TOKYO, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Monday announced the names of new Cabinet members.
Koizumi has appointed Shinzo Abe, known as a hawk in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as chief Cabinet secretary.
Abe, the grandson of former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, is famous for his tough line on North Korea over its abductions of Japanese citizens. The appointment means Abe is well placed to succeed Koizumi if he steps down as party leader next September, which he has pledged to do, the BBC reported.
The reshuffle followed Koizumi's re-election last month.
The important foreign affairs portfolio has been given to another conservative, former Home Affairs Minister Taro Aso.
Sadakazu Tanigaki, seen as one of a handful of politicians jockeying to take over from Koizumi, is to retain his post as finance minister.
Heizo Takenaka, a key figure for the ruling Liberal Democrat Party on banking reform and postal privatization, has been made minister of internal affairs, communications and postal reforms.
