Japan Noda: expects finmin Fujii to attend parliament

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TOKYO Jan 5 (Reuters) - Japanese Deputy Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda said he expects Finance Minister Hirohisa Fujii to attend the coming parliament session, denying speculation that health problems would force him to step down.

"Fujii is likely to take some rest and recover from his health problems," Noda told reporters. "I expect him to participate in parliament deliberations and intend to support the minister."

Fujii, 77, said earlier Tuesday that he was waiting for test results after being hospitalised last week suffering from exhaustion, and would decide whether to stay on before parliament convenes later this month. [ID:nT360423] (Reporting by Rie Ishiguro)