'Call Flag Protests Off' - Nesbitt

Ulster Unionist Party Mike Nesbitt has urged the organisers of a flag protest planned for this Saturday to call the event off, according to the BBC.

On Saturday, a parade will take place to commemorate the murders of two Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) soldiers who were killed in an IRA bomb attack in 1998. James Cummings and Fred Starrett were killed on 24 February 1988 when a bomb went of in Royal Avenue, Belfast.

The UUP Leader said he didn't want to deflect from the commemoration of "two brave citizens", but remarked: "I understand over 1,000 people will take part in the parade to commemorate James and Fred who were members of the Ulster Defence Regiment deployed to protect the building site that was to become Castlecourt Shopping Centre.

"Given the cost of the flags protests, it would be regrettable if those involved did not take the opportunity to step back to allow the media to highlight how republicans once stopped at nothing to pursue their economic war against Northern Ireland, irrespective of the cost in terms of human lives or impact on the economy," he said.

"The cost of the current protests cannot be justified, but are as nothing to the equally unjustifiable cost of the Troubles."

The parade on Saturday follows numerous protests which have been taking place since 3 December. Belfast City Councillors voted on that date to limit the number of days the union flag can fly above Belfast City Hall.

"I appeal to people like Jamie Bryson to use their influence to call off Saturday's protest and leave the streets clear for the parade in commemoration of Privates Cummings and Starrett," Mr Nesbitt said.

"I further call, as I have since the first week of December last, for the flags protests to move off the streets. It is clear to all that the issues go far beyond the union flag, and I repeat my invitation to Mr Bryson and his colleagues to engage with the Unionist Forum, which offers an unique opportunity to air their grievances with the realistic hope of redress."

(IT)