ニュース 2010/03/11 Koshiishi expresses intent to set up discussion forum On March 11, the Chair of the DPJ Caucus in the House of Councillors Azuma Koshiishi held his regular press conference inside the Diet Koshiishi first reported on developments in the Diet, saying, “We will pass the budget and ...work toward the realization of major policies such as the child allowance and making high school education free. The Committee on Budget, tasked with this goal, is at the moment running smoothly, thanks to the cooperation of the opposition parties.” Koshiishi was asked for his opinion on the fact that the LDP viewed in a negative light the establishment of a discussion forum between the ruling and opposition parties on the theme of politics and money. He said, “New Komeito suggested this, and it appeared that the [proposal] was accepted, and agreement was initially reached to start discussions on wiping out the root cause [of the politics and money issue], but talks have reached a standstill. The DPJ would like if possible to include the LDP as planned, and there is no change in our intention of moving to establish the forum as soon as possible.”