Nigerian President to cancel visit to France

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan cancelled his scheduled trip to France for the summit of eight industrialized nations (G-8) out of security concern, according to official sources.

This was contained in a statement issued by his office on Thursday in Abuja.

The statement said the trip was cancelled, following concerns over air travel in Europe, caused by the presence of ash clouds in the aftermath of the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland.

It said the President was scheduled to leave for the summit on Thursday.

The statement said aviation authorities had indicated that there was possibility that a resumption of the eruptions would make it impossible for President Jonathan to return to Abuja in time for his inauguration for a fresh term on May 29.

The President was expected to participate in the G-8 Summit at Deauville, France on Friday and return to Abuja on Saturday for his inauguration.

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