Germany's government has been "overtaken by arrogance" in its approach to debt negotiations, a Greek government source has told Sky News.
The senior Syriza politician said Athens would call for an emergency EU leaders' summit if the Eurogroup failed to convene on Friday to discuss its application for a loan extension.
The new government wants separately to negotiate the conditions attached to the loan at a later date, which has been called unacceptable by German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble.
Greek negotiators say it is a "tactical manoeuvre" designed to give both sides more time to develop a new rescue package, which would would be less onerous on the Greek people.
Criticising Germany's approach to the talks, a Greek government source told Sky News: "Germany has been overtaken by arrogance.
Video:Pressure Tightens On Defiant Greeks
"It's like being back in the 1940s, being asked to surrender."
The €240bn bailout, which came with more than 400 conditions - including reducing the public sector, shrinking pensions and lowering the minimum wage - expires in 10 days.
There are fears that if a deal is not agreed in outline this week, then Greece could start to have difficulty servicing its debts.
That could lead to more capital being pulled out of Greek banks and a so-called messy default, which could see a return to the drachma.
A source told the Associated Press (AP) news agency that Greece will ask for an extension of up to six months of a loan agreement with the eurozone, on conditions to be negotiated.
AP says the source drew a distinction between a loan agreement and the full bailout programme, which the Greek government insists is dead.
Mr Schaeuble dismissed the suggestion of an extension, telling broadcaster ZDF: "It's not about extending a credit programme but about whether this bailout programme will be fulfilled, yes or no."
Hundreds of militants have been killed during the struggle to recapture the Nigerian garrison town of Monguno, according to officials.
"Over 300 terrorists were killed while a few were also captured," said defence spokesman Major-General Chris Olukolade.
The claims follow similar statements from Niger, Chad and Cameroon - who are also involved in fighting the terror group - but they have not been independently confirmed.
The army has often claimed success against the group which has then been contradicted by witness reports.
Maiduguri remains a key target for Boko Haram
Civilian vigilantes in the town confirmed it had been retaken and said there had been heavy casualties, but did not specify how many people had died.
A large stockpile of arms, equipment and ammunition was also said to have been destroyed.
Video:20 Jan - How Boko Haram Operates
Monguno has been in the hands of Boko Haram since 25 January,
There are fears the group is looking to use the town as a springboard for a raid on Borno's state capital, Maiduguri, 80 miles away.
Defence spokesman Mr Olukolade said "massive" casualties had followed a two-day operation to regain Monguno and 10 other communities.
Video:Oct 27 - Kidnapped Girls Speak Out
Armoured vehicles, 300 motorbikes, an anti-aircraft gun, eight different types of machine gun, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition were among the equipment seized, said the spokesman.
He added that two Nigerian soldiers had been killed and 10 others injured during the fighting.
"The cordon and search operation is continuing along with aggressive patrols by troops who are now dominating the cleared communities," the statement said.
1/7
Gallery: Profile Of Boko Haram Leader
Abubakar Shekau is the leader of Boko Haram. He took control of the Islamist group after the death of founder Mohammed Yusuf in 2009
Little is known about him, although he was born in Shekau village in the northeastern state of Yobe and is now thought to be in his early 40s
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Chief executive CY Leung and his wife Regina in a video message
Hong Kong's Beijing-backed leader has called on the region's residents to act like sheep in the wake of the pro-democracy protests last year.
Leung Chun-ying (CY), the chief executive of the region's executive council, made his statement on the eve of the Chinese Year of the Sheep.
It followed a year in which rallies protesting against interference by mainland China in Hong Kong affairs drew hundreds of thousands on to the streets.
Some of Mr Leung's critics have previously nicknamed him the 'wolf', both because his name sounds like the Chinese word for wolf - lang - and because he is regarded as devious and cunning.
A message on the chief executive's website appears to have missed the irony when it was posted on Wednesday.
An installation of sheep is on show in Hong Kong to celebrate the new year
It said: "It is time to bid farewell to the Year of the Horse and welcome the Year of the Sheep.
