The Democratic Party of Japan and its coalition partner, Kokumin Shinto (People's New Party), agreed Tuesday to hold question-and-answer sessions in the Diet beginning Jan. 26 in response to key policy speeches by Prime Minister Naoto Kan and three Cabinet ministers, lawmakers of the parties said.

Kan, Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda and economy and fiscal policy minister Kaoru Yosano will deliver policy addresses Monday when the regular Diet session convenes.

Interpellations in connection with their speeches will be held Jan. 26 and 27 in the Lower House and Jan. 27 and 28 in the Upper House.