Abe To Create Ministerial Post To Tackle Japan's Pressing Issues

TOKYO, JAPAN - SEP. 25: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the announcement at the news conference to mark the end of the 245-day extended Diet session, the longest in postwar history, through Sunday, focusing on social welfare and economic issues that are close to home for the public amid declines in his Cabinet's support ratings after last week's enactment of controversial security legislation. While devoting time to talk about his vision for Japan's continued recovery, Abe was also adamant in defending the security laws aimed at expanding Japanese troops' role overseas, saying it was "irresponsible" for some critics to label the laws as "war legislation." "A strong foundation was built which makes (Japan's) pledge, upheld for the past 70 years, never to wage war and not to repeat the horrors of war all the more firm," Abe said, reiterating that he will continue to carefully explain the laws and gain public understanding. The security laws, which would enable Japanese troops to fight overseas for the first time since World War II, passed the parliament despite stiff protests by opposition lawmakers and some voters. On the diplomatic front, Abe vowed to double efforts to improve ties with China, South Korea and Russia, and said he hopes to meet with leaders of China and South Korea possibly in late October. When that happens, he said he wants to hold talks separately with South Korean President Park Geun Hye and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Abe has never held one-on-one talks with Park or Li.