"Sheep are widely seen to be mild and gentle animals living peacefully in groups.
1/10
Gallery: Dragons And Dance: Chinese New Year Festival
Chinese folk artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at the Temple of Earth park in Beijing
A performer shows off his skills. The Chinese Lunar New Year will welcome the Year of the Sheep on 19 February. It is also known as the Year of the Goat or Ram
]]>
The Chinese New Year date varies, but always falls between January 21 and February 20.
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Hundreds of millions of people travel home to spend New Year with their families - said to be the world's biggest annual migration. Continue through for more pictures of the spring festival
]]>
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"Last year was no easy ride for Hong Kong. Our society was rife with differences and conflicts.
"In the coming year, I hope that all people in Hong Kong will take inspiration from the sheep's character and pull together in an accommodating manner to work for Hong Kong's future."
The statement was accompanied by a video which showed scenes of Mr Leung and his family engaged in tasks like gardening, feeding some goats and making a collage of a sheep's face.
Video:Oct 2014: The Umbrellas Explained
Democratic Party chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing told the South China Morning Post: "I don't think [the chief executive] is saying we should follow like sheep. I think he refers to the virtues of sheep.
"[But] then he himself is doing exactly the opposite to provoke so much confrontation and he is tearing the society apart. It's very contradictory and duplicitous."
Hong Kong's protests erupted because of fears the original system of government set up after Britain's withdrawal in 1997 was being eroded.
Video:Dec 2014: Young Lead Democracy Call
Under the agreement, China pledged to govern Hong Kong under a principle of "one country, two systems" giving the territory "a high degree of autonomy".
It has its own legal system and the agreement protected the freedom of assembly and expression.
Many of those who took to the streets last year complained that freedom of speech and the freedom of the press were at risk and there had been an increase in the influence exerted by Beijing since Mr Leung came to power in 2012.
Video:Dec 2014: Leader Warns Of 'Action'
There were also concerns about the election of the next chief executive in 2017 with claims that Beijing was demanding a veto on candidates.
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Be Like Sheep, Hong Kong's 'Wolf' Tells Flock
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Chief executive CY Leung and his wife Regina in a video message
Hong Kong's Beijing-backed leader has called on the region's residents to act like sheep in the wake of the pro-democracy protests last year.
Leung Chun-ying (CY), the chief executive of the region's executive council, made his statement on the eve of the Chinese Year of the Sheep.
It followed a year in which rallies protesting against interference by mainland China in Hong Kong affairs drew hundreds of thousands on to the streets.
Some of Mr Leung's critics have previously nicknamed him the 'wolf', both because his name sounds like the Chinese word for wolf - lang - and because he is regarded as devious and cunning.
A message on the chief executive's website appears to have missed the irony when it was posted on Wednesday.
An installation of sheep is on show in Hong Kong to celebrate the new year
It said: "It is time to bid farewell to the Year of the Horse and welcome the Year of the Sheep.
"Sheep are widely seen to be mild and gentle animals living peacefully in groups.
1/10
Gallery: Dragons And Dance: Chinese New Year Festival
Chinese folk artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Spring Festival Temple Fair at the Temple of Earth park in Beijing
A performer shows off his skills. The Chinese Lunar New Year will welcome the Year of the Sheep on 19 February. It is also known as the Year of the Goat or Ram
]]>
The Chinese New Year date varies, but always falls between January 21 and February 20.
]]>
Hundreds of millions of people travel home to spend New Year with their families - said to be the world's biggest annual migration. Continue through for more pictures of the spring festival
]]>
]]>
"Last year was no easy ride for Hong Kong. Our society was rife with differences and conflicts.
"In the coming year, I hope that all people in Hong Kong will take inspiration from the sheep's character and pull together in an accommodating manner to work for Hong Kong's future."
The statement was accompanied by a video which showed scenes of Mr Leung and his family engaged in tasks like gardening, feeding some goats and making a collage of a sheep's face.
