TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's war anniversary statement was endorsed by his cabinet Friday in an extraordinary meeting.

The prime minister is to issue the statement, which now represents the current Japanese government's official stance on the country's wartime history, at a press conference at 6 pm (0900 GMT) Friday.

Content of the statement remained unclear, but whether Abe will apologize for Japan's wartime aggression and colonial rule is closely watched by the international community.

Through the statement, the prime minister has a chance either to make a step forward to mend ties with its neighbors, or to jolt current weak improvement.