No Agreement After Orange Order Ardoyne Talks

No agreement has been reached between the Orange Order and a north Belfast residents' group over a controversial parade held every 12 July in the area.

Both the Orange Order and the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA) were praised after agreeing to hold face-to-face talks regarding the parade.

Last year, a loyalist flute band was filmed marching up and down in front of St Patrick's Catholic Church in north Belfast while playing an anti-Catholic song about the Irish famine.

Heightened tensions between nationalists and unionists are a permanent fixture during the annual parade, as the Orange Order marches through the predominantly Catholic area of north Belfast.

But the Order said it was willing to engage with residents further in the future.

"The County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast would like to thank the Brethren and community representatives who were involved in talks with Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association," a statement said.

"The talks, which were lengthy and lasted over two days, were comprehensive and frank. The local Lodges explained their position with regard to the parade along the Crumlin Road on the Twelfth morning and evening. Those present also articulated the interests of the local unionist community and discussed issues expressed by nationalist residents, as the delegation sought to understand why the parade was opposed.

"The local Lodges are willing to continue with the engagement should it be helpful to address genuine issues and concerns. In taking this historic step to engage, the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast, their community and political partners sought to build on the spirit of the ‘Comprehensive Template’, which has been delivered in full."

The statement concluded: "We believe all steps possible have been taken by the Orange family to ensure a peaceful Twelfth for those who parade and protest along the Crumlin Road."

(IT/CD)