Outgoing Japan PM Abe being examined by doctors

TOKYO, Sep 13 (Reuters) Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is being examined by doctors and depending on the result may be hospitalised, the top government spokesman said today, a day after the leader suddenly announced he would resign.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano, announcing the health check at a regular briefing, declined to specify the medical problem.

Abe, who took office a year ago pledging to raise Japan's global security profile, said he was quitting in the hope that a new leader could resolve a deadlock over a naval mission supporting US-led operations in Afghanistan.

But senior officials cited health problems as one reason for his decision.

REUTERS SZ KP0813