A group of nongovernmental organizations has repeated its demand that the government review a draft guideline on official development assistance, saying the projects should be used to ensure the nation's security and prosperity.

ODA Reform Network Tokyo will continue to promote its position before the Cabinet examines the draft in late August, according to Riei Nagase, who heads its secretariat.

Nagase also expressed hope that a basic ODA law will be set up to provide a more consolidated framework to deal with ODA matters, saying it is important that a legal framework be devised.

The Foreign Ministry issued the draft early this month, saying Japan's ODA program should fund projects that contribute to "ensuring our country's security and prosperity."

Network officials said they fear the draft may undermine international efforts to eradicate poverty, hunger and other concerns covered by the Millennium Development Goals, which also aim to promote social development and environmental issues.

Japan has already seen a decrease in ODA contributions to priority countries trying to achieve the MDGs.