GENEVA, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Swiss Defense Minister Samuel Schmid announced on Wednesday that he would step down at the end of this year, citing health and family reasons.

    "I am resigning for health and family reasons, and out of love of my country and the army," Schmid told a press conference in Bern.

    The 61-year-old cabinet minister had just returned to work this week after a successful gallstone operation.

    In a statement on Wednesday, the Swiss cabinet said it had taken note of Schmid's decision to step down on Dec. 31, the official Swissinfo news website reported.

    "The government regrets the resignation of Samuel Schmid, who as a loyal colleague always was and is seeking balanced solutions to problems," said the statement.

    It also thanked him for his "great engagement in the service of the country and its people."

    Schmid's resignation had long been expected and followed months of mounting pressure on him to go, according to the Swissinfo report.

    Schmid had been under considerable pressure over the past few months over his handling of army affairs. He has also been criticized over two fatal accidents.