Video:Oct 2014: The Umbrellas Explained
Democratic Party chairwoman Emily Lau Wai-hing told the South China Morning Post: "I don't think [the chief executive] is saying we should follow like sheep. I think he refers to the virtues of sheep.
"[But] then he himself is doing exactly the opposite to provoke so much confrontation and he is tearing the society apart. It's very contradictory and duplicitous."
Hong Kong's protests erupted because of fears the original system of government set up after Britain's withdrawal in 1997 was being eroded.
Video:Dec 2014: Young Lead Democracy Call
Under the agreement, China pledged to govern Hong Kong under a principle of "one country, two systems" giving the territory "a high degree of autonomy".
It has its own legal system and the agreement protected the freedom of assembly and expression.
Many of those who took to the streets last year complained that freedom of speech and the freedom of the press were at risk and there had been an increase in the influence exerted by Beijing since Mr Leung came to power in 2012.
Video:Dec 2014: Leader Warns Of 'Action'
There were also concerns about the election of the next chief executive in 2017 with claims that Beijing was demanding a veto on candidates.
We use cookies to give you the best experience. If you do nothing we'll assume that it's ok.
Fighters help a wounded man following a barrel bomb attack in Aleppo
The Syrian regime will end airstrikes on targets in Aleppo to test if a ceasefire in the city can be developed, a UN official has said.
The United Nations envoy to the country said he had been given a commitment there would be a suspension of bombing for six weeks.
Staffan de Mistura said no timeframe had yet been set but he would soon be returning to Syria to discuss the plan further.
He said the development provided a glimmer of hope for the devastated city.
He told reporters: "The government of Syria has indicated to me its willingness to halt all aerial bombing."
1/25
Gallery: Jan 2015: The Battle For Aleppo
Aleppo has been one of the cities at the centre of Syria's civil war since it began in early 2011. Here a man carries a wounded girl after an airstrike by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad
A bus blocks a road amid damage on the Salah Al-Din neighbourhood frontline
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People walk amid the rubble of collapsed buildings at a site hit during a barrel bomb attack by Assad forces in the Al-Fardous neighbourhood
]]>
Members of the Civil Defence rescue children after an airstrike in the al-Shaar neighbourhood
]]>
A fighter from the Tawhid Brigade, which operates under the Free Syrian Army, fires an anti-tank missile at Assad forces
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"Assurances will not be enough," he added. "Facts on the ground will prove if the freeze holds and can be replicated elsewhere."
Mr de Mistura said the UN would try to engage with the opposition, with a view to them also de-escalating the fighting.
He said: "Let's be frank, I have no illusions, because based on past experiences this will be a difficult issue to be achieved.
Video:Feb 2013: Jihadi Groups In Aleppo
"But we will engage ... the opposition, hopefully to see them ... respond to a similar request from the UN to halt mortar and rockets."
He said he had a "dim" hope the plan would work and civilian lives could be saved while political negotiations continue over an end to the country's civil war.
Aleppo is divided into a rebel-held western area and government-controlled east.
Video:May 2014: Rebels Bomb Aleppo Hotel
Mr de Mistura wants to set up a UN-monitored "freeze zone" that would stop violence around the front line to allow humanitarian aid to enter and act as the first step towards a wider solution.
But Aleppo-based opposition groups have expressed fears the government will try to exploit a truce to move its forces elsewhere to fight, and have questioned how a ceasefire could work with Islamic State fighters in the area.
Mr de Mistura is the third in a series of UN envoys tasked with trying to find an end to the conflict.
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Syria Agrees 'To Halt' Airstrikes In Aleppo
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Fighters help a wounded man following a barrel bomb attack in Aleppo
The Syrian regime will end airstrikes on targets in Aleppo to test if a ceasefire in the city can be developed, a UN official has said.
The United Nations envoy to the country said he had been given a commitment there would be a suspension of bombing for six weeks.
Staffan de Mistura said no timeframe had yet been set but he would soon be returning to Syria to discuss the plan further.
He said the development provided a glimmer of hope for the devastated city.
He told reporters: "The government of Syria has indicated to me its willingness to halt all aerial bombing."
