Former Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa accepted an earnest request Wednesday evening from Liberal Democratic Party President Keizo Obuchi to assume the post of finance minister.

Miyazawa, 78, will take charge of the critical post in Obuchi's new Cabinet as the nation remains mired in its worst recession and financial troubles in decades.

Obuchi is expected to name his new Cabinet immediately after his expected appointment as prime minister when the Diet convenes a special session today.