Unabashed by the reaction to his latest remarks, Mr Mori professed to have nothing to feel sorry about.

ECONOMIST: Japan: Sorry Mori | The

His latest remarks seem to have baffled political watchers.

BBC: Is Rahul Gandhi reluctant to become PM?

The Obama campaign seized on Mr. Romney's latest remarks.

WSJ: Mitt Romney Adds to Health-Tax Fireworks

Venezuelans on both sides of the country's political divide have been speculating about the socialist leader's condition amid vague reports about his health, and Maduro's latest remarks seemed likely to feed more speculation.

NPR: VP: Chavez Getting 'Complex And Tough' Treatments

For his part, President Bill Clinton tried to make light of the latest controvery in remarks to some visiting presidential scholars.

CNN: Senate Panel Looking At FBI Files Flap

But Mr Duisenberg's remarks, the latest in a series of statements in favour of leaving rates unchanged, are unlikely to diminish pressure for a cut on Thursday.

BBC: ECB: European interest rates 'appropriate'

It was the latest in a series of events and remarks that have angered Japan's Asian neighbours.

BBC: Japan marks 'return of sovereignty' day

Mr. Bernanke's remarks put the the labor market in sharp focus, and the latest numbers, released Thursday, suggested an improvement in conditions.

WSJ: U.S. Futures Join Global Slide