Political strongman Ozawa willing to face Japan ethics panel
Ichiro Ozawa
Political strongman Ozawa willing to face Japan ethics panel
 "I think it would be a way to go  if it helps the public understand the issue " Ozawa told reporters at a regular press briefing.
 His move came as his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) prepares for a tough summer election because of the funds scandal and the public's growing disappointment with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
 Ozawa  dubbed the "Shadow Shogun" and regarded as the real power behind Hatoyama  was suspected of having played a role in manipulating the financial statements of his fund management body.
 Three of his former and current aides were arrested in connection with the case. But prosecutors earlier decided not to file criminal charges against Ozawa due to lack of evidence.
 He has pledged to stay on as the DPJ's secretary general despite growing public distrust in him.
 Investigators met Ozawa during the weekend for a fresh round of questioning after a citizens' judicial review panel said they believed the veteran politician should be indicted.
 Ozawa told the Monday press conference that nothing new had come up in his latest meeting with investigators.
 He said he had agreed to open the traditionally closed-door session should he appear before the ethics panel  "because I have not done anything wrong."
 Ozawa's decision came as the Hatoyama government's approval rating continues to sink  with elections for the upper house likely to be held in July.
Political strongman Ozawa willing to face Japan ethics panel
 "I think it would be a way to go  if it helps the public understand the issue " Ozawa told reporters at a regular press briefing.
 His move came as his ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) prepares for a tough summer election because of the funds scandal and the public's growing disappointment with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
 Ozawa  dubbed the "Shadow Shogun" and regarded as the real power behind Hatoyama  was suspected of having played a role in manipulating the financial statements of his fund management body.
 Three of his former and current aides were arrested in connection with the case. But prosecutors earlier decided not to file criminal charges against Ozawa due to lack of evidence.
 He has pledged to stay on as the DPJ's secretary general despite growing public distrust in him.
 Investigators met Ozawa during the weekend for a fresh round of questioning after a citizens' judicial review panel said they believed the veteran politician should be indicted.
 Ozawa told the Monday press conference that nothing new had come up in his latest meeting with investigators.
 He said he had agreed to open the traditionally closed-door session should he appear before the ethics panel  "because I have not done anything wrong."
 Ozawa's decision came as the Hatoyama government's approval rating continues to sink  with elections for the upper house likely to be held in July.