“The last ten years raise the old and perennial question: is there something in the nature of democratic politics that leads to collective corruption no matter what the intentions of the politicians at the outset; or is it that there is something corrupt about the people who get into democratic politics?”

Brian Brivati, journalist, on ten years of New Labour; The Guardian, United Kingdom, 26 August

"The United States has a strong national security interest in opposing corruption and bribery worldwide…we want to prevent foreign officials from accepting bribes that might lead to a dangerous container being allowed onto a ship bound for our shores. We want to prevent bribes that might help a criminal or terrorist gain access to our country. And we want to prevent bribes that might provide terrorists with access to nuclear material, chemical and biological weapons...or other dangerous items".

Senator Richard Lugar, Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee; American Chronicle, United States, 2 August

"These economic saboteurs and enemies of our economic-turnaround strategies should take heed that we are determined to fight the scourge of corruption and do honour to the integrity and dignity of our nation".

Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe; Mail & Guardian online, United Kingdom, 15 August