The ruling Liberal Democratic Party began full-scale debate Tuesday on a plan to expand its coalition government to include New Komeito — and secure a majority in the Upper House.

The move is in line with Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi's formal announcement Monday of his desire to ask New Komeito to join the current LDP-Liberal Party coalition, following a meeting senior LDP officials had with Liberal Party leader Ichiro Ozawa.

During the LDP's General Council meeting Tuesday, Secretary General Yoshiro Mori called for cooperation to enable smooth negotiations over the proposed coalition.