Menu
23/08/2002
Politicians unite in condemnation of paramilitary violence
Talks to try to bring an end to sectarian violence at interfaces have ended in general agreement but without a definitive action plan, however the main political parties are expected to continue discussions at a later date.
Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne met representatives of most of the assembly parties on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the widespread violence in flashpoint areas in north and east Belfast over several months.
After the meeting Mr Browne said there had been "universal condemnation of sectarianism in all its forms and of paramilitary violence in particular".
"It was agreed that both central and devolved administrations have a role to play and a number of practical approaches to problems at the interfaces will be explored," he said.
Sinn Fein's North Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly said the meeting was long overdue.
"I regret we couldn't come out with a joint statement but certainly there was a communal view against sectarianism at the interfaces," he said.
Ulster Unionist assembly member Fred Cobain said that the meeting signalled "some hope for the future" in ending clashes between unionists and nationalists in Belfast.
But he said that community dialogue would not take place until the paramilitaries took a step back from the violence.
SDLP Councillor Martin Morgan stated: "We impressed upon the Minister that affirmative and decisive action needs to be taken in regard to the community initiatives. There is a need for vulnerable communities to be properly protected."
The Democratic Unionist Party did not attend the talks.
(GB)
Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne met representatives of most of the assembly parties on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the widespread violence in flashpoint areas in north and east Belfast over several months.
After the meeting Mr Browne said there had been "universal condemnation of sectarianism in all its forms and of paramilitary violence in particular".
"It was agreed that both central and devolved administrations have a role to play and a number of practical approaches to problems at the interfaces will be explored," he said.
Sinn Fein's North Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly said the meeting was long overdue.
"I regret we couldn't come out with a joint statement but certainly there was a communal view against sectarianism at the interfaces," he said.
Ulster Unionist assembly member Fred Cobain said that the meeting signalled "some hope for the future" in ending clashes between unionists and nationalists in Belfast.
But he said that community dialogue would not take place until the paramilitaries took a step back from the violence.
SDLP Councillor Martin Morgan stated: "We impressed upon the Minister that affirmative and decisive action needs to be taken in regard to the community initiatives. There is a need for vulnerable communities to be properly protected."
The Democratic Unionist Party did not attend the talks.
(GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
02 August 2001
Politicians meet to discuss ways to end violence
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams have held private talks about the recent upsurge in violence in Northern Ireland.
Politicians meet to discuss ways to end violence
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams have held private talks about the recent upsurge in violence in Northern Ireland.
28 July 2023
One In Five Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence
One in five people have experienced at least one type of gender-based violence, whether physical, sexual, psychological, economic or online, in the last five years. The figure was revealed in a report – the 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of adults in Northern Ireland in 2022' – published by The Executive Office.
One In Five Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence
One in five people have experienced at least one type of gender-based violence, whether physical, sexual, psychological, economic or online, in the last five years. The figure was revealed in a report – the 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of adults in Northern Ireland in 2022' – published by The Executive Office.
23 January 2004
Trimble warns of 'short-sighted' republican approach
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has warned that unless there is a dramatic change in the "myopic" position of rebublicans that a "prolonged period of direct rule is inevitable".
Trimble warns of 'short-sighted' republican approach
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has warned that unless there is a dramatic change in the "myopic" position of rebublicans that a "prolonged period of direct rule is inevitable".
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
-
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.
