Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso says he has no plans to call early elections as he concentrates on combating recession in the world's second-largest economy.

Aso, who took office in September promising to call national elections, said on Sunday in Tokyo that he wouldn't consider dissolving the lower house until it has passed the budget and economic bills.

The ruling government coalition is scheduled to submit budget bills to the parliament, which will convene on Monday, hoping to pass them by the end of this fiscal year ending March 31.

Elections are required by September this year.

Aso also said he would seek to raise Japan's consumption tax after its economy recovers.
The prime minister also made references to the current situation in the Middle East.

"I ask restraint from Israel and Palestine. Japan plans to deliver humanitarian aid, and I asked them not to prevent such aid goods being delivered, especially the Israeli military. I share the view with the other experts across the world that the situation will not lead to an easy ceasefire."

On Saturday, Japan pledged to provide 10 million U.S. dollars in humanitarian aid to Palestinians amid concerns over rising civilian casualties from the Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.