Reaction from around the world to Paris attacks

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

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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."

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U.S. 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 U.S. 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."

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GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL

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."

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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."

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U.S. DEFENSE 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.

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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."

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U.S. 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.