Azuma Koshiishi, the new secretary general of the Democratic Party of Japan, said he still believes Ichiro Ozawa's suspension should be lifted.
"I have been claiming that no punishment is needed. I haven't changed my mind," Koshiishi, 75, told the Japan Times and other media organizations in a group interview at the ruling party's headquarters in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.
"But under democratic rule, everyone participates to reach an agreement. So if all (members) think the suspension should be imposed, then we should follow that. If necessary, we can discuss and consider reviewing" the punishment, he said.