(5 Jul 1999) English/Nat
Orangemen were on Monday banned by the Parades Commission from marching down the nationalist end of the Ormeau Road in south Belfast during next week's July 12 celebrations.
It was a decision certain to anger Orangeman across Northern Ireland, coming as it did hours after the Order kept the peace at Drumcree after being banned from the nationalist Garvaghy Road on Sunday.
Last year, the Protestant brotherhood at Portadown massed thousands of angry supporters in hopes of wearing down the police and soldiers ranged against them.
But its members backed off this year in hopes of being allowed down the disputed road later this summer.
Those camping on the hillside are optimistic that this time there might be a solution and will stay near the church at Drumcree until there is a resolution.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I couldn't put a definite time limit on it, last year we had hoped that we wouldn't be spending the entire year at Drumcree so it's not for me to put a definite date on it but I am confident that the Prime minister will do all in his power to ensure that there is a just and lasting solution to the problem on the Garvaghy Road. "
SUPERCAPTION: Nigel Dawson, Orangeman
The resolve to keep future protests peaceful will be tested by a ruling Monday by the government-appointed Parades Commission, which imposed the Portadown restrictions.
The Commission said that failure of the Orangemen to engage fully in local discussion with the resident's group at Garvaghy Road was behind its decision last week.
It's an argument which has angered the Orangemen.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think the parade body has become such a discredited body that the fact they have totally endorsed the residents viewpoint and have provided the shield that the residents hide behind. Quite simply as I said in April they knew that they did not have to become involved in any process that wasn't on their terms and simply the parade commission would rule in their favour."
SUPERCAPTION: Noel Liggett Spokesman Ballynafeigh Orange Lodge
The commission said Orangemen also would not be allowed to parade past Catholic-occupied streets on a major Belfast street, the Lower Ormeau Road.
Gerard Rice, spokesman for the nationalist Lower Ormeau Concerned Community, welcomed the decision.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
" I have received word that the parade has been rerouted away from this community, it has to be said that this community welcomes this decision and it brings a welcome relief and we would appeal for calm and sense to prevail throughout the rest of the week.Quite clearly it points to a total lack of effort on behalf of the orange order to resolve this marching issue. Quite clearly we need to engage in direct dialogue now to resolve the marching issue."
SUPERCAPTION: Gerard Rice Lower Ormeau road residents group
Whether Northern