Introduction
At the opening of the 151st session of the Diet, as the prime minister of Japan charged with the affairs of state as we mark the turn of the century, I would like to state my views as I once again brace myself to bear forward the burden of responsibility in this historical era.
It is extremely regrettable that I must begin my opening statement at this terribly important session of the Diet by commenting on the arrest of one of our own Diet members on suspicion of accepting bribes from the KSD Small-Medium Enterprise Owners Welfare Corp. Moreover, members of my own Cabinet have resigned as a result of this incident. More than anything else it is through stern self-discipline on the part of each and every politician that political ethics are established. I can assure you that in order to prevent the recurrence of such an incident I will redouble my vigilance and devote my utmost efforts to regaining the trust of the people.
Moreover, it is extremely regrettable that charges have been filed as a result of suspicions of misappropriation of public funds by an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for the expenses incurred by successive prime ministers making visits abroad. I view this situation with the utmost severity and I would like to express my deep apologies to the people of Japan and assure them that I will be closely watching the efforts of the investigative authorities to unravel the truth as I see to it that the government takes all necessary measures to discern the cause and to prevent any such recurrence.