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Japan finance minister steps down Japan finance minister steps down
(about 1 hour later)
Japan's Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa has resigned, amid claims that he was drunk at a recent G7 meeting.Japan's Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa has resigned, amid claims that he was drunk at a recent G7 meeting.
Mr Nakagawa said earlier that he would wait until parliament had approved a supplementary budget to step down.Mr Nakagawa said earlier that he would wait until parliament had approved a supplementary budget to step down.
But he brought forward his departure after calls for his immediate exit escalated.But he brought forward his departure after calls for his immediate exit escalated.
He has apologised for his behaviour at last weekend's news conference in Rome but blamed cold remedies for a slurred performance there. Prime Minister Taro Aso said he respected Mr Nakagawa's decision and named Economics Minister Kaoru Yosano to take over the finance portfolio.
Mr Nakagawa apologised for "causing such a big fuss" and told journalists: "I decided that it would be better for the country if I quit."
He has already apologised for his behaviour at last weekend's news conference in Rome but blamed cold remedies for a slurred performance there. He made a difficult choice, and I respect his decision Prime Minister Taro Aso
He said he had not drunk more than a sip of alcohol before facing the media.He said he had not drunk more than a sip of alcohol before facing the media.
"I have resigned," Mr Nakagawa told journalists. "I decided that it would be better for the country if I quit."
He apologised for "causing such a big fuss".
Prime Minister Taro Aso had accepted his resignation and Kaoru Yosano was expected to take on his portfolio, Kyodo news agency said.
Mr Nakagawa's departure is seen as a major blow to Mr Aso's government in an election year.Mr Nakagawa's departure is seen as a major blow to Mr Aso's government in an election year.
The prime minister was already facing plummeting support; a poll by broadcaster NTV on Sunday put backing for his cabinet at 9.7%.The prime minister was already facing plummeting support; a poll by broadcaster NTV on Sunday put backing for his cabinet at 9.7%.
Voters are worried both about the economy and Mr Aso's leadership credentials in the wake of a series of gaffes, analysts say.Voters are worried both about the economy and Mr Aso's leadership credentials in the wake of a series of gaffes, analysts say.
'Embarrassing''Embarrassing'
The news conference in Rome followed a meeting of finance ministers focussing on the current world economic crisis.The news conference in Rome followed a meeting of finance ministers focussing on the current world economic crisis.
Footage showed Mr Nakagawa slurring his speech and closing his eyes repeatedly as if he was dozing off.Footage showed Mr Nakagawa slurring his speech and closing his eyes repeatedly as if he was dozing off.
At one point, he mistook a question aimed at the governor of the Bank of Japan as one intended for him.At one point, he mistook a question aimed at the governor of the Bank of Japan as one intended for him.
"It's embarrassing," said Democratic Party Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama. "This has sent a message to the whole world. He's damaged the national interest.""It's embarrassing," said Democratic Party Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama. "This has sent a message to the whole world. He's damaged the national interest."
He explained that he had sipped wine at a luncheon toast on the day of the news conference, but had not consumed an entire glass.He explained that he had sipped wine at a luncheon toast on the day of the news conference, but had not consumed an entire glass.
He said he had taken too much medicine, including cold remedy, and that had made him drowsy.He said he had taken too much medicine, including cold remedy, and that had made him drowsy.
Mr Nakagawa has denied reports - including the view of a former prime minister - that he is a regular drinker.Mr Nakagawa has denied reports - including the view of a former prime minister - that he is a regular drinker.