Maltese MEPs and officials working in Belgium have expressed shock and sorrow after the terror attacks in Brussels that have killed more than 20 people and injured dozens of others.
The Malta Independent has spoken to MEPs Marlene Mizzi, Miriam Dalli, Therese Comodini Cachia and Roberta Metsola for their reaction after the attacks. LAbour MEP Alfred Sant gave his reaction via his Facebook page.
Miriam Dalli
“The feeling here is far worse than when we had the lock down, after the Paris attacks,” Labour MEP Miriam Dalli said from Brussels this afternoon, while talking to this newsroom.
Having been in Brussels during both troubling times, Dr Dalli explained that the lock-down was a result of a horrific act of terror which happened in Paris, but this time it was all happening directly in Brussels. She added that “Brussels was involved on the sidelines, now it is totally different.”
“The fact that it happened in an airport and metro station, so close to Parliament, shows how central the attack was. This morning there were shops close to the EP which chose to remain shut, so you can imagine the tension being felt on the streets.”
“To tell you the trust I am shocked. My family and I are ok, but we are in complete shock with what happened. Our friend was at the airport this morning and got injured. We are constantly checking in on him to see how he is, whether he needs anything and what can be done.”
Describing where she was when the attack took place, Dr Dalli said:
“I was in the street on my way to Parliament when I heard the news. We first heard what happened on the radio from our car, however nobody thought it was an attack at first, we initially thought it was an accident.”
“This morning we had votes in Parliament, we continued with our work...it was very obvious how preoccupied everybody was however. You could cut the tension with a butter knife.”
“Right now we are reaching out to other Maltese MEPs and workers in Brussels, in order to make sure everybody is safe and let them know that people on our end are safe.”
Therese Comodini Cachia
"This is a reaction of shock...when the Paris attacks happened, the next day I passed through the airport of Paris. Today I in Brussels I am seeing the same reactions. People do not want to believe the photos and videos uploaded online.
"It is a shock as well because I use this airport twice a week, every week. Seeing an attack like this taking place in an area that is so familiar takes away from that feeling of security we once had. This changes the way we think about things.
"In reality, people first confirm that there family and friends are ok. When you see that those you know are ok you start to think of those unfortunate people who have been hurt and killed. I know Lorenzo Vella has been injured and I wish him a speedy recovery. One starts to also think about those working in security and emergency services since their job is to be on the ground when such horrible events happen, to help the public after all."
Marlene Mizzi
The Malta Independent was also in touch with Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi, who happened to be in Malta when the attack unfolded.
“My staff in Brussels are ok. One got caught in the train coming to work, in an area called Schuman, very close to the explosion. They were asked to leave the plane and run; she’s ok now and made it safely to the EP.”
Describing the scene at the EP, Mrs Mizzi said:
“There is enormous security at Parliament, practically a whole army. It is heartbreaking to see people attacking other people who are innocent, just trying to go about their business and get to work. I do not even know what to say at this point. It is sad, just so sad.
Roberta Metsola
Today I went to the EP early in the morning due to a number of meetings. Upon arrival the news started pouring in about the attack that one could say Belgium and Europe has been fearfully expecting for some time. The number of people killed and injured is constantly going up. In fact, in the airport we saw that the strength of the explosion caused a roof to collapse, leaving many more injured than previously thought.
This is an ugly day for Belgium and EU, there are still too many people with bad intentions who want to destabilise our democratic society. The message we need to take away is that we need to continue to fight against all phenomenon of terrorism and all examples of terrorism; it has been made clear that we have not come close to doing all that needs to be done.
Translated to English, Labour MEP and former Prime Minister Alfred Sant wrote this morning:
"Brussels was today traumatised by two bomb attacks which took place at the international airport and the metro station of Maelbeek. Many people died. The airport, as well as the metro station and tram have all closed. Many places are empty, and although inside the European Parliament we continued with our sessions, however the agenda for discussion remained light.
"On my street, while walking to Parliament this morning I passed through my usual route in front of the Maelbeek station, fifteen minutes before the explosion took place. This morning i happened to pass my usual route fifteen minutes early. I express grief and solidarity with all the victims and their family. I wish a speedy recovery to the young Maltese who got injured, an old friend of mine."
I know that a lot of you are worried about us ... Just a short note to let you know that my family and I are safe and sound so far. Shocked by what is happening. My thoughts with all the victims and injured.
Posted by Miriam Dalli on Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Gathering the Maltese people who were at the Airport at the Novotel Hotel in Zaventem - transport will be provided to the embassy.
Posted by Cyrus Engerer on Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Maltese people should not come to Novotel Hotel. It is only those of us who were at the airport that have gathered here. Now finding way to go back home.
Posted by Cyrus Engerer on Tuesday, March 22, 2016