Iraq tells Denmark it is determined to keep embassies safe

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein vowed to keep Danish embassies amid a string of Qur’an burnings. (File/AFP)

• Danish staff left on Monday, the same day that a small group of protesters in Denmark set fire to a copy of the Qur’an

DUBAI: Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told his Danish counterpart on Wednesday Iraq was determined to keep diplomatic missions safe, days after officials said Danish embassy staff left the country.
The Iraqi ministry said the Danish staff left on Monday, the same day that a small group of protesters in Denmark set fire to a copy of the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book, in front of the Iraqi embassy in Copenhagen.
A string of Qur’an burnings in other countries has triggered protests across the Muslim world.
A spokesperson for the Danish foreign ministry said the embassy in Baghdad had been closed for the summer holidays since July 22.