09/07/2014

Executive Calls For Peaceful 12th

The Executive has released a statement calling for a peaceful 12 July period, after the recent heightening of tensions over parading.

The announcement follows an Executive meeting at Stormont Castle.

"The Executive agreed that all parades and parades-related protests should be lawful," it said. "The Executive acknowledges the efforts of many to ensure a peaceful summer."

The statement follows a Parades Commission ruling last week that a 12 July parade in north Belfast will not be allowed to march along a predominantly nationalist area of the Crumlin road on its return journey, but will be able to do so on its outward journey.

The decision caused anger among unionist politicians, who walked out of fresh discussions on flags, parades and the past which had just begun in an effort to build on the Haass talks that occurred just before last Christmas, and which also ended in stalemate.

(IT/CD)

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