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Japanese PM Abe reelected as ruling party leader

TOKYO, Sept 20 (KUNA) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was re-elected as a leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in a landslide Thursday, paving the way to become Japan's longest-serving premier.
The 63-year-old Abe will remain the party chief for another three years until the end of September 2021.
Of the 810 votes up for grabs, Abe won 553, about 68 percent support, while his sole rival former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba took 254 in the LDP presidential election.
"I am determined to fulfill the duties with all my soul. As promised in the presidential election, I will do my best to bring peaceful lives back to people suffering from various disasters as soon as possible," Abe told LDP lawmakers after winning the post.
"While summing up the postwar diplomacy after World War II, I will solidify peace and stability in Japan. Furthermore, I would like to work on revising the Constitution with you," said premier.
Abe, who became premier in December 2012, is on course to surpass the record of Taro Katsura as the longest-serving prime minister during his new term through September 2021, including his stint as premier between 2006 and 2007.
Katsura served three times intermittently between 1901 and 1913. (end) mk.gta