(BBC): Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has been killed by US forces at his compound in north-west Pakistan.
The news of his death has drawn reaction from around the world. Here are some key quotes:

** US President Barack Obama
Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama Bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, and a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children.
For over two decades, Bin Laden has been al-Qaeda’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of Bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al-Qaeda.
Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al-Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must – and we will – remain vigilant at home and abroad.
As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not – and never will be – at war with Islam.

** Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Canada receives the news of the death of Osama bin Laden with sober satisfaction. Sadly, others will take his place.
This does remind us why Canadian Armed Forces personnel have been deployed to Afghanistan. Through their operations there to cut off terror at its root, our men and women in uniform have made an enormous contribution to Canadian security at home and abroad.
** Former US President George W. Bush
This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.

** Former US President Bill Clinton
This is a profoundly important moment not just for the families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and in al-Qaeda’s other attacks but for people all over the world who want to build a common future of peace, freedom, and co-operation for our children.
I congratulate the president, the National Security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al-Qaeda attacks.

** New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg
After September 11, 2001, we gave our word as Americans that we would stop at nothing to capture or kill Osama Bin Laden. After the contribution of millions, including so many who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, we have kept that word.
New Yorkers have waited nearly 10 years for this news. It is my hope that it will bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai
We hope that the terrorists’ activities will be stopped after Osama Bin Laden’s death which was his punishment.
And as well, the world should realise what we have repeatedly said all these years and every single day, that the war against terrorism should not be followed in the villages of Afghanistan.
The war against terrorism is not in the houses of innocent Afghan civilians. The fight against terrorism is not in bombing children and women in Afghanistan. The war against terrorism should be carried out in his safe haven, sanctuary and his training camp, not in Afghanistan, and today this has been proved right.

** UK Prime Minister David Cameron
The news that Osama Bin Laden is dead will bring great relief to people across the world.
Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the worst terrorist atrocities the world has seen – for 9/11 and for so many attacks, which have cost thousands of lives, many of them British.
It is a great success that he has been found and will no longer be able to pursue his campaign of global terror.

** Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
My  heartfelt gratitude to President Obama and to all of those who so brilliantly undertook and executed this operation.
We should never forget 9/11 was also the worst ever terrorist attack against UK civilians, and our thoughts are with all those – American, British and from nations across the world – who lost their lives and with their loved ones who remain and who live with their loss. 9/11 was an attack not just on the United States, but on all those who shared the best values of civilisation.

** French President Nicolas Sarkozy
The scourge of terrorism has suffered a historic defeat but it’s not the end of al-Qaeda.

*** German Chancellor Angela Merkel
The US military has achieved a decisive blow against al-Qaeda with its commando action against Osama Bin Laden and his killing.
Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Terror was brought to many countries on his direct orders and in his name, against men, women and children, Christians and Muslims. Osama Bin Laden claimed to be acting in the name of Islam, but in reality he made a mockery of the basic values of his and all other religions.

** Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi
This is a great result for the United States but also for all democracies. I think that we should not lower our guard because this could provoke reactions in the world of terrorism.

** Turkish President Abdullah Gul
This shows that terrorists and terrorist group leaders in the end are caught whether dead or alive. The most dangerous and sophisticated terrorist organisation leader in the world being caught this way should be a lesson to everyone.
** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
This is a resounding triumph for justice, freedom and the values shared by all democratic nations fighting shoulder to shoulder in determination against terrorism.

** Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari
We, like many people in the world, are delighted to see an end to his mentality and his devious ideology. Iraqis suffered a great deal at the hands of this man and his terrorist organisation. Thousands of Iraqis were murdered and killed because of his ideologies.
We as Iraqis have suffered enormously as a result of Al-Qaeda and its leader.
** Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast
US and their allies have no more excuse to deploy forces in the Middle East under pretext of fighting terrorism.

** Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki
The killing of Osama has taken place nearly 13 years after the terrorist bombings in Nairobi that led to the death of over 200 people, in an act believed to have been masterminded by Osama. His killing is an act of justice to those Kenyans who lost their lives and the many more who suffered injuries.
** Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan
We welcome this significant progress in counter-terrorism measures, and I pay respect to the efforts by the officials concerned, including those in the United States and Pakistan. As a responsible member of the international community, we will continue being thorough in our anti-terrorism measures and making active and responsible contributions to its efforts.

** New Zealand Prime Minister John Key
Osama Bin Laden was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people, including New Zealanders, in several different parts of the world.
While his removal will not necessarily bring an immediate end to terrorist activity, I have absolutely no doubt that the world is a safer place without Osama Bin Laden.