TOKYO Shinzo Abe took office Wednesday for a third term as Japan's prime minister, appointing a former military officer as his defense minister but keeping the other members of his previous Cabinet.

Parliament re-elected Abe after his Liberal Democratic Party won a renewed mandate in a Dec. 14 snap election that the prime minister said was needed for him to carry out further economic and political reforms.

Abe said economic recovery is vital to achieving his key policy goals such as stronger national security and carrying out the most drastic reforms of the economy since World War II.

"My commitment to protecting public safety, lives and happiness is unchanged," Abe said in a late night news conference "We must, of course, deal with many issues, but nothing can be accomplished without a strong economy."

Gen Nakatani, Abe's new defense minister, headed the Defense Agency in 2001-2002 under former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, before it won full-fledged ministry status. A graduate of the National Defense Academy, he attained a rank of first lieutenant before leaving the military.

Nakatani favors a stronger role for the military, which is constrained by the country's commitment to pacifism under the constitution drafted by the American occupation forces following Japan's defeat in World War II.

Nakatani said Abe specifically asked him to tackle "national security in order to protect Japanese territory, the people's lives and properties."

This time, "I feel more strongly about my responsibility," he said. "Japan's security environment has changed, and we must fortify our national security."

Nakatani's predecessor, Akinori Eto, was one of several ministers whose political funding reports were questioned by opposition lawmakers during the recent parliamentary session. Two resigned their Cabinet posts but were re-elected anyway.

Abe favors revising the constitution as part of his effort to fortify Japan's military, after already revising policies to allow the defense forces to aid allies if they come under attack under a policy dubbed "collective self-defense." Analysts said Abe likely wanted a stronger figure to help handle anticipated fierce questioning over defense-related issues in upcoming parliamentary debates.

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Japan parliament preparing to re-elect Abe as prime minister

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed a former soldier and security veteran as his new defense minister, as he prepares to push through legislation to toughen the countrys military stance amid a dispute with China.

Gen Nakatani, 57, was appointed to the post today, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters in Tokyo. All other cabinet members will remain in their current posts, Suga said.

He served as head of the defense agency in 2001-2002 before it was upgraded to a ministry in 2007. He was the first former military official to reach that position, having served for about five years in the Ground Self-Defense Force before entering politics.

He is a former member of the self-defense forces, so he understands security from the ground level and he has been closely involved in policy issues, said Tetsuo Kotani, senior research fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs in Tokyo. I wouldnt categorize him either as a hawk or a dove. I would say hes a realist.

The replacement of Akinori Eto, who was criticized in parliament in October over alleged financial impropriety, comes as Abe seeks to pass a series of bills to back up his reinterpretation of the pacifist constitution. Polls show the change, which allows Japan to defend other countries, is unpopular with the public.

Shinzo Abe, president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), center, is applauded as he is re-elected Japan's prime minister at the lower house of the Diet in Tokyo on Dec. 24, 2014. Close

Shinzo Abe, president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), center, is applauded as he... Read More

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Shinzo Abe, president of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), center, is applauded as he is re-elected Japan's prime minister at the lower house of the Diet in Tokyo on Dec. 24, 2014.

This is to ensure the security of the Japanese people, Nakatani wrote on his website on the legislation. The understanding and support of the people is needed above all.

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Abe Brings in Former Soldier Nakatani as Defense Minister

By Elaine Kurtenbach The Associated Press

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrives at his official residence in Tokyo Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014. Japan was preparing Wednesday to name Abe to his next term in office following his party's victory in a Dec. 14 snap election. Abe's Cabinet disbanded early in the day as a ritual first step. The parliament was to convene in the afternoon to elect Abe as prime minister. Abe is due to then appoint a new cabinet. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)

TOKYO Japans parliament re-elected Shinzo Abe on Wednesday to serve another term as prime minister after his party won a snap election earlier this month.

Abe won 328 votes out of the 470 cast by lawmakers in a special session of the lower house Wednesday. Since the ruling Liberal Democrats hold only two lower house seats, two other lawmakers also cast votes for Abe.

Following a similar vote by the upper house, Abe will name his cabinet, replacing only his defence minister. The cabinet members are then to be presented in a formal ceremony to Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace.

The victory by the ruling Liberal Democrats and their coalition partner the Komei Party was viewed as an endorsement by the public of Abes strategies for reviving Japans stagnant economy, despite a record low turnout.

Former Defence Minister Akinori Eto was among cabinet ministers appointed in a reshuffle in early September. He was one of several ministers whose political funding reports were questioned by opposition lawmakers during the recent parliamentary session. Two resigned their cabinet posts but were re-elected anyway.