1/25
Gallery: Jan 2015: The Battle For Aleppo
Aleppo has been one of the cities at the centre of Syria's civil war since it began in early 2011. Here a man carries a wounded girl after an airstrike by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad
A bus blocks a road amid damage on the Salah Al-Din neighbourhood frontline
]]>
People walk amid the rubble of collapsed buildings at a site hit during a barrel bomb attack by Assad forces in the Al-Fardous neighbourhood
]]>
Members of the Civil Defence rescue children after an airstrike in the al-Shaar neighbourhood
]]>
A fighter from the Tawhid Brigade, which operates under the Free Syrian Army, fires an anti-tank missile at Assad forces
]]>
"Assurances will not be enough," he added. "Facts on the ground will prove if the freeze holds and can be replicated elsewhere."
Mr de Mistura said the UN would try to engage with the opposition, with a view to them also de-escalating the fighting.
He said: "Let's be frank, I have no illusions, because based on past experiences this will be a difficult issue to be achieved.
Video:Feb 2013: Jihadi Groups In Aleppo
"But we will engage ... the opposition, hopefully to see them ... respond to a similar request from the UN to halt mortar and rockets."
He said he had a "dim" hope the plan would work and civilian lives could be saved while political negotiations continue over an end to the country's civil war.
Aleppo is divided into a rebel-held western area and government-controlled east.
Video:May 2014: Rebels Bomb Aleppo Hotel
Mr de Mistura wants to set up a UN-monitored "freeze zone" that would stop violence around the front line to allow humanitarian aid to enter and act as the first step towards a wider solution.
But Aleppo-based opposition groups have expressed fears the government will try to exploit a truce to move its forces elsewhere to fight, and have questioned how a ceasefire could work with Islamic State fighters in the area.
Mr de Mistura is the third in a series of UN envoys tasked with trying to find an end to the conflict.
Prosecutors in Switzerland have launched an investigation into allegations of money laundering at HSBC's Swiss private banking arm.
It follows a report that the bank turned a blind eye to illegal activities of arms dealers and traders in blood diamonds while helping rich people evade taxes.
Geneva's prosecutors said that the premises of HSBC Private Bank (Switzerland) in the city were being searched.
A statement said: "Following the recent revelations related to the HSBC Private Bank (Switzerland), the public prosecutor announces the opening of a criminal procedure against the bank ... for aggravated money laundering."
The prosecutors said that although the probe was against the bank itself, the direction it would take may be widened to include individuals "suspected of committing or participating in acts of money laundering".
Video:HSBC Tax Avoidance Row Continues
The announcement came just over a week after HSBC Switzerland found itself at the centre of a global scandal following the publication of secret documents.
The cache of files, made public in a French newspaper, claimed HSBC's Swiss private banking arm helped clients in more than 200 countries evade taxes on accounts containing £77bn ($119bn).
The files, which include the details of 30,000 accounts and the names of celebrities, were originally stolen by former HSBC IT worker Herve Falciani in 2007.
Video:HSBC Whistleblower Speaks Out
The documents were passed to the authorities in France and on to the HMRC which says it has subsequently clawed back £135m from some of the 3,600 Britons identified as potentially avoiding tax.
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which analysed the list for the Le Monde newspaper, said accounts were held by arms dealers, dictators' associates, diamond smugglers and other "outlaws".
According to the files, the bank's clients included former and current politicians from Britain, Russia, India and a number of African countries.
Video:Timeline Of Whistleblower's Claims
Those named in the files include people sanctioned by the US, such as Turkish businessman Selim Alguadis and Gennady Timchenko, an associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin who was the subject of sanctions over the Ukraine crisis.
A statement from HSBC said: "We have co-operated continuously with the Swiss authorities since first becoming aware of the data theft in 2008 and we continue to co-operate."
Last week, the CEO of HSBC's Swiss private bank Franco Morra said it had shut down accounts from clients who "did not meet our high standards" and that the revelations about "historical business practices" were a reminder that the old model of Swiss private banking was no longer acceptable.
