ニュース 2011/12/09 Koshiishi speaks to reporters following close of Diet session On December 9, DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi responded to reporters’ questions inside the Diet following the close of the 179th Diet session. Asked for his opinion regarding the fact that the session had ended with several pieces of legislation, including that proposing a pay cut for national public servants, un-enacted, Koshiishi responded, “The postal reform legislation, the legislation relating to pay cuts for national public servants that you mentioned and the revision of legislation relating to dispatch workers were not enacted. That is unfortunate.” Koshiishi was asked whether he thought it necessary for Minister of Defense Yasuo Ichikawa and Minister of State for Consumer Affairs and Food Safety Kenji Yamaoka to resign after the House of Councillors had passed a censure motion against them. He answered, “Up until now, I have continued to say to you all that ‘I think it is not necessary’ [for them to resign]. I have no intention of changing my mind because a censure motion has been approved.” Asked whether there would be any impact on discussions between the ruling and opposition parties, Koshiishi said that he would continue to call actively for cooperation from the opposition.