The questions over political finance pulled Abes popularity ratings lower and were likely a factor in his decision to call the snap election.

Analysts said Etos handling of the questions was seen as too weak, and that Abe planned to appoint a stronger figure to help handle anticipated fierce questioning over defence-related issues in the next years parliamentary debate.

Local media said Gen Nakatani was viewed as the likely replacement for Eto. Nakatani served as defence minister under former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and supports a stronger role for Japans military, which is constrained by the countrys commitment to pacifism under the constitution drafted by the American occupation forces following Japans defeat in World War II.

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Japan parliament re-elects Abe as prime minister

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New Mexico Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson was appointed secretary of the Children, Youth and Families Department on Monday by Gov. Susana Martinez. She will replace Yolanda Deines, who has held the post since Martinez took office in 2011. (Roberto E. Rosales/Journal)

SANTA FE Gov. Susana Martinez made more changes to her Cabinet on Monday, including shifting the states tourism chief to the helm of the Children, Youth and Families Department. One Democratic legislative leader reacted with skepticism, while another praised the appointees management skills.

Preparing to begin her second term, the Republican governor said Tourism Secretary Monique Jacobson will bring a strong management background to CYFD, an agency that has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of high-profile child abuse cases.

Her strong intellect and impeccable management skills will serve the agency well, and she is a leader who is well-known for producing results, Martinez said in a statement.

Jacobson is a Taos native who worked in corporate marketing before taking a state government job. She will take the CYFD reins from Yolanda Deines, who had held the job since Martinez took office in 2011.

Senate Democratic Whip Michael Padilla of Albuquerque called the announcement a shocker and predicted Jacobson will face questions during the Senate confirmation process about relevant work experience.

I wasnt aware that she had a background in child protective services or any of the other duties of the department, said Padilla, who praised Jacobsons work at the Tourism Department. Its absolutely vital, and I think thats going to be one of her biggest challenges.

Padilla has sponsored several CYFD-related bills in recent years and said he plans to introduce legislation during the coming 60-day session that would make the department a standalone agency.

However, Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, said Jacobsons management skills likely outweigh her social work rsum, or lack of one.

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Governor picks tourism secretary to run CYFD

Tony Abbott announces his cabinet reshuffle in Canberra. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Scott Morrison will become social services minister and take charge of a families package and ongoing welfare crackdown while defence minister David Johnston has been dumped from cabinet by Tony Abbott in a bigger than expected ministerial shake-up.

The prime minister has also elevated Sussan Ley to the health and sport portfolio and into cabinet where she will become the second woman on his frontbench alongside Julie Bishop.

The current social services minister, Kevin Andrews, will move to defence and the current health minister, Peter Dutton who the prime minister described as a tough, no nonsense individual will take over immigration and border security.

Morrison was understood to have been disappointed having sought the defence portfolio in the reshuffle. In his announcement Tony Abbott stressed Morrisons role in social services would be central to the governments hopes for a political revival in the new year by putting jobs and families at the heart of our political agenda, as well as to its plans for budget repair.

The minister [is] responsible for crafting the holistic families package which will be such an important part of our political and economic agenda, Abbott said as he announced the first major changes to the ministerial arrangements since opposition.

He said Morrison would be responsible for ensuring mutual obligation was at the heart of social services policy and said targeting welfare to the vulnerable was an ongoing program Fit working-age people should be working, preferably for a wage, but if not then for the dole.

I can think of no finer advocate than Scott Morrison, he is the master of difficult policy as he has abundantly demonstrated in all but stopping the boats over the last 15 months, Abbott said. He is also a very decent human being.

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Tony Abbott cabinet reshuffle moves Scott Morrison out of immigration

You are here: Home > Proper cabinet reshuffle looms December 19, 2014 in News

PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe is likely to reshuffle cabinet soon after returning from his annual holiday in the Far East, despite last weeks changes, which will see several ministers and their deputies, most of whom are linked to former vice-president Joice Mujuru, dumped. Faith Zaba/ Elias Mambo

The reshuffle which will follow last weeks replacement of dismissed pro-Mujuru ministers would likely see First Lady Grace Mugabe enter cabinet as Womens Affairs and Gender Development minister, taking over from Oppah Muchinguri. Mugabe did not appoint anyone to the portfolio when he announced new cabinet ministers last week despite initially drafting in Victoria Chitepo before she was inexplicably dropped.

Muchinguri was reassigned to the Ministry of Higher Education, replacing Olivia Muchena who was dismissed together with Mujuru and seven other ministers, accused of plotting to topple and assassinate Mugabe.

Senior government sources said Grace was already preparing to take up the post as she has ordered department heads from the ministry to submit reports to her.

