"With the amendment, China will be a step closer to building up a national organ donation system. The system is aimed at ensuring the sustainable and healthy development of organ transplants and saving more lives. A pilot project is being run in 11 provinces and regions now."

Chinese Vice Health Minister Huang Jiefu, commenting on an amendment to China's organ transplant regulations in preparation. It may be issued in March following revision

"There are many areas where we have mutual interests and can work together. In those areas we have disagreements; those disagreements are best dealt with through constant dialogue and discussion with one another and transparency."

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, in a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie in Beijing

"It is confirmed at the global level the world economy has demonstrated the capacity to behave better than previous projections and forecasts."

European Central Bank (ECB) chief Jean-Claude Trichet, at a meeting on the global economy on January 10 in Basel, Switzerland

"The referendum is not the end of the journey, but rather it is the beginning of a new one. There is no substitute to peaceful coexistence, cooperation and partnership which we are all committed to embarking on in the lifetime ahead."

Salva Kiir Mayardit, first Vice President of Sudan and President of the Government of South Sudan, speaking after casting the first ballot in Juba at a polling station at the Museum of John Garang on January 9

"The approval of the review is an important milestone. We appreciate the positive feedback from the Fund regarding the disciplined austerity measures put forth by the government and our handling of economic policy."

Icelandic Minister of Economic Affairs Arni Pall Arnason, appreciating IMF's approval of the fourth review of Iceland's economic recovery program on January 11