World leaders react to Bin Laden's death

In his special live announcement on American television last night, US president Barack Obama told the country "The death of Bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's efforts to defeat Al-Qaeda". But he added that Al-Qaeda would continue to pursue attacks against the US, and said the country must remain vigilant.

Reuters

The Pakistan foreign ministry issued a statement saying "Osama Bin Laden's death illustrates the resolve of the international community, including Pakistan, to fight and eliminate terrorism. It constitutes a major setback to terrorist organisations around the world."

Meanwhile former US President George W Bush, who launched the War in Afghanistan, with the aim of finding Bin Laden, had this to say: "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 congratulated President Obama, and the National Security team.

French president Nicolas Sarkozy declared "The scourge of terrorism has suffered a historic defeat, but it is not the end of Al-Qaeda."

UK Prime Minister David Cameron hailed "a great success" and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke of a "resounding triumph for justice".

And Turkey's president Abdullah Gul declared "The most dangerous and sophisticated terrorist organisation leader in the world being caught in this way should be a lesson to everyone".