Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Japan's Ozawa vows to stay after aides arrested
|
Edition:
U.S.
Article
Save
Email
Print
Reprints
Most Popular
Most Shared
Enormity of Haiti quake disaster clear from the sky
15 Jan 2010
UPDATE 1-US takes control of Haiti airport to speed aid
15 Jan 2010
Angry Haitians block roads with corpses: witness
14 Jan 2010
Haiti says 200,000 may be dead, tensions rise
| Video
1:48am EST
Haiti aid groups ask companies for cash, not goods
| Video
14 Jan 2010
UPDATE 1-US takes control of Haiti airport to speed aid
15 Jan 2010
Angry Haitians block roads with corpses: witness
14 Jan 2010
Icesave foes confident as referendum nears
12 Jan 2010
UPDATE 1-U.S. texting raises $11 million for Haiti
15 Jan 2010
U.S. taking closer look at bisphenol A in plastics
15 Jan 2010
Japan's Ozawa vows to stay after aides arrested
Isabel Reynolds
TOKYO
Sat Jan 16, 2010 1:28am EST
Related News
Q+A: Japan ruling party No.2 Ozawa: Why does he matter?
1:20am EST
TOKYO (Reuters) - The Japanese ruling party's number two, Ichiro Ozawa, said on Saturday he would not resign, media reported, after the arrest of three aides over a funding scandal that may hit government support ahead of a key mid-year election.
World | Japan
Ozawa, widely seen as the real power in the ruling Democratic Party, told a meeting of regional assembly members he would stay in his post, media said, while Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said he supported the decision.
"He told me he wanted to continue to work hard in his post and I have faith in that," Hatoyama told reporters following a meeting with Ozawa.
The veteran Ozawa has repeatedly denied any intentional wrongdoing, but apologized for the fuss, domestic media said.
"I may have caused misunderstanding, but I have done nothing to be ashamed of," Kyodo news agency quoted him as telling the assembly members. Media said Ozawa announced he would hand over his duties temporarily to another party executive, but Hatoyama was later reported as denying any such suspension from duty.
Analysts and media say pressure on Ozawa to step down is rising, adding to the woes of Hatoyama's government ahead of an election for parliament's upper house, where his Democratic Party relies on an awkward coalition with two tiny parties to pass bills.
A poor performance in this year's election could result in stalemate between the two houses of parliament and even mean a return to the policy paralysis that has afflicted previous governments.
The Democrats swept to power in the August election promising to reduce bureaucrats' grip on policy, reorient spending toward consumers, and steer a diplomatic course less dependent on security ally Washington.
Graphic on Japan voter support: r.reuters.com/myv63g
Hatoyama faces his own funding scandal and opposition lawmakers have vowed to attack the two leaders over corruption in the new session of parliament, potentially delaying debate on the budget.
Support for Hatoyama's government has slid to just over 50 percent, compared with levels over 70 percent when he took office in September.
But many analysts say the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, itself often racked by scandal during its half-century of almost continuous rule, may not benefit much from a fall in support for the government.
TIMING IS CRUCIAL
In the nearer term, the scandal has erupted just ahead of Monday's opening of a new session of parliament, during which Hatoyama must quickly pass two budget bills aimed at bolstering the ailing economy.
Data released on Thursday showed machinery orders had slumped to a record low in November, adding to government fears of a return to recession that would lead to calls for more spending by the deeply indebted government.
One analyst said Ozawa would have to step down.
"There is nothing for him to do now but resign," said political commentator Minoru Morita, adding that the extent of the damage to the government would depend on the timing.
"If he does it quickly, before parliament starts, that will keep damage to a minimum." Morita said.
Prosecutors arrested two former aides to Ozawa late on Friday, one a serving member of parliament, and a current secretary on Saturday in an investigation into the source of cash Ozawa's funding group used to buy a plot of land in Tokyo.
Media quoted a lawyer for the arrested lawmaker as saying the funds were an inheritance from Ozawa's father that he had kept in cash at his home.
($1=90.74 Yen)
(Editing by Bill Tarrant)
World
Japan
More from Reuters
Cadbury investors look for higher Kraft bid
LONDON (Reuters) - Some of Cadbury's biggest shareholders, led by Legal & General, continued to reject Kraft Foods' 10.5 billion pound ($17.2 billion) bid and will look for an increased offer over the next four days.
U.S. accuses J&J of kickback scheme with Omnicare
Wizards' Gilbert Arenas pleads guilty in gun case
Defendant in Galleon case may be near plea
Democrats close in on healthcare agreement
U.S. takes control of Haiti airport to speed aid
» More Top News
Is sexting pornography?