Iraq's ambassador to the UN has asked it to look at claims Islamic State is harvesting human organs as a way of financing its terror campaign.
Bodies with surgical incisions and missing kidneys, or other body parts, have been found in shallow mass graves over the past few weeks, Mohamed Alhakim told the media.
"We have bodies. Come and examine them," he said. "It is clear they are missing certain parts."
A dozen doctors had been "executed" in Mosul for refusing to participate in the practice, he added.
Mr Alhakim accused IS of "crimes of genocide" by targeting certain ethnic groups as he briefed the UN Security Council on the overall situation in Iraq.
1/14
Gallery: Shia Fighters Battle IS In Iraq
Shia fighters, who have joined the Iraqi army to fight against militants of the Islamic State, take part in field training in the desert in the province of Najaf. Continue through for more images
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Video:Ukraine Troops Flee Key Town
Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the town of Debaltseve following fierce fighting with pro-Russian rebels, the country's president has said.
Petro Poroshenko said: "This morning the Ukrainian armed forces together with the National Guard completed an operation for a planned and organised withdrawal from Debaltseve.
"As of now we can say that 80% of our units have left."
Hundreds, if not thousands, of Ukrainian troops were believed to be trapped in the strategically important town, which links the two rebel-controlled regions in the east of Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk.
A pro-Russian rebel official cited by the separatist press service DAN earlier said hundreds of government troops were surrendering to separatist forces there.
The bodies of at least 13 Ukranian soldiers have been delivered to a morgue close to Debaltseve, a morgue official said.
Separatist forces claim to have taken control of Debaltseve
Russian television station Channel One showed the rebels hoisting their flag over a high-rise building in Debaltseve.
But Mr Poroshenko denied claims the pro-government forces were encircled, and said the troops were leaving with weapons and ammunition.
1/21
Gallery: Ukraine Troops Leave Debaltseve
A wounded Ukrainian soldier looks through a windows as he arrives to a hospital in Artemivsk
President Petro Poroshenko said 80% of units had left the town, in order to comply with the current ceasefire
]]>
Mr Poroshenko: 'Armed forces together with the National Guard completed an operation for a planned and organised withdrawal from Debaltseve'
]]>
Fierce fighting with pro-Russian rebels has raged around the strategically important town, which links the rebel-controlled regions of Donetsk and Luhansk
]]>
Ukrainian servicemen ride on military vehicles as they leave an area around Debaltseve, eastern Ukraine
]]>
The Ukrainian leader said another two columns were expected to leave Debaltseve, and added he was heading to the front line to meet soldiers.
"These actions have confounded Russia, which only yesterday demanded that Ukrainian soldiers lay down their arms, raise the white flag and surrender," he said.
"Despite the fierce artillery bombardments, so far we have information that out of 2,000 Ukrainian troops we have 30 injured."
Praising Ukrainian forces for "really socking it" to the separatists, Mr Poroshenko said he was going to the front "for the great honour of shaking hands with our heroes."
Video:Ukraine Army Confirms Withdrawal
Ukraine accuses Russia of supporting and arming the rebels, a claim Moscow denies.
The 10-month conflict has left more than 5,000 people dead.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Ukraine to admit defeat in Debaltseve, saying "the only choice" of the troops was to "leave behind weaponry, lay down arms and surrender."
Associated Press reporters on the road to the government-controlled town of Artemivsk reported seeing several dozen Ukrainian troops retreating from Debaltseve.
Video:Fighting Goes On Despite Ceasefire
AFP journalists also saw dozens of tanks and vehicles carrying haggard soldiers leaving.
Separatist forces have been claiming they control the town, and at one point offered Ukrainian troops the chance to surrender and lay down their weapons, which Kiev denied.
A rebel military spokesman, Eduard Basurin, told Russian television that more than 300 Ukrainian soldiers had surrendered, the Interfax news agency reported.
Kiev has admitted that soldiers have been taken prisoner, but has not said how many.
Video:US Ambassador Lambasts Russia
Fighting has continued there despite a ceasefire coming into force at the weekend.
