April 5, 2000

New Cabinet under Prime Minister Mori in Office

Amidst the many important domestic and international problems, the rapid move to form a new cabinet without causing a political vacuum in the face of the unfortunate recent event should be welcomed.

The mission and overriding concern of the previous Obuchi government had been to rebuild the economy, and its economic recovery policies were beginning to be successful. Under Prime Minister Mori, we hope that the members of the new cabinet will join forces in a commitment to put the economic recovery course pursued by the previous government on more solid ground.

Our most heartfelt hopes for an early recovery go out to former Prime Minister Obuchi in his serious illness.