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16/07/2013
Assembly Recalled Over Riots
MLAs are currently discussing the issue of parading during the 12 July in a special debate at the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The DUP and other unionists were angered by a Parades Commission ruling that meant the Orange Order could only march through a predominantly Catholic area of north Belfast once last Friday, 12 July.
A blocking of the route by police on the return journey resulted in fierce rioting and violence which has continued for four consecutive nights.
The DUP described the Parades Commission ruling as rewarding dissident republican violence and has since called for the body to be replaced by an alternative group.
First Minister Peter Robinson also condemned the rioters and said anyone who attacks a police officer should end up in prison.
But Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson said the DUP and UUP are "refusing to support the rule of law" by criticising the Parades Commission.
"Communities have suffered four nights of trouble which has seriously harmed community relations, damaged Northern Ireland’s international image and resulted in a large number of police officers being injured," he said.
"By opposing the lawful determinations of the Parades Commission, the DUP and UUP are refusing to show their full support for the rule of law and the PSNI.
"We need all political parties to show leadership and help calm the tensions that are running high. By using provocative language that attempts to direct blame towards the Parades Commission, the DUP and UUP are fuelling the protests which have led to trouble that we have witnessed in recent days."
(IT/CD)
The DUP and other unionists were angered by a Parades Commission ruling that meant the Orange Order could only march through a predominantly Catholic area of north Belfast once last Friday, 12 July.
A blocking of the route by police on the return journey resulted in fierce rioting and violence which has continued for four consecutive nights.
The DUP described the Parades Commission ruling as rewarding dissident republican violence and has since called for the body to be replaced by an alternative group.
First Minister Peter Robinson also condemned the rioters and said anyone who attacks a police officer should end up in prison.
But Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson said the DUP and UUP are "refusing to support the rule of law" by criticising the Parades Commission.
"Communities have suffered four nights of trouble which has seriously harmed community relations, damaged Northern Ireland’s international image and resulted in a large number of police officers being injured," he said.
"By opposing the lawful determinations of the Parades Commission, the DUP and UUP are refusing to show their full support for the rule of law and the PSNI.
"We need all political parties to show leadership and help calm the tensions that are running high. By using provocative language that attempts to direct blame towards the Parades Commission, the DUP and UUP are fuelling the protests which have led to trouble that we have witnessed in recent days."
(IT/CD)
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10 July 2013
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20 April 2012
New Initiative Launched To Resolve Parading Disputes
Former speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord John Alderdice, has been asked to take on an initiative by the Parades Commission to resolve parading disputes in Ardoyne, north Belfast. Fr Gary Donegan and Rev Norman Hamilton will also take part in the new initiative.
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Former speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord John Alderdice, has been asked to take on an initiative by the Parades Commission to resolve parading disputes in Ardoyne, north Belfast. Fr Gary Donegan and Rev Norman Hamilton will also take part in the new initiative.
10 July 2014
Calls For Parade Inquiry
Unionist leaders have called for a legal inquiry into an ongoing issue surrounding parading in north Belfast. The move follows a Parades Commission ruling that an Orange Order parade would not be allowed to march through a predominantly nationalist area of north Belfast twice on 12 July.
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The Orange Order has met with the Secretary of State to discuss the current parading legislation. Theresa Villiers MP was presented with a formal request urging her to personally intervene and commence a process to replace the current parading legislation, with an emphasis on "fair and equitable" regulations for all communities.
Orange Order Discusses Changes To Parading Legislation
The Orange Order has met with the Secretary of State to discuss the current parading legislation. Theresa Villiers MP was presented with a formal request urging her to personally intervene and commence a process to replace the current parading legislation, with an emphasis on "fair and equitable" regulations for all communities.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
