Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Press Conference by Prime Minister Taro Aso
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference (1)
In the opening address, the Prime Minister explained the reason for the dissolution of the House of Representatives. He said, "Today, I, Taro Aso, decided to dissolve the House of Representatives and seek a popular mandate. This is to clarify responsibility for governing, namely which party shall safeguard Japan and the daily lives of the Japanese people."
The Prime Minister also expressed an apology, saying, "Improvident statements I have made caused mistrust among the public and damaged its confidence in politics. I have reflected deeply on this situation. This is also with regard to the disunity within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). My shortcomings have created mistrust among the public, and as the President of the party, I should like to extend my most sincere apologies."
Prime Minister Aso indicated his determination, saying, "We must provide dreams to children, hope to the young and peace of mind to the elderly. Towards that end, I declare to all of you that I will fight to the very end, standing at the helm of the LDP in which I firmly believe."
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Photograph of the Prime Minister expressing an apology to the people at a press conference
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference (3)
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