Interface violence tackled at Stormont meeting

Local political representatives spent two-hours locked in Stormont talks aimed at tackling 'interface' violence.

The meeting, which was chaired by NIO Minister, Des Browne was attended by all but three of the local political parties. It follows escalation of violence at sectarian interfaces, especially in north Belfast, over past months.

Commenting after the meeting the Mr Browne said: “This was a useful meeting and the response from those representatives with their roots in the community was encouraging.

"There was universal condemnation of sectarianism in all its forms and of paramilitary violence in particular.

"It was agreed that both central and devolved administrations have a role to play and a number of practical approaches to problems at the interfaces will be explored."

Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly described the meeting as "overdue" while UUP representative Fred Cobain said that it signalled some hope that for the ending of sectarian clashes in Belfast.

The SDLP's Alex Attwood also welcomed the meeting and described it as a first step towards ensuring "that those who are living under threat and terror are reassured".

Mr Attwood said: "There was good exchange of views and early work on principles that parties could sign up to for future work. The SDLP argued that paramilitary groups needed to desist from their activities to build confidence at interface areas. Their leadership, and at this time the UFF/UDA leadership, need to be pursued and prosecuted."

A second meeting is expected to take place before the end of the month.

(MB)