TOKYO, Nov. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Japanese Defense Agency Director General Yoshinori Ono on Tuesday expressed regret over US Secretary of State Colin Powell's resignation, but emphasized thatbilateral relations would not be affected.

    "It is a pity because continuity is important in Japan-US relations," the defense chief said at a press conference in the morning.

    "But even with his resignation, I would like to continue like before to build a strong bilateral relationship," he told reporters.

    Powell announced his resignation Monday after one term under President George W. Bush, but did not elaborate on the reasons behind the decision. Powell along with three US Cabinet members joined two others who earlier stepped down, as Bush restructures his Cabinet lineup for his second term starting next January.

    Japan's political analysts said the retired four-star general'sdeparture came earlier than expected. They believed he would stay on for a while to deal with Iraq and other key outstanding issues.Enditem