OSAKA -- Osaka municipal officials said Monday that the city will continue to provide financial support for schools affiliated with the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryun), despite calls for the policy to be reconsidered.

The measure was included in a package of administrative steps aimed at meeting the needs of the city's foreign resident community.

The package was drawn up in response to proposals on improving city services submitted by 22 foreigners and four organizations surveyed by the municipal government late last year.