Noda warns against early general election

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda delivers his policy speech at an extra session of the Lower House of parliament in Tokyo Oct 29, 2012. Noda made clear on Monday he is in no rush to go to the polls, speaking of unfinished business and the risk of a "political vacuum" in a speech likely to anger the opposition, which has been urging him to keep a promise to call an election soon.[Photo/Agencies]

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Monday warned against opposition party's call for a early general election as the extraordinary diet session convened.

In an opening address at the parliament, Noda asked for cooperation from the opposition bloc to pass key bills and used the phrase "responsibility for tomorrow" for about 20 times in his speech.

Support from the opposition is necessary for passage of any legislation, as the current ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lacks a majority in the House of Councillors.  

The main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and its ally the New Komeito party have said that they will not work with the DPJ unless Noda pledges to call an election by the end of this year.

But Noda did not specify when he would dissolve the more powerful lower house for a general election.

The diet session will run through November 30.