The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) has expressed its horror at the bomb attacks carried out in Brussels, and sends its best wishes to the families of the people killed in the bombings and a speedy recovery for those injured.
"It was with enormous shock that I heard about the bombings in Brussels," said WFDB President Ernie Blom. "Along, I am sure, with many thousands of members of the diamond industry around the world, I have passed through the departure hall of Brussels Zaventem airport scores of times as I have left Belgium after meetings or business in Antwerp.
"Seeing the images on television and the Internet of the wrecked check-in counters therefore brings home to all of us even more strongly the shocking nature of this cowardly attack on innocent people. We send our sincere best wishes to the citizens of Belgium and stand in solidarity with them at this terribly difficult time.
"I have not heard of any members of the Belgian diamond industry being victims of these attacks and I hope that continues to be the case. As with many other diamantaires, I have very many friends in Belgium. Indeed the WFDB's offices are based in Antwerp. On behalf of the WFDB and its members across the world, I send our sincere best wishes to the Belgian public," Blom added.