We begin in Japan, where the country's longest-serving prime minister is stepping down.
Abe Shinzo announced his intention to resign Friday, citing worsening health.
He said a chronic condition has made it difficult to fulfill his duties.
(Abe Shinzo / Japanese Prime Minister)
"As I am not in a condition where I can fulfill the mandate given by the people, I have concluded that I should not continue in this position as prime minister. I am going to step down."
Abe said he has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis again earlier this month.
Colitis forced him to resign as prime minister 13 years ago after holding the post for one year.
He shared his regret in leaving office without being able to resolve various challenges, including the abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korean agents decades ago.
He also mentioned peace treaty negotiations with Russia and the constitutional amendment he has long pushed for.
◆cite ～を引き合いに出す to mention something as an example, especially one that supports, proves, or explains an idea or situation
◆mandate 選挙民から議員や政府への委託、議員や政府が選挙民から受ける負託 if a government or official has a mandate to make important decisions, they have the authority to make the decisions because they have been elected by the people to do so
◆diagnose 診断する to find out what illness someone has, or what the cause of a fault is, after doing tests, examinations etc
◆ulcerative colitis 潰瘍性大腸炎
◆abduction 拉致
◆constitutional amendment 憲法改正
◆push for ～を強く要求する、～を得ようと努力する to keep asking for something or trying to persuade people to do something, because you feel it is important or necessary