President Barack 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."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is condemning "the despicable terrorist attacks" in Paris. The UN Security Council also condemned "the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attacks," and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of "these terrorist acts to justice."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says she is "deeply shaken by the news and pictures that are reaching us from Paris." The German leader issued a statement saying her thoughts were with the victims "of the apparent terrorist attack."

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister David 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."

China'€™s 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.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "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."

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. (bbn)

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