March 05, 2007	Monday	Safar 15, 1428

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is battling to halt a freefall in support as the leader who vowed to erase the legacies of World War II defeat struggles to assert his authority.

At 52, Abe is Japan's youngest post-war premier and has faced growing perceptions that he lacks clout. A top aide has even suggested that cabinet ministers no longer stand up when he enters the room.

Mr Abe, who succeeded popular premier Junichiro Koizumi in September, got off to a strong start as he travelled to China and South Korea, mending sour ties with the two big neighbours.

“But Prime Minister Abe has since failed to show convincing achievements and his leadership is apparently declining,” said Tetsuro Kato, professor of politics at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo.—AFP