Okada to become DPJ secretary general

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TOKYO, May 17 Kyodo -
Yukio Hatoyama, the new president of the main opposition Democratic Party of
Japan, told reporters Sunday that he has decided to appoint Vice President
Katsuya Okada as secretary general of the party and former leader Ichiro Ozawa
as acting president in charge of election strategy.
Hatoyama served as the party's secretary general before winning the party
presidential election Saturday, defeating Okada.
Two other acting presidents -- Naoto Kan and Azuma Koshiishi -- will remain in
their posts, Hatoyama said.
The new DPJ leadership will consist of the five lawmakers and the party will
definitely bring about a regime change, Hatoyama said.
A senior party lawmaker described the new leadership, which will be approved at
a general meeting of DPJ lawmakers on Monday, as an ''expanded troika.''
On Okada, the new DPJ leader said, ''Mr. Okada put up a good fight in the
presidential election. It is important to secure party unity as many DPJ
supporters nationwide and lawmakers favor Mr. Okada.''
Hatoyama added, ''Mr. Ozawa has won one election after another to enhance the
basis of the DPJ. I expect him to continue assuming the role in overseeing
elections.''
==Kyodo