Unionists Walk Out Of New Talks

Northern Ireland's unionist parties have walked out of new talks intended to bring about consensus on contentious issues in Northern Ireland.

The move follows a Parades Commission decision to not allow the Orange Order to march through a predominantly nationalist area of north Belfast twice on 12 July. The Commission said the parade could pass through the Crumlin Road on its outward journey, but not on its return journey.

The move follows the same decision made last year by the Parades Commission, which led to serious disorder and attacks on police officers when the PSNI attempted to uphold the decision.

In a joint statement, DUP leader Peter Robinson, Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt, TUV leader Jim Allister, PUP leader Billy Hutchinson and Ian McLaughlin of the Ulster Political Research Group said: "This Parades Commission determination creates a serious situation for Northern Ireland. We know, having seen republican threats of violence being rewarded, the conclusion is swiftly drawn that violence pays. We have, for some time, been aware that such an absurd parades determination would bring with it a very real risk of widespread violence and disorder. In the past number of weeks the DUP, UUP, TUV, PUP and UPRG (West Belfast) have discussed and agreed our united response.

"The unionist parties have pledged to work collectively on this issue. We do so to avert violence and destruction on our streets with the attendant harm that this would cause to Northern Ireland's community relations and reputation. The desired direction of travel for Northern Ireland has been to leave behind the use and threat of violence. This decision and its surrender to publicly issued republican threats is unacceptable and flies in the face of the democratically expressed wishes of the people of Northern Ireland who want to move forward on a basis where cultural expressions are undertaken with respect and met with tolerance."

"We stress that the only way to secure widespread support throughout the community is conditioned on a repudiation of violence. We cannot lead a campaign against republicans who use the threat of violence as a means of influencing decision making if there are those within our community who stoop to these same foul methods.

"The DUP and UUP will end their participation in the now fruitless Leaders talks. With OTR enquiries underway following the scandal of comfort letters being provided to republican terrorists both parties have already indicated that the issue of the past cannot be resolved at this time. In addition the positions adopted by SF and the SDLP in Dungiven, Belfast and Portadown demonstrate that they do not possess the fairness, flexibility and moderation that is essential if we are to achieve an outcome that would reflect the principles of respect and tolerance that are needed to reach a resolution."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "I am disappointed but not surprised that the unionist parties have decided to withdraw from an important talks process.

"Prior to the talks I asked all party leaders to issue a statement calling for calm on our streets. That did not happen. Unionists need to show leadership, respect the determination of the parades Commission and support the rule of law. Whatever the problems there can be no resort to violence."

SDLP Leader Alasdair McDonnell said: "There is now a desperate need for people to keep calm and provide leadership in our communities. Being difficult and being angry is not going to help anyone.

"All of the parties need to get back in the room and talk it out; this is the only way of making progress. We were making some progress and the SDLP are convinced that there are potential solutions to all issues on the table. One specific parade or one specific issue should not be allowed to derail the entire process that has the potential to resolve the outstanding challenges we face.

"The public are way ahead of some of the politicians. They want to see the talks make progress and move into prosperity – that is what the public are looking for from us as politicians and our institutions."

Alliance Leader David Ford said: "I am horrified and disgusted by the utterly irresponsible and disgraceful decision of the DUP and UUP to withdraw from the all-party talks. In doing so, they will inevitably escalate tensions over parading.

"The only response to a Parades Commission ruling is to accept it as the lawful determination. Leaders should use any influence they have to ensure parades and protests are both lawful and peaceful, and not by words or actions, raise tensions.

"These talks were never about one parade this summer, they were about agreeing to change the legislation for future years as well as dealing with flags and finding a means of dealing with the past which provides victims with justice and truth."

(IT/CD)