The First Lady is preparing to take up the post. She has told all department heads to submit reports related to programmes and staffing to her, which they have done, he said.

Grace cant wait to come in. The norm has been that the party secretary for Womens Affairs is appointed Minister of Womens Affairs.

Grace was recently confirmed as the Womens League boss at the just-ended congress (December 2-7), making her the most powerful woman in the ruling party after the recent ejection of Mujuru from the politburo and government.

Constitutional expert Lovemore Madhuku said Mugabe has to drop one of his five appointees in order to accommodate Grace.

According to the constitution, ministers or deputy ministers are supposed to be members of parliament; however the president has the leeway to appoint five individuals into parliament.

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Proper cabinet reshuffle looms

Arthur Sinodinos has told the Prime Minister he is resigning as Assistant Treasurer, paving the way for Tony Abbott to reshuffle his Cabinet.

Senator Sinodinos stood aside from his ministerial duties in March after being called before the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

He was questioned about his former role as a director of Australian Water Holdings (AWH), which ICAC has been investigating over corruption allegations.

At the time, Mr Abbott indicated he expected Senator Sinodinos to resume his duties once the ICAC case had concluded.

But the report from ICAC has been delayed from January 2015 to March, which Senator Sinodinos said he was "extremely disappointed" about.

"I believe I'll be vindicated in terms of no corrupt conduct or illegality and I look forward to those reports coming out in due course but, as I've said, that could be some time yet," he said.

In recent weeks, he had been discussing his position with Mr Abbott and Liberal Party federal director Brian Loughnane.

"The Prime Minister has advised me that I cannot resume ministerial duties until the ICAC matters are completed and reported upon," Senator Sinodinos said.

"On that point the Prime Minister and I agree.

"We, as a government, need to have a full-time assistant treasurer, so it was by mutual agreement that I should resign.

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Arthur Sinodinos resigns as Assistant Treasurer, paving way for possible Cabinet reshuffle

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By Chusa Sichone

CABINET has asked Acting President Guy Scott to resign from his position with immediate effect.

Fourteen Cabinet ministers have since asked Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska and the Attorney General Musa Mwenye to convene an emergency meeting which will discuss Dr Scott's replacement.

The ministers include Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda, Home Affairs' Ngosa Simbyakula, Defence and Justice Minister Edgar Lungu, Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba, Gender and Child Development Minister Inonge Wina and Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma.

Others are Labour and Social Security Minister Fackson Shamenda, Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata, Health Minister Joseph Kasonde, Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Childhood Education Minister John Phiri and Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo.

Mr Kalaba, who spoke on behalf of the group during a media briefing at his office, said following the death of President Michael Sata, the transition had been led by Dr Scott in a "dangerous and haphazard manner."

"We urge Dr Scott to immediately resign from his position as Acting Republican President on moral grounds. As Cabinet ministers, we have decided to express a clear vote-of-no-confidence in his leadership and in his ability to carry out the remaining duration of the transition," Mr Kalaba said.

He further accused Dr Scott of leading the transition process without due regard for peace, security, unity and stability that Zambia was renowned for.

The 14 Cabinet ministers have since unreservedly apologised to the nation for affirming that Dr Scott should act as President during the October 29, 2014 Cabinet meeting, adding that the confidence and trust they reposed in Dr Scott was totally misplaced.

The ministers accused Dr Scott of repeatedly abusing their confidence and trust, as well as persistently working against the Patriotic Front (PF).

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Zambia: Guy Scott Rejects Resignation Call

Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday replaced longtime Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey with the head of the Capitol Police.

No explanation was immediately given for the change by the governor's office or the FDLE.

The governor's office issued a release in which Scott announced the appointment of Rick Swearingen as the interim commissioner.

The release briefly thanked Bailey for his service.

"He has been a terrific leader in our law enforcement community," Scott said of Bailey.

Bailey was appointed commissioner by former Gov. Jeb Bush and the state Cabinet on Dec. 5, 2006.

The change came as Scott revamps his leadership team in preparation for the Jan. 6 start of his second term.

Also Tuesday, Scott appointed Chad Poppell, chief of staff for the state Department of Economic Opportunity, as the new secretary of the Florida Department of Management Services.

Like with the FDLE change, the governor's office gave no explanation for Poppell's replacement of outgoing Secretary Craig Nichols.

Bailey, once a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper, served with the FDLE as deputy executive director, director of the Division of Criminal Investigation, inspector general, chief of crime laboratories and a special agent before taking the helm of the agency, which employs about 1,700 people with an annual budget topping $300 million.

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Gerald Bailey replaced as FDLE gets interim leader