Aso says he has not yet made any decision on calling general election

BEIJING, Oct. 24 Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso stated Friday that he has not yet made any
decision on calling a general election and reiterated that he would concentrate
on working out economic stimulus measures.
On the chances of his dissolving the lower house for a general election, Aso
said, ''No decision has been made at all on such things. It will be done at the
best time, so I have not yet decided on a date for dissolution.''
Speaking to a group of reporters, Aso reiterated that he will put priority on
formulating policies. ''Now is not the time (to be concerned about) the
political situation over policies,'' he said.
Referring to his government's plan to work out an additional economic stimulus
package, he said, ''Bold measures must be implemented...Building up
conventional ideas will not help (working out measures) in time.''
On the soaring Japanese currency, Aso said he will not fret over it but would
be greatly concerned about wild fluctuations. He added, ''With petroleum prices
having fallen, it's not that everything is bad for Japan.''
Aso is visiting Beijing for a meeting of leaders from Asia and the European
Union scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
==Kyodo
2008-10-25 00:35:06