TOKYO, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologized Monday for not disclosing health problems as the main reason in his Sept. 12 resignation announcement.
Addressing a news conference at a hospital where he was treated for a stress-related stomach ailment, Abe apologized that his abrupt decision to step down had caused political turmoil in the country, Kyodo news service reported. He was admitted to the hospital on Sept. 13.
''I apologize for announcing I was resigning soon after delivering a policy speech to parliament, which was the worst timing,'' Abe said, the Kyodo report said.
Abe, 53, said he had made a wrong choice by not referring to his health in his resignation announcement.
''I thought a prime minister should not talk about one's own health condition ... but as I did not mention the largest factor, the real reason for my resignation was not understood by the people. I apologize for that,'' Abe said.
Abe said he planned to attend a plenary session of the lower house of parliament Tuesday when Yasuo Fukuda is expected to be named the next prime minister.
