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02/07/2002
Reid meets with top loyalists in Belfast
Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid has held talks with senior loyalists in Belfast today to discuss growing sectarian tensions in the city.
Mr Reid met with members of the Loyalist Commission, an umbrella group made up of paramilitary, political and church figures, at the East Belfast Mission on the Newtownards Road. Among those at the gathering in the east of the city was former UFF brigadier Johnny Adair.
The highly significant meeting comes two days before Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are due in Hillsborough, County Down, for crunch talks on the peace process.
According to media reports as he arrived for the meeting, Dr Reid stressed he had a clear message for all paramilitary organisations.
He said: “If you want to work for a constructive political resolution to our problems and a better Northern Ireland, I will work with you.
“If you’re wedded to the old ways and you are stuck to the path of violence I will oppose you by every means at my disposal.”
Set up to broker agreement between the feuding loyalist paramilitary organisations, the Loyalist Commission has also orchestrated moves aimed at quelling serious street violence.
Lat month, the Loyalist Commission released a statement which detailed a commitment to a "no first strike" policy in interface areas of Belfast.
(AMcE)
Mr Reid met with members of the Loyalist Commission, an umbrella group made up of paramilitary, political and church figures, at the East Belfast Mission on the Newtownards Road. Among those at the gathering in the east of the city was former UFF brigadier Johnny Adair.
The highly significant meeting comes two days before Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are due in Hillsborough, County Down, for crunch talks on the peace process.
According to media reports as he arrived for the meeting, Dr Reid stressed he had a clear message for all paramilitary organisations.
He said: “If you want to work for a constructive political resolution to our problems and a better Northern Ireland, I will work with you.
“If you’re wedded to the old ways and you are stuck to the path of violence I will oppose you by every means at my disposal.”
Set up to broker agreement between the feuding loyalist paramilitary organisations, the Loyalist Commission has also orchestrated moves aimed at quelling serious street violence.
Lat month, the Loyalist Commission released a statement which detailed a commitment to a "no first strike" policy in interface areas of Belfast.
(AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
