World leaders condemn Paris attacks; call it ‘heinous, evil’

Paris: World leaders are reacting to the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II. Some of their views:

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday said she and husband Prince Philip were "deeply shocked" by the Paris terror attacks that left at least 128 people dead.

"Prince Philip and I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the terrible loss of life in Paris," said a post on the official Twitter account of the British monarchy.

"We send our most sincere condolences to the families of those who have died and the French people."

US President Barack Obama

Obama is calling the attacks on Paris "outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians" and is vowing to do whatever it takes to help bring the perpetrators to justice.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Obama said he would not speculate about who was responsible.

He called the attacks a "heartbreaking situation" and an "attack on all of humanity."

US Secretary of state John Kerry

Kerry is describing the attacks in Paris as "heinous, evil" and "vile," calling them "an assault on our common humanity."

Kerry says the US embassy in Paris is "making every effort to account for the welfare of American citizens in the city."

He says the U.S. stands ready "to provide whatever support the French government may require."

United Nations

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is condemning "the despicable terrorist attacks" in Paris.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric says Ban "trusts that the French authorities will do all in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice quickly."

The U.N. Security Council also condemned "the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attacks," and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of "these terrorist acts to justice."

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in the French capital Paris and expressed anguish over the incident.

"Strongly condemn terrorist attacks in Paris, India stands firmly by France, my heart goes out its people," the President tweeted.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi tweeted, “News from Paris is anguishing & dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour.”

Describing the terror assaults in France as an "attack on humanity", Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the UN to define terrorism before it is too late so that the world knows who is backing terror and who is against it.

Condemning the terror attacks in Paris that claimed over 120 lives, Modi said, "What happened in Paris yesterday is an attack on humanity and the world should accept that it is not an attack on Paris, not an attack on French citizens, not an attack on France but an attack on humanity."

"It is an attack on humanitarian principles that is why all the powers that believe in humanity have to come together to condemn such attacks. All pro-humanity forces should unite to defeat anti-humanity forces. They will have to fulfil their responsibilities," he said in London at the ceremony for unveiling the statue of 12th century Indian philosopher Basaveshwara.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

In a telegram to French President Francois Hollande, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attacks were "the latest testimonial to the barbaric essence of terrorism which throws down a challenge to human civilization."

"It's obvious that an effective fight against this evil demands a real unity of the forces of the international community. I would like to confirm the readiness of Russia for the closest cooperation with our French partners in investigating the crime that took place in Paris."

"In this difficult time for France, I ask you to pass along words of sincere sympathy and support to the relatives and those near to those who were killed and wishes for a fast recovery to all those who were hurt at the hands of extremists."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged to work closely with the French government to help hunt for the culprits involved in the attacks and their backers.

"This attack on freedom was aimed not just at Paris, it targeted and it hits all of us. That is why we must all respond together," said Merkel, dressed in black, her voice faltering.

"We, your German friends, feel very close to you. We cry with you," she said. "We will lead this fight together with you against those who did such unimaginable things to you."

She said she would be meeting with the relevant ministers to discuss ongoing developments in France and address questions.

Gauck said while Germany mourns with France, the anger at the murderers must become resolve to defend Europe.

"Europe's values and Europe's freedom have been attacked by powerful enemies throughout history. Nevertheless, our Europe is a fortress of democracy and human rights. Even the brutal attacks of Islamist terrorists won't change this," Gauck said.

British Prime Minister David Cameron

Cameron says he is "shocked" by the Paris attacks and violence.

Cameron said on Twitter: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help."

US Defence Secretary Ash Carter

Carter is calling the attacks in Paris "an assault on our common human dignity."

The Pentagon chief says "the United States stands with the people of France and its vibrant, multicultural democracy."

He is praising France as a NATO ally and a leader of the coalition fighting Islamic State militants in Syria.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

"Our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to our French cousins in this dark and terrible time," Trudeau says.

He says Canada has offered "all of our help and support to the government of France."

