Japanese gov't decides to convene extra Diet session from next Monday

TOKYO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government has formally decided to convene an extraordinary Diet session from next Monday, local media reported Tuesday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara conveyed the plan to the directors of the steering committees of both houses of the Diet, Japan's parliament, according to Kyodo News.

The extraordinary session is expected to run for 69 days through Dec. 12. Key issues will include deliberations on bills to cut the consumption tax on food products from 8 percent to 1 percent for two years starting next April, and to reduce the number of seats in the House of Representatives, which are likely to be major points of contention between the ruling and opposition camps, Jiji Press said.