Japan PM denies preferential treatment to friendJuly 24, 2017 - 16:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his ratings sinking over a suspected cronyism scandal, on Monday, July 24 said he had never instructed officials to give preferential treatment to a long-time friend, adding that the latter had never sought favours, Reuters reports. Abe and his aides have repeatedly denied intervening to help Kake Gakuen, an educational institution whose director, Kotaro Kake, is a friend of the prime minister, win approval for a veterinary school in a special economic zone. Abe's support has plunged below 30 percent in some opinion polls, hit by the suspected scandal and a perception among many voters that his administration is taking them for granted. The slump is encouraging rivals and casting doubt on Abe's prospects of becoming Japan's longest-serving prime minister by winning a third three-year term when his current tenure ends in September 2018. Abe told a special session of parliament's lower house budget committee that it was not surprising the public had doubts, given that Kake had been his friend since they were students, but added that Kake had "never once" sought favours. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |