Japan opposition leader may resign

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-05-2007 14:07

Democratic Party leader Ichiro Ozawa speaks to reporters during a news conference at the Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo November 4, 2007. REUTERS/Michael Caronna (JAPAN)

Japanese opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa is offering to quit as president of the Democratic Party of Japan. His abrupt announcement came just days after his party turned down an offer from the prime minister to join a new coalition and end a deadlock in parliament. Gui Xiaozeng has this story.

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda talked to Democratic Party leader Ichiro Ozawa on Friday about forming a new ruling coalition. The offer was quickly rejected by Democratic Party executives. This raises the specter of more political confusion and policy gridlock.

Ichiro Ozawa, Democratic Party Leader, said, "I have decided to resign to take responsibility, to people inside and outside the party, for the political confusion caused by the prime minister's power-sharing proposal. And today, I submitted my resignation and will leave everything to the party leadership."

Ozawa strongly denied media reports that he had been the one proposing a grand coalition. But he acknowledged that he failed to win party support for a proposal to enter policy talks with the ruling parties.

Democratic Party leader Ichiro Ozawa walks into a news conference at the Democratic Party headquarters in Tokyo November 4, 2007. REUTERS/Michael Caronna (JAPAN)

Ichiro Ozawa, Democratic Party Leader, said, "I believe that a formation of a grand ruling coalition goes hand-in-hand with an established two-party system by which a government is changeable on a regular basis. Rather, I believe, it will help to accelerate the possibility of a Democratic Party takeover of government and as a result, it will help to establish a stable two-party system."

Ozawa hasn't clearly stated whether he would leave the party. He says he wants to think carefully about his political activities from here on. Because the DPJ and smaller parties took control of parliament's upper house in July, his abrupt resignation is also likely to influence Japan's short term political future.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei