Rising costs dominate G8 moot

TOYAKO, Japan,  - Rising food and fuel prices are topping the agenda for leaders of the world’s major industrialised nations as they started a three-day summit in Japan.

Leaders including US President George W Bush gathered in the secluded spa resort of Toyako in northern Japan for a three-day session, with seven African leaders joining them on the first day to take up the plight of the continent.

It is aimed at battling skyrocketing oil and food prices, as pressure mounted on them to live up to their pledges to help Africa.