11.   The president of the European Parliament on Wednesday blasted Israeli plans to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

12.   Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati on Sunday blasted plans by Israel and the United States to boost their strategic cooperations against Iran.

13.   Catholic leaders have blasted the plans.

14.   On Monday, Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten blasted the plans as an assault on civil liberties in the territory.