Kishida Sacks Scandal-Hit Internal Affairs Minister

Tokyo, Nov. 20 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday accepted the resignation of Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Minoru Terada, involved in a political funds scandal.

Kishida is believed to have forced Terada to step down, in order to avoid his scandal affecting parliamentary proceedings amid mounting criticism of Terada from opposition parties.

Terada was the third member of Kishida's cabinet to resign during the ongoing session of the Diet, Japan's parliament.

Kishida plans to appoint former Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto as Terada's successor, informed sources said. The new minister is expected to take office after an attestation ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Monday.

"I deeply apologize" for the series of resignations by ministers, Kishida told reporters after receiving Terada's resignation letter on Sunday. "I take seriously my responsibility as their appointer."

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]