The United Nations is seeking Japan's continued support for humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and other countries, despite tight fiscal conditions, a top visiting U.N. official said Tuesday.

Kenzo Oshima, U.N. undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs, praised Japan for making quick decisions on support measures, such as offering to cover a 20 percent share of a $650 million U.N. emergency appeal for Afghanistan, pledging $300 million in assistance to Pakistan, and passing a special antiterrorism law.

"We are very pleased with Japan's efforts in doing what it can do and offering timely support," Oshima told a news conference at the Japan National Press Club.

However, he stressed that Afghanistan needs long-term support, and that the U.N. expects Japan to play a vital role as the second-biggest contributor to the organization after the United States.

"Even though Japan is in a tight fiscal situation . . . I hope that Japan can increase (assistance) to where it can, as it stands in a position to play a big role."

Oshima is visiting Tokyo to announce a $2.5 billion U.N. appeal for 2002, launched on Monday in New York by Secretary General Kofi Annan. The money is intended to help 33 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and 17 other countries and regions.

While media attention is focused on Afghanistan, Oshima stressed that humanitarian assistance to other countries, such as Somalia, Angola and Sudan, is desperately needed.

"Those who made it to refugees camps are better off," Oshima said. "What we are targeting in this appeal is people who are too weak to move . . . who would be dying without our assistance."