunity to directly challenge Mr Ishiba over his leadership.

In his remarks, Mr Ishiba apologised for the historic defeat that the LDP suffered in the July 20 election, and he said he wants to do his best to ensure that the recent trade deal with the US is fully implemented.