Should teens who send naked pictures of themselves to other teens be charged with child pornography? Full Article
Sexting "unfriended" on word list
Few teens participate in sexting
Technology
Best of the week
A look at Reuters' top photos from the past week. Slideshow
Strange and unusual
Least free places in the world
PICTURES
© Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters
Editorial Editions:
Africa
Arabic
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
China
France
Germany
India
Italy
Japan
Latin America
Mexico
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
United States
Reuters
Contact Us
Advertise With Us
Help
Journalism Handbook
Archive
Site Index
Video Index
Analyst Research
Mobile
Newsletters
RSS
Podcasts
Widgets
Your View
Labs
Thomson Reuters
Copyright
Disclaimer
Privacy
Professional Products
Professional Products Support
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Careers
Online Products
Acquisitions Monthly
Buyouts.com
Buyouts Europe:
Buyouts Conferences:
Venture Capital Journal
ECVJ
International Financing Review
International Securitisation Report
Project Finance International
PEhub.com
PE Week
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Saturday, 16 January 2010 Iran to try 16 people soon over December unrest-report
Ransom demand for workers kidnapped in Nigeria
Mobile phone relief: Americans text aid to Haiti
Loud explosion in central Kabul: witnesses
JP Morgan reports big jump in profits to $3.27 bln
US-TECH Summary
Israel suspects Qaeda or Hezbollah in Jordan blast
Six al Qaeda militants killed in Yemen air strike
|
Berlusconi corruption judges reject bid to start again
JP Morgan posts $3.27 bln 4th quarter net profit
China plays down Google dispute but U.S. concerned
U.S. to send formal message to China on Google case
Magnitude 5.4 quake shakes Venezuela coast town
|
Kenyan police, people clash with Muslim protesters
|
Guinea's Camara to stay abroad, two proposed for PM
|
Few home comforts in Haiti's sidewalk quake camps
|
Texas board debates high school history standards
Lacker: recovery must be rooted before rate hikes
Police force first Mr Gay China pageant to close
Wall St sets bar higher for IBM in 2010 after rally
|
1 teen pleads guilty in Fla. woman's burning
U.S. texting raises $10 million and counting for Haiti
|
Obama: America won't abandon neighbor in distress
Sushi-loving Japan fears push for tuna export ban
INSIDE WASHINGTON: Secret Senate digs proliferate
Court asked to allow prosecution for sexting
|
AP Source: Man arrested in airplane bomb threat
China wins transparency praise with missile test
Veteran pleads guilty in VA hospital threat case
Google, Verizon file joint Internet remarks with FCC
|
NKorea plays sanctions card in nuclear standoff
Witness testifies kids do fine with gay parents
US missile strike kills 5 in NW Pakistan: officials
Juniper confirms cyber attack after Google case
|
APNewsBreak: AP sources: Obama to Massachusetts
Leap close to hiring bank for strategic options: report
|
This MLK holiday, work has begun on memorial in DC
US to complain to Chinese about Google hacking
Pakistan Taliban chief tape emerges post-strike
Suspected rebels kill 6 police, driver in India
German FM talks Internet freedom on China visit
Indian foreign minister arrives in Nepal for talks
China faces tough challenge over Google dispute
TCS profit surges 39 pct on volume growth
Indian group likely to bid for Hollywood icon MGM
'Avatar' eyes awards season gold at Golden Globes
Johnson & Johnson Elevates Scope Of Tylenol Recall
Lady Gaga cancels show, cites exhaustion
|
NASA Finds Cocaine Near Space Shuttle Discovery
Jackie Chan aims at families with Spy Next Door
|
Red Cross Texting Campaign Raises $8M For Haiti Quake Victims
Americans Being Evacuated From Haiti, However Thousands Not Accounted For
Want To Volunteer In Haiti? Ask Aid Groups, Not Airlines
Haitian relief telethon to grace several networks
Show's not over yet for Idol Internet sensation
E Street Band's Clarence Clemons has back surgery
`Nine,' `Basterds,' `Avatar' lead Critics' Choice
Claudia Schiffer pregnant with third child
|
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Jackie Chan aims at families with "Spy Next Door"
Claudia Schiffer pregnant with third child
Indian group likely to bid for Hollywood icon MGM
Kandi takes advantage of 'Housewives' success
Gritty teen drama breaks taboos in Russia
Two NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Ukraine hopefuls in final push for embittered voters
Haiti says 200,000 may be dead, violence looms
|
Technology comes to the aid of Haiti
Judge urged to deny Polanski sentence in absentia bid
Three al Qaeda militants captured in Yemen: source
|
Afghan parliament set to vote on second cabinet list
Hershey to bid at least 17.9 bln dlrs for Cadbury
Karzai faces new rejection of Afghan cabinet
|
Yahoo knew of attacks before Google, kept mum
Bomber kills two soldiers in Pakistani Kashmir
|
U.S. texting raises $11 million for Haiti
NATO, Afghan troops fire on Afghan crowd wounding five
|
Japan's Ozawa vows to stay after aides arrested
|
Wall St sets bar higher for IBM in 2010 after rally
Campaigners call for cancellation of Haiti's debts
|
Venezuela announces new finance minister, wage rise
|
Mexico army hands control to police in drug war city
|
Bing posts modest US search market gain in December
Court asked to allow prosecution for "sexting"
Guinea's Camara to stay abroad, two proposed for PM
|
iTablet scavenger hunt raises Apple hackles
Google, Verizon file joint Internet remarks with FCC
Blast in Pakistani Kashmir kills two
Thai king endorses cabinet reshuffle
Malaysia to summon US ambassador over terror alert
Suspicious airplane passenger questioned in Mich.
