The lineup of newly-confirmed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo
Abe's Cabinet was announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Former Japanese Senior Vice Foreign Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki
was nominated chief Cabinet secretary in the new administration,
while former Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso was appointed to
retain his post.
According to the statement read by Shiozaki on a press
conference held in the premier's official residence, former science
and technology minister and veteran Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
lawmaker Koji Omi was named finance minister and former LDP General
Council chief Fumio Kyuma nominated Defense Agency director general
in the 17-member Cabinet.
LDP Treasury Bureau chief Yuji Yamamoto, a firm supporter of
Abe, was appointed financial services minister. Former labor
minister and LDP veteran Akira Amari was named minister of economy,
trade and industry.
Tetsuzo Fuyushiba, a senior member of the New Komeito party, the
LDP's coalition partner, was given the post of minister of land,
infrastructure and transport, the only post given by Abe to non-LDP
member.
As for other major posts, LDP lawmaker Masatoshi Wakabayashi
became environment minister, Sanae Takaichi became minister in
charge of Okinawa and Northern Territories issues, Hiroko Ota was
named minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy.
(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2006)
