Japan to turn to elder Fukuda as next prime minister
Yasuo Fukuda, a quiet compromiser who has promised to bring stability and moderation to Japan's tumultuous political scene, was elected prime minister by the country's lower house of parliament Tuesday.
The vote guaranteed Fukuda's installment as Japan's next leader. The upper house, dominated by the opposition, also was to vote later in the day, but the lower house vote will hold sway under legislature rules. Fukuda, 71, the first son of a prime minister to also serve in the post, has pledged to keep Japan as a strong US ally in the fight against terrorism, improve relations with Asia, and address growing inequalities in the world's second-largest economy. (AP)
