Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Tuesday he intends to talk out his contentious postal privatization plan with the ruling bloc so related bills can be approved by the Diet within the current 150-day session.
Koizumi, who defied opposition from the Liberal Democratic Party, which he heads, to have his postal privatization plan approved by the Cabinet last fall -- made the statement at the House of Councilors.
"From the standpoint of what would constitute a better reform plan, I'd like to proceed with frank and thorough consultations (with the ruling coalition) from now on," Koizumi said in response to a question from Mikio Aoki, chairman of the LDP caucus in the Upper House.