Paris Attacks: 5 minutes from blast... UAE visitor alive, worried

As the world is mourning those killed in deadly bomb blasts in different parts of Paris, French visitors to the UAE who live and work in Paris, are anguished and feel relieved that they travelled out of the city. A few delegates from Paris-based organisations currently in the UAE said they are angry about the blasts, but felt worried about their staff and family members who are living in the city. Jose Luis Castro, Executive Director, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Paris said he felt sad and worried as the blast site is only five minutes away from his house in Paris. “I left one day before the blast to reach Sharjah. A few months ago we had a similar experience with terrorism. Now this is the second time that Paris is witnessing such a major attack. "I mourn the loss of lives. Fortunately, my staff at the headquarters is safe and we are extremely worried about the situation.” José Luis Castro who was the Chair of Global NCD Alliance Forum in Sharjah said: “I am safe in Sharjah now. This programme was planned one year in advance but I have to cut short my programme and have to rush back to Paris.” His head office is located in 68 boulevard Saint-Michel 75006 Paris. “I am overwhelmed and outraged by these barbaric acts of terror in our city. We are currently reaching out to all of the staff in our Paris headquarters and we will report back as soon as we confirm that everyone is safe and unharmed,” he said. A few other delegates from Paris are attending the Global Forum in Sharjah. “As people who fight every day to keep those who suffer from disease alive, we understand the value of life. "The terrorists who perpetrated this senseless act place no value on life, no value on what we fight every day to protect. My prayers and thoughts are with the victims and their families.” He said his family is also safe in the US but he is returning to Paris one day in advance due to the blasts. Explosions were reported outside a France-Germany soccer match at Stade de France, and at least 100 hostages were taken during a heavy metal concert at the Bataclan theatre. Shootings were also reported at the Le Petit Cambrodge restaurant and Le Carillon bar, which are right across the street from each other. Shots were also reported outside the nearby La Belle Equipe cafe. On social networking sites, users are expressing solidarity to France by changing their profile pixtures masked with French flags. The French community in the UAE are also mourning the devastating blasts by joining the official mourning. “The French Business Council Executive Committee and Permanent staff join forces at the national mourning affecting our country following the heinous attacks in Paris last Friday. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and relatives of the victims,” and the office remains closed till Tuesday. The French embassy and consulates in the UAE have said visa applications continued to be received at the Visa agency offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi but the security checking at border entry points have been tightened. These entry points are at road crossing points, rail, sea and airport and the air and train links are ensured.