Malaysia plays down risks after US advisory on Borneo
Off-duty officer shot at Philly movie theater
Japan, S. Korea rebuff N. Korea proposal for peace treaty
Yahoo knew of attacks before Google, kept mum
|
SKorea confirms new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth
Johnson & Johnson issues massive recall of Tylenol
U.S. texting raises $11 million for Haiti
|
Japan's Ozawa vows to stay after aides arrested
Global minimum and maximum temperatures
Intel earnings good for sector despite selloff
|
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
US releases names of 645 detainees in Afghanistan
Thousands join Armstrong's 'Twitter ride'
Denver Post owner plans prepackaged Ch. 11 filing
Mo. sheriff alleges gang leader wanted him killed
Haitians in country illegally can stay
Hollywood stars lead Haitian quake charity drive
Filming in Hollywood slumps as recession bites
Taiwan fund may unload stocks next 3 mths
JAL, Delta reach deal over tie-up: report
"Hurt Locker" a blast at Critics Choice Awards
Sandra Bullock gives $1 million to Haiti relief
2010 could be busy year for digital music mergers
Hurt Locker a blast at Critics Choice Awards
|
Courts to rule on fan-created music videos
Hollywood stars lead Haitian quake charity drive
|
NBC's talk show wars seen as PR disaster for all
|
Roman Polanski judge urged to reject sentence in absentia
Guests for the Sunday TV news shows
Britain gets fourth Michelin three-starred restaurant
Hollywood stars lead Haitian quake charity drive
Roman Polanski judge urged to reject sentence in absentia
|
2010 could be busy year for digital music mergers
|
Willie Nelson teams with T Bone Burnett
Willie Nelson teams with T Bone Burnett
|
Courts to rule on fan-created music videos
|
Earth's Magnetic North Pole Marching Toward Siberia At 37 Miles Per Year
Average Temperature In U.K. For First Weeks Of January Dips To Minus 2.1 Degree
Man Repossesses Car With Baby In Backseat, Stranger To Help Mom Pay Loan
Pope Meets, Forgives Woman Who Knocked Him Down
Study: Quarter Of Adolescent Girls Involved In Serious Fights Over The Past Year
Israeli Police Arrest Cult Leader With 17 Wives, 37 Children
Winnipeg Police Association Seeks Paid Time Off For Physical Exercise
Iraq says it captures man who oversaw UN bombing
Obama defends banking fee
Iraq to hold first full census since '87 in October
Britain rules out copying US bank tax plan
Iraqi former pilot accused in 2003 U.N. bombing
|
Tehran court to issue French academic verdict
Expectations low for big powers' meeting on Iran
Hershey eyes $17.9 bln bid for Cadbury: report
Expectations low for big powers' meeting on Iran
|
Six powers to mull new Iran sanctions in New York
Kenya to deport Muslim cleric without delay
|
Church votes not to elect Britain's first female bishop
|
Yahoo pulled into Google fracas, Alibaba slams comments
|
Rum bottle thrown at Malaysia mosque amid tension
Nokia says to defend against Apple filing to ITC
|
Another church in Malaysia vandalised: spokesman
State Department Launches 'Person Finder' Tool In Website To Find Loved Ones In Haiti
US, Norway deny funding Sri Lanka opposition
Obama confident bank tax plan will pass Congress
Swine Flu Death Toll Tops 11,000 In U.S.
Status of Afghan president's Cabinet picks
Obama enlists former presidents for Haiti effort
Duck Hunters Trigger False Alarm At Texas Nuke Weapons Assembly Plant
Analysis: Obama tied to health bill's fate
State Department, FBI Update Mug Shot Of Bin Laden
Japan veteran lawmaker won't quit despite scandal
U.S. Charges Drug Giant Johnson & Johnson In Kickback Scheme
At least 8 Afghan Cabinet nominees rejected
China discovered 5 bln tonnes of iron ore in 2009
World powers meet over fresh Iran sanctions
Analysis: Senate race underscores voter anger
Obama still seeking Chinese help on many fronts
Final frantic run for health care
Bali victim's father questions Washington trial
Alibaba says Yahoo 'reckless' on Google stance
China found five billion tonnes of iron last year: govt
Taiwan to allow Chinese investment in bourse
Pakistani c.bank buys 105 bln rupees of govt paper
U. of Penn receives papers of author Chaim Potok
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights