Energy concerns focus of ministerial meeting - Asia

[dArKeR]

AP , QINGDAO, CHINA
Wednesday, Jun 23, 2004,Page 5

Alarmed at soaring oil prices, a conference of 22 Asian foreign ministers were preparing yesterday to issue a call for closer regional cooperation in developing alternative fuels and renewable energy sources.

The statement was to be released at the end of a two-day meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue in the northeastern port city of Qingdao. The group includes Japan, China, South Korea, India and other major economies.

"The increasing demand and high consumption of oil has depleted natural reserves of energy sooner than expected," Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said in a speech to the gathering. "Asia ... must look closely into the strategy of oil usage as well as the research and development of alternative and substitute energy."

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/06/23/2003176185

You guys start talking 'substitute energy' you guys are going to find yourselves where Saddam is living!