SHIMONOSEKI, Yamaguchi -- The Liberal Democratic Party will present its proposal for constitutional revision during the extraordinary Diet session expected to be convened this autumn, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said during a speech in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
"We can't just keep holding discussions," Abe said in his hometown on Sunday. "The party should accelerate its work to devise its own revision proposal, so it can be submitted during the next Diet session."
The prime minister said he wants the issue of constitutional revision to be a main point of contention in the LDP's upcoming presidential election. "Constitutional revision has been the party's principle since its foundation. Whoever becomes president, the party must fulfill that responsibility," he said.
The LDP presidential race will be held in September, and is expected to be a two-way battle between Abe and former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba.
"I'm determined to fulfill my responsibilities by stipulating the protection of the independence and peace of our nation, as well as the Self-Defense Forces," Abe said, emphasizing that he is seeking to revise Article 9 of the Constitution.
He added: "Human resources development is nation-building. [Human resources development] is a long-term plan for the nation," insisting that the improvement of education -- one of the four items the LDP has worked out for constitutional revision -- should also be included in the Constitution.
Abe did not directly refer to running in the LDP presidential race in September, but indicated his intention to seek his third straight term by mentioning his determination to continue tackling constitutional revision from September on.
Regarding relations with North Korea, the prime minister reiterated his intention "to settle the unfortunate past and normalize diplomatic ties" based on the 2002 Japan-North Korea Pyongyang Declaration, on the premise that the issue of nuclear and missile development be resolved, as well as the abduction of Japanese nationals.
As to the North Korean situation after the summit talks in June between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Abe reiterated his positive stance toward directly meeting with Kim.
"President Trump has been taking a new approach to solve issues together by fostering mutual trust," Abe said. "I too am determined to solve issues by breaking the shell of mutual distrust."
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