During his press conference in Tokyo today during which he presented his reasons for resigning from the post of Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe said that one of the major reasons was the rejection by Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa of his overtures to hold discussions over continuation of Japans Maritime Self-Defense Force’s refueling operations in the Indian Ocean in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

“Negotiations among the government, the ruling parties and opposition parties should be conducted in a manner visible to the public. Discussions in the Diet session will be enough [to exchange views between the two sides over the dispute],” the DPJ leader said at a press conference.

Ozawa also dismissed as unrealistic the ruling camp’s idea of drawing up a bill to replace the Antiterrorism Law, which will expire Nov. 1, and getting it approved by the House of Representatives for a second time if it is rejected by the House of Councillors.

“The results of July’s upper house election are the most recent wishes of the people. I believe it’ll be very difficult [for the bill] to be passed for a second time [by the lower house with the approval of two-thirds or more of its members],” he said.

Ozawa said he would oppose the bill, arguing that the Self-Defense Forces’ assistance for activities conducted by U.S. forces would unmistakably amount to the exercise of the right to collective self-defense.

Some pundits are speculating that Taro Aso may be next in line for the Prime Minister post.