The government hopes Sadako Ogata, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, will become the new foreign minister, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda indicated Thursday, adding that the post Makiko Tanaka was fired from should be filled by today.
Asked to comment on the possibility of Ogata taking the post, Fukuda told a regular news conference, "If she could accept, I am sure she will bring her diplomatic skills into full play."
The top government spokesman said the Cabinet of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will try to make a decision by today, although he suggested that formal appointment of the new minister could be delayed until next week.