"We must avoid any confusion between Islam, which is of course a respected and respectable religion, and radical Islamism, which is a totally different form of behavior and which is of a political nature."

French President Jacques Chirac, when asked about Pope Benedict XVI's mid-September remarks on Islam

"As China's economy grows, we will involve ourselves more in South-South cooperation and do more to support the least developed countries (LDCs). In the next few years, we will increase the scale of assistance to the LDCs and high indebted poor countries."

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing

"I do care a lot about China progressing with their reforms. I am not looking for immediate solutions or quick fixes to any particular economic issue…This is a relationship that is very important to both our countries. There is a good deal of interdependence." 

U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, on the eve of his first official visit to China starting from September 19

"The everyday life of Iraqi people is dominated by the constant threat of sectarian violence and civil strife. Iraq and its leaders are now at an important crossroads. If they can address the needs and common interests of all Iraqis, the promise of peace and prosperity is still within reach. But if the current patterns of alienation and violence persist much longer, there is a grave danger that the Iraqi state will break down, possibly in the midst of a full-scale civil war."

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan

"A country shall choose the appropriate exchange rate regime in accordance with its own economic development needs. IMF rules guarantee member countries sovereignty over currency rates and policies. China is open to collaborate with the Fund and other members to assure an orderly exchange arrangement and to promote a stable system of exchange rates."

China's Central Bank Governor Zhou Xiaochuan, speaking to the IMF's International Monetary and Financial Committee in Singapore