A French parliamentary committee investigating the terror attacks in Paris visited Brussels. The delegation of seven members of the French National Assembly held a press conference on Thursday evening (7 April) after the end of the first day of meetings in Brussels.
Earlier during the day the delegation laid a wreath of flowers outside Maelbeek metro station in honor of the victims of the terror attack on 22 March.
The delegation met Koen Metsu, member of the federal parliament and chairman of the temporary Belgian commission on the fight against terrorism, the presidents of the so-called R and P committees supervising the security and intelligence activities in Belgium and other officials.
They were also going to meet EU’s anti-terrorism coordinator to urge the European Union to take more responsibility in coordinating the fight against terrorism. On Friday morning they’ll meet the mayor of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Françoise Schepmans.
The chairman of the French commission, Georges Fenech, stressed the importance of strengthening the means of cooperation between France and Belgium.
Legislative measures which are underway in Belgium were received positively, especially those authorizing night searches and the possibility of extending police custody beyond 24 hours by amending the Constitution. In France, a suspect can be held in custody up to 96 hours.
The report of the French commission of inquiry will be published in early July. The report will among others discuss media coverage that could endanger investigations.
The Brussels Times (Source: Belga)
