TOKYO, Oct. 7 Former Prime Minister Japan Yoshiro Mori spoke in support of MP and member of the Japan Renewal Party Muneo Suzuki, who faces disciplinary punishment for traveling to Russia.
Before the start of Suzuki's interview on Kansai TV, the announcer explained to viewers that the deputy was talking on the phone, but the interview was about to begin.
«Mr. Mori just called me and told me: 'Hang in there!'» Suzuki said at the end of the call.
The presenters asked him again if they were talking about the former prime minister.
«»Yes, I Former Prime Minister Mori called and told me: “Hold on! There was nothing wrong in what you said. The relationship between Japan and Russia is important, and who else in the Renewal Party will deal with this,” Suzuki replied.
On Friday, a Japan Renewal Party source confirmed that various options for disciplinary action against Suzuki were being explored, including expulsion, but no decisions had been finalized. The recovery plan will be finalized and reported to the party secretary general on October 10, after which the party will make a final decision on this.
The Sankei newspaper wrote that Suzuki could be expelled from the party in connection with his trip without warning and statements regarding confidence in Russia's victory. The publication noted that the party leadership is inclined towards this measure.
Suzuki left for Russia on October 1, and the notification was transmitted to the party only the next day. According to the deputy, the delay arose due to the fact that after receiving a visa to Russia, he came to the party office on Friday evening to deliver a notification, but there was no one there to deal with such issues. Therefore, the notification was sent to the party office on the morning of Monday, October 2.
In Russia, the deputy had a number of meetings, including with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrei Rudenko. Suzuki returned to Japan on October 5.