Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi apologized to the public Friday for recently appointed Parliamentary Vice Defense Minister Shingo Nishimura's remarks on rape and nuclear armament, which have led to Nishimura's resignation.
Government sources said Obuchi will again apologize to the nation for Nishimura's remarks in his policy speech to the Diet on Oct. 29, when an extraordinary Diet session opens.
"It was a very regrettable incident, and I apologize to the public," Obuchi said in an interview with the media at the Prime Minister's Official Residence.