"The Israeli military escalation can't be the appropriate mechanism for releasing the Israeli prisoner."

Palestinian Information Ministry, commenting on Israel's expanded military operation in the Gaza Strip to rescue a captured soldier

"All sides should persist with dialogue and a peaceful resolution, avoid escalating tension and push forward the early resumption of six-party talks."

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, speaking about the North Korean nuclear issue with visiting South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki Moon

"We have been trying to persuade the bride for the last five months that we love her and that she should accept the marriage proposal."

Lakshmi Mittal, President of Mittal Steel Co., on his company's bid for European steel maker Arcelor

"Bill and I are absolutely honored and humbled by Warren's gift. It's really unprecedented in terms of what we can do to do good in the world."

Melinda Gates, Bill Gates' wife, on investor Warren Buffett's donation of $30 billion worth of stock to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

"It is an important move and will benefit the development of the industry. China doesn't have enough financial products for domestic insurers to invest in."

Wu Dingfu, Chairman of the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, after the State Council decided that China's insurers can invest their funds overseas