Iraqis end hunger strike in Denmark

The centre-right cabinet wants to restrict immigration

A group of 27 Iraqi refugees in Denmark have ended a week-long hunger strike after being told their claims for political asylum will be given serious consideration.

The Iraqis, who are staying in Copenhagen's cathedral, began the hunger strike after their asylum requests were turned down.

The Iraqis are staying in Vor Frue cathedral

A church spokesman said the refugees called off the action after receiving assurances that their claims will be looked at again and handled fairly.

On Tuesday, the Danish immigration minister, Bertel Haarder, said those refugees whose requests were rejected would not be forced to leave.

"If they want to stay in the country, we will provide them with bed and board but they will not receive any money or be allowed to work," Mr Haarder said.

Danish aid organisations have offered to help move the Iraqis to refugee holding centres throughout the country.

The hunger strike began on 23 May. Cathedral authorities allowed the group to stay inside provided they did not disturb church activities.

Restrictions

The refugees came from the government-controlled part of Iraq.

Correspondents say that in past years, they would have been granted asylum because of fears that they might face persecution at home.

But earlier this month, Denmark's new centre-right government approved a bill aimed at restricting immigration and reducing public assistance to refugees.

The legislation also includes plans to abolish de facto refugee status, thus giving asylum to refugees only in accordance with international conventions

The bill is due to be discussed in Parliament shortly.

In the past five years, Iraqis have been one of the largest groups of asylum seekers in Denmark.

More than 4,000 Iraqi refugees have arrived there in the past two years.