Japan's prime minister, under pressure to resign within weeks, has declined Washington's invitation for a visit to hold talks with President Barack Obama next month. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano announced the decision Friday, citing ``Japan's political situation,' suggesting uncertainty over Prime Minister Naoto Kan.
Kan has faced a strong challenge from party rivals who have demanded his resignation. Kan has said he will step down when a pair of key bills are approved in parliament, which is likely next week. That would set the stage for a leadership election within Kan's ruling party, expected by the end of the month. Obama invited Kan to the US for talks in early September when the two leaders met in France during May's Group of Eight summit.
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