Russia's Interfax news agency reported that pro-Moscow rebels have started to withdraw heavy weapons from areas they control in eastern Ukraine where the ceasefire was holding.
The rebels say that the agreement negotiated by Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France last week does not apply to Debaltseve.
The leaders of those four countries will speak by phone later about the crisis, French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said.
Video:Mortar Fire Explodes Gas Pipeline
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Ukrainian Troops Withdraw From Key Town
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Video:Ukraine Troops Flee Key Town
Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the town of Debaltseve following fierce fighting with pro-Russian rebels, the country's president has said.
Petro Poroshenko said: "This morning the Ukrainian armed forces together with the National Guard completed an operation for a planned and organised withdrawal from Debaltseve.
"As of now we can say that 80% of our units have left."
Hundreds, if not thousands, of Ukrainian troops were believed to be trapped in the strategically important town, which links the two rebel-controlled regions in the east of Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk.
A pro-Russian rebel official cited by the separatist press service DAN earlier said hundreds of government troops were surrendering to separatist forces there.
The bodies of at least 13 Ukranian soldiers have been delivered to a morgue close to Debaltseve, a morgue official said.
Separatist forces claim to have taken control of Debaltseve
Russian television station Channel One showed the rebels hoisting their flag over a high-rise building in Debaltseve.
But Mr Poroshenko denied claims the pro-government forces were encircled, and said the troops were leaving with weapons and ammunition.
1/21
Gallery: Ukraine Troops Leave Debaltseve
A wounded Ukrainian soldier looks through a windows as he arrives to a hospital in Artemivsk
President Petro Poroshenko said 80% of units had left the town, in order to comply with the current ceasefire
]]>
Mr Poroshenko: 'Armed forces together with the National Guard completed an operation for a planned and organised withdrawal from Debaltseve'
]]>
Fierce fighting with pro-Russian rebels has raged around the strategically important town, which links the rebel-controlled regions of Donetsk and Luhansk
]]>
Ukrainian servicemen ride on military vehicles as they leave an area around Debaltseve, eastern Ukraine
]]>
The Ukrainian leader said another two columns were expected to leave Debaltseve, and added he was heading to the front line to meet soldiers.
"These actions have confounded Russia, which only yesterday demanded that Ukrainian soldiers lay down their arms, raise the white flag and surrender," he said.
"Despite the fierce artillery bombardments, so far we have information that out of 2,000 Ukrainian troops we have 30 injured."
Praising Ukrainian forces for "really socking it" to the separatists, Mr Poroshenko said he was going to the front "for the great honour of shaking hands with our heroes."
Video:Ukraine Army Confirms Withdrawal
Ukraine accuses Russia of supporting and arming the rebels, a claim Moscow denies.
The 10-month conflict has left more than 5,000 people dead.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Ukraine to admit defeat in Debaltseve, saying "the only choice" of the troops was to "leave behind weaponry, lay down arms and surrender."
Associated Press reporters on the road to the government-controlled town of Artemivsk reported seeing several dozen Ukrainian troops retreating from Debaltseve.
Video:Fighting Goes On Despite Ceasefire
AFP journalists also saw dozens of tanks and vehicles carrying haggard soldiers leaving.
Separatist forces have been claiming they control the town, and at one point offered Ukrainian troops the chance to surrender and lay down their weapons, which Kiev denied.
A rebel military spokesman, Eduard Basurin, told Russian television that more than 300 Ukrainian soldiers had surrendered, the Interfax news agency reported.
Kiev has admitted that soldiers have been taken prisoner, but has not said how many.
Video:US Ambassador Lambasts Russia
Fighting has continued there despite a ceasefire coming into force at the weekend.
Russia's Interfax news agency reported that pro-Moscow rebels have started to withdraw heavy weapons from areas they control in eastern Ukraine where the ceasefire was holding.
The rebels say that the agreement negotiated by Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France last week does not apply to Debaltseve.
The leaders of those four countries will speak by phone later about the crisis, French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said.
