1.   The Chinese government has not commented publicly on the case.

2.   The government did not comment on casualties.

3.   The Irish government did not comment immediately.

4.   A spokesman for the German government said the government would not comment on the issue of the bank presidency.

5.   A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Laurie Brereton said the federal government could not comment until it had been presented with the plan.

6.   After its weekly Cabinet meeting Wednesday, the government did not comment on the war in Congo.

7.   Although Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland announced a mix of sanctions Thursday, European governments commenting Friday condemned Pakistan, but avoided going further.

8.   As a rule, the government does not comment on such reports.

9.   But until the U.N. Security Council official announces that a deal has been brokered, the spokesman said on condition of anonymity, the Japanese government cannot comment further.

10.   In keeping with its usual reticence, the government did not comment on the published letters.