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M. Continuo

Japan opposition adviser confirms leader to resign


    TOKYO (Reuters) - An opposition party adviser confirmed on Monday that leader Ichiro Ozawa will resign after a fundraising scandal that has clouded the party's prospects in a looming election.

    "He made a wise, respectable decision," senior Democratic Party lawmaker Kozo Watanabe told reporters.

    A political stalemate and voters' frustrations with Prime Minister Taro Aso had raised the chances Ozawa would lead his Democratic Party to victory in an election that must be held by October, but the party's lead had faded after the scandal.

    (Reporting by Chisa Fujioka; Editing by Rodney Joyce)