DATE=4/9/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH OIL (S-O)

NUMBER=2-288495

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein will fail in his efforts to organize an oil boycott against the United States. The Iraqi leader is stopping oil exports to the United States for a month to show support for Palestinians. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports.

TEXT: President Bush says Iraq's decision is further proof that the United States must be less dependent on foreign oil.

/// BUSH ACT ///

When Sadaam Hussein stands up and announces he is going to try to organize an oil boycott, you know my opinion about Saddam. The world is not going to follow him, but it just goes to show how important it is to diversify our supply away from places like Iraq.

/// END ACT ///

At a political fundraiser in the state of Connecticut, Mr. Bush called for Congress to pass his energy policy, which includes oil drilling in an Alaskan wildlife refuge.

Environmentalists oppose the plan, saying there should be more emphasis on conservation and alternative energy. (SIGNED)

NEB/SS/RAE