US President Barack Obama lashed out at Wall Street on Thursday for paying more than 18 billion US dollars in bonuses.

The payment came as the federal government pours hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars into the American financial system to save it from collapse.

With new Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner at his side, the president said there will be time for them to make profits, and to get bonuses but not now.

Baback Obama, US President, said, "That is the height of irresponsibility. It is shameful. And part of what we're going to need is for the folks on Wall Street who are asking for help to show some restraint, and show some discipline, and show some sense of responsibility."

(CCTV February 1, 2009)