Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Friday ruled out any plan to call a general election in the near future, placing the implementation of his structural reform programs at the forefront.

"I have said I want lawmakers to think about how to implement reforms, not worry about an election," Koizumi said. "I am not thinking about dissolving (the House of Representatives) for a general election at the moment."

While a general election does not need be held until 2004, the prime minister can dissolve the Lower House at any time by calling a snap election.

Koizumi also said he has no immediate plans to change the ministers in his Cabinet or the three main executives of his Liberal Democratic Party. But he said he will be flexible about other personnel changes.

"I will not change the ministers or the three executives," he said. "But concerning other personnel changes, I think it is all right to create a structure in which the party can cooperate effectively and put those willing and able into appropriate posts."

Koizumi's comments are believed to be aimed at senior vice ministerial posts held by lawmakers. Any changes will be discussed in a meeting with top five LDP executives Jan. 4, he said.

Koizumi also repeated his plan to prepare legislation on Japan's response to a military attack, adding that last week's shootout between an unidentified ship and Japanese patrol boats was a wakeup call for the public on the possible dangers facing the nation.

"I think the fact that a suspicious ship was found in seas near Japan while engaging in strange actions, with intentions that are beyond the Japanese people's imagination, made people recognize that we should think of emergency situations in normal times," Koizumi said. "I plan to deal positively with the issue of making a safe Japan and establishing a society in which we can feel at ease."

Discussions surrounding the legislation, according to Koizumi, should be held in a way that can be easily understood by the public.

The legislation should be comprehensive and not dealt with in fragments depending on the ministry or agency involved, he added.

Studies on the legislation have been conducted since 1977 in three categories: one concerning issues involving the Defense Agency, one on matters that come under the supervision of other ministries, and the third concerning issues where it is unclear which ministry is in charge.