WASHINGTON (Kyodo) The United States is disheartened by Sunday's abrupt resignation of Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara for accepting illegal donations, as he was seen as the front-runner to succeed embattled Prime Minister Naoto Kan amid many challenges, including the stalled U.S. base relocation in Okinawa.
State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters, "We obviously have an alliance, and we'll work with the government of Japan."
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton had several meetings with Maehara and the U.S. government appreciates his contribution to the bilateral relationship, Crowley said.