Danes fear more violence over Mohammed cartoons

Danes feared religious processions in Muslim countries would spill into violence against its diplomats and soldiers today.

A Danish opposition politician suggested the government invite Turkey to help quell anger over the Prophet Mohammed drawings.

The foreign ministry said it had temporarily closed its diplomatic mission in Beirut, which was burned by protesters on Sunday, and moved all staff to the French Embassy.

The ministry also said it expected one or more demonstrations in Beirut in the next few days and reiterated its advice for all Danes to leave the country.

The Danish Broadcasting Corporation said its journalists in Beirut had been warned to stay away from Shiite ceremonies marking Ashoura, the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar.

The Danish Defence Intelligence Service warned that Ashoura celebrations in Iraq could turn into protests against the drawings, which first appeared in a Danish newspaper in September.

Denmark has 530 troops stationed in the southern city of Basra.