Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 February 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 February 2006. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Monday, 27 February 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Nigeria

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Nigerian Government about the decision of Kano members of parliament to burn the Danish and Norwegian flags.

Answer: My right hon. friend the Foreign Secretary discussed a wide range of issues of common concern when he met President Obasanjo and the Nigerian Foreign Minister in Abuja on 14 February, including relations between the EU and the Muslim world.We are aware that Danish and Norwegian flags were burnt by members of the Kano State House of Assembly, and we condemn such actions. We understand the offence caused to many by the publication in European newspapers of caricatures depicting Islamic religious figures and regret this. But any acts of violence over this issue, including attacks directed against Danish and Norwegian personnel and property, are unacceptable. It is incumbent on us all to act responsibly to calm the situation. We support action by the Danish and Norwegian Governments, and other international leaders, to resolve the issue.

Secondary information