Japan opposition chief Ozawa announces resignation

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-05-11 16:44

Japan's main opposition leader from the Democratic Party of Japan, Ichiro Ozawa, in Tokyo. Ozawa, under fire over a political donations scandal, has told officials from his party that he plans to resign, broadcaster NHK has reported. [Agencies]

TOKYO -- Japan's opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa, under fire over a political donations scandal, on Monday announced his resignation as head of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).

"In order to strengthen our party unity for a victory in the upcoming general elections and for a change of government, I have decided to sacrifice myself and resign as DPJ leader," Ozawa told a televised news conference.