Assembly Recalled Over Parades

The DUP has lodged a request for a recall of the Assembly, following the decision by the Parades Commission to restrict an Orange March through the Ardoyne; a predominantly nationalist area of north Belfast.

The decision by the Commission followed a face-to-face meeting between the local Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents' Association (Cara) and the Orange Order. The talks ended without agreement.

"In light of the determination issued by the Parades Commission last evening it is right and proper that these issues should be debated at an appropriate time next week in the Assembly to allow for the expression of opposition to a decision which many see as rewarding riotous behaviour by dissident republicans last July," DUP leader Peter Robinson said.

"This debate will provide the opportunity to examine why it is that some feel the need to oppose the sharing of roads and to support tactics which ultimately disregard respect for the cultural of those from the Unionist community. Continued refusal to tolerate the passing of a short parade fuels the view that nationalists and republicans have little interest in building a genuinely respectful and tolerant society."

He said it was clear that the determinations of the Parades Commission "do nothing to encourage mutual respect and tolerance for culture and identity".

The statement submitted by the Party is as follows: "This Assembly notes the lawful but illogical determination issued by the Parades Commission on 9 July in relation to the application by the three Ligoniel Orange Lodges for a parade in Belfast on 12 July 2013.

"Notes the consequences of the determination and its outworking in that attempts to build a shared future have been harmed by the actions of those who oppose the concept of sharing space and respecting cultural identity.

"And calls not only for respect for the rule of law to be upheld but also for respect and tolerance to be shown for everyone’s cultural identity."

(IT/CD)