TOKYO. Aug 7: New Japanese Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa. promising a cabinet the people want, sat down with his new partners tn the ruling coalition today Io finalise, the government team, reports Reuter.

Hosokawa, whose election late on Friday ended 38 years of unbroken rule by the scandal mired Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), opened talks with his coalition partners to draw up a list expected to include all the alliance chiefs

Excluding Hosokawa, they are the heads of seven parties from LDP splinter groups to the socialists and including a union organisation

This Is the start of coalition rule and I think (each alliance partner) should be represented." Hosokawa told reporters today. "Were not going to be like the. LDP which Just doled out posts (like rewards for loyalty) ... the suitability and ability of the candidates will be considered carefully'.

'My alm now is to create a cabinet that lives up to the expectations of the people. It's not final yet ... but the line-up will • include capable lawmakers (from my coalition), women and private citizens."

Hosokawa said an early meeting with US President Bill Clinton was at the top of his international agenda.

'It could be tn September if I'm able to attend the UN

General Assembly session or tn November, when a summit meeting (of leaders of the Asia Pacific region) la scheduled tn Seattle,' he said as he headed for his first full day at the Prime Minister's residence.

AFP adds: The Untied States wants to work with new Japanese Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa to build good relations with Japan. White House Press Secretary Dee Dex- Myers said Friday

She said there are currently no ‘concrete plans' for President Clinton to meet with the Prime Minister, though she assured they would meet in the future.