France in embassy alert over Prophet Muhammad cartoons

France says it will temporarily close its embassies and schools in 20 countries after a satirical magazine published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, a move it fears could further inflame tensions after Friday prayers.

The images feature in the French weekly Charlie Hebdo. The last time it published similar cartoons, its Paris offices were firebombed.

The French government is calling for restraint and has condemned the magazine for publishing the cartoons.