US Attorney General Loretta Lynch

Lynch says the U.S. stands "in solidarity with France, as it has stood with us so often in the past."

"This is a devastating attack on our shared values and we at the Department of Justice will do everything within our power to assist and work in partnership with our French law enforcement colleagues," she said in a statement.

Persian Gulf Countries

In the United Arab Emirates, the state-run WAM news agency says President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a telegram to French President Francois Hollande offering his condolences and pledging support for France. WAM says Al Nahyan also supported doing "what it takes to face terrorism and eliminate it."

The ruler of tiny Kuwait, emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, says in a statement that he offered his condolences, while stressing that "these criminal acts of terrorism ... run counter to all teachings of holy faith and humanitarian values."

In Saudi Arabia, the state-run Saudi Press Agency quoted a Foreign Ministry official denouncing Friday's attack.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

China Foreign Ministry

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei says China is "deeply shocked" by the attacks and pledged solidarity with France in combating terrorism.

"Terrorism is a common challenge facing humanity. China resolutely supports France in maintaining its national security and stability and in attacking terrorism," Hong said.

Japanese Foreign Minister

Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida says he is "deeply shocked and outraged" by the news of the terrorist attacks in Paris.

Kishida, speaking to reporters Saturday in Hiroshima, said Japan stands by France, promising to cooperate in international fight against terrorism.

"We strongly condemn the act of terrorism, which we do not tolerate for any reason," he said, expressing condolences to the victims and their families.

Egypt's President

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has condemned the Paris attacks and is conveying condolences to the victims.

A statement from his office on Saturday called for "concerted international efforts" to combat "the scourge of terrorism, which aims to destabilize security and stability in various parts of the world, without distinction."

Pakistan

Pakistan said it "strongly" condemns the Paris attacks and "reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."

"The people and Government of Pakistan wish to convey their heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to the bereaved families and the people and Government of France. We stand with them in their hour of grief. We pray for speedy recovery of the injured," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull extended Australia's deep sympathy to the people of France.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time," Turnbull said in a statement from Berlin. "But our solidarity is with them too. When the French people left the stadium after that shocking attack, they were not cowed. They sang their national anthem proudly and that is how all free people should respond to these assaults."

"In France, and Australia, all around the world, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of France and with all free peoples in the battle against terrorism," Turnbull added.

The Australian government said a 19-year-old Australian woman had been injured in the attacks.

Afghan President

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in a tweet to French President Francois Hollande: "I sympathize with you and your people; Afghanistan stands with France with resolve to tackle terrorism as a common enemy."

A statement from Ghani's office quoted him as saying: "The brutal attacks in Paris prove that global terrorism does not recognize borders."

"Afghan people have for many years been the victims of terrorist attacks. They feel the pain of Parisians, and share the grief of the victims' families," Ghani said. "The people of Afghanistan stand with France on this terrible day. Terrorism is a serious threat to the entire world and we are united in the struggle.”

India’s Home Minister

Home Minister Rajnath Singh condemned the terror attacks in Paris and said India stands firmly behind the people of France in this difficult hour.

In a statement, the Home Minister said he was deeply pained to hear the news of the Paris terror attack, in which more than 120 people were killed.

"In this difficult hour, the people of India firmly stand with the people of France. Words can't adequately condemn such attacks where innocent people have been killed," he said.

India's Finance Minister

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley condemned the terror attacks in Paris and said it's the time to stand together and fight such acts of violence.

"Killing of innocent people in multiple attacks in Paris is highly condemnable. It's time to stand together and fight such acts of violence," he said in a facebook post.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi condemned the series of attacks, saying that terror cannot defeat freedom but will only strengthen the resolve to fight against "senseless violence".

"Strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Paris. My thoughts & prayers are with the people of France in this hour of grief and anguish," he tweeted.

"Terror cannot defeat freedom and liberty, it will only strengthen our resolve to fight against this senseless violence," he said.