TOKYO, Aug. 2 Kyodo -- Thirteen private-sector experts, who are part of an 18-member Foreign Ministry panel on Japan's official development assistance (ODA) policies, called on the ministry Friday to not slash ODA appropriations in the budget for the next fiscal year.

''We are concerned that a further cut in Japan's ODA budget may disappoint the international community and impair trust relations Japan has built over the long years (with developing nations),'' the 13 members said in releasing ''emergency recommendations.''

The 13, including university professors, a journalist and corporate executives, made the plea as the ministry is compiling its budget requests for fiscal 2003.

The 13 members said in the statement that Japan cut its ODA budget by more than 20% over the past five years.

''Needless to say, ODA must be provided in a more efficient and effective way. But its budget should not be cut without due reflection,'' it said.

''We strongly call for the implementation of ODA in a size that matches Japan's economic power and its international responsibility. At least, the current budget size must be maintained,'' it said.

The 18-member council, chaired by Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, was established in June. Of the total, three are from the ministry, including Kawaguchi.

Of the 15 members from the private sector, two representatives of nongovernmental organizations did not join Friday's move.