Japan’s reconstruction minister quits
July 5th, 2011 - 1:38 pm ICT by IANSTokyo, July 5 (IANS) A Japanese minister in charge of reconstruction resigned Tuesday reportedly over his “high-handed” remarks with governors of two tsunami-hit areas, Xinhua reported.
The 60-year-old Reconstruction Minister Ryu Matsumoto’s resignation came after his remarks at a meeting with governors of Iwate and Miyagi prefectures Sunday were widely criticized.
The prefectures were hit by a devastating earthquake and a tsunami in March in which thousands died.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan had appointed him as reconstruction minister about a week ago.
He has been in charge of the programmes to remove debris and deliver aid to tens of thousands affected by the disasters.
Matsumoto served earlier as environment minister.
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Tags: debris, devastating earthquake, disasters, environment minister, governors, iwate, japanese minister, matsumoto, miyagi, naoto kan, prefectures, prime minister, reconstruction, resignation, ryu, tens of thousands, tokyo, tsunami, tsunami hit areas, xinhua