Vice President Joe Biden has been mocked on social media after getting up close and personal with the wife of the new defence secretary during his swearing-in ceremony.
As Ash Carter began speaking at the White House, Mr Biden beckoned Stephanie Carter from across the room, then put both hands on her shoulders - just as her husband thanked the VP for presiding over the ceremony.
Mr Biden's hands lingered for roughly 20 seconds until he leaned in and whispered in her ear.
What he was confiding is unclear, but the image was captured on camera and gave Twitter users a field day.
"Joe Biden channels everyone's creepy uncle," wrote user @allipearson.
Joe Biden is known for speaking his mind - and grinning a lot
"U.S.'s lovable-but-creepy Uncle Joe got way too touchy (and whispery!) with new #SecDef's wife," said another, @the_ken_leonard.
Mr Biden is no stranger to improvisation - or to gaffes.
He has built a brand on his tendency to speak his mind, endearing him to those who crave authenticity from political leaders but also providing fodder to his critics and late-night comedians.
In 2006, then-Senator Biden told an Indian-American supporter that in Delaware, "you cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin' Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent".
Mr Biden's aides said he simply meant to highlight the vibrant Indian-American community in his home state.
And during Barack Obama's first inauguration he was overheard dropping the F-word close to a mic. Not to mention his perennial grin.
Mr Biden, who has run for president twice before, has said he is considering running again in 2016.
Police are investigating whether any of the Chelsea fans who were filmed stopping a black man getting on a train in Paris can be banned from football.
The club has condemned the supporters' behaviour as "abhorrent" and said it will support any criminal action against them.
They are believed to have been travelling to the city's Parc des Princes stadium for a Champions League game against Paris Saint Germain.
The Metropolitan Police said it was aware of the incident and was working with the French authorities.
The Parc des Princes stadium in Paris
It said: "We will examine the footage with a view to seeing if we can apply for football banning orders, preventing people from travelling from future matches."
Footage on The Guardian's website shows the commuter trying to board a metro train at Richelieu-Drouot station in the French capital.
Video:Chelsea Fan: It Was Self-Defence
A group of supporters are seen shouting and gesturing at the man and chanting "Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea", before pushing him away as he tries to step into the carriage.
When the man attempts to get on the train again, he points to a space where he could stand but is pushed back as he steps forward.
The fans then chant: "We're racist, we're racist, and that's the way we like it."
The supporters are also heard chanting: "Where were you in World War Two?"
British expatriate Paul Nolan, who filmed the incident, said: "He was obviously completely shocked when they pushed him off.
"I don't think he realised who they were. He then tried to get on again and got pushed off a second time."
Video:Ex-Chelsea Captain Condemns Fans
The club said it would take "the strongest possible" action if members are found to have been involved.
It said: "We will support any criminal action against those involved, and should evidence point to involvement of Chelsea season-ticket holders or members the club will take the strongest possible action against them, including banning orders."
A Chelsea fan at the scene defended the actions of the group, insisting they were chanting about club captain John Terry and that other passengers were also prevented from boarding the train.
Mitchell McCoy said: "I'm not in the video but I'm on the carriage. We got on the train and at the station where the man was trying to get on we stopped for a couple of minutes.
"He tried to get on and a few people were pushing him off because there wasn't much space. You couldn't move.
"People were saying it was because he was black. It's not true at all."
Video:Chelsea Fans Condemn Paris Racists
Mr McCoy, 17, said the song was about Terry, who was banned for four matches by the Football Association for racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand in 2011.
The regulatory commission which ruled on the case stated that the Chelsea captain was "not a racist".
Kick It Out chairman Lord Ouseley condemned the fans' behaviour and said the anti-discrimination body would support any prosecutions.
Prime Minister David Cameron told LBC Radio: "This does look extremely disturbing and very worrying. It's obviously potentially a criminal offence and so I'm sure the French police will be looking at it very seriously."
UEFA, European football's governing body, also condemned the incident, but said it was out of its remit because it happened away from the stadium.
A French police spokesman said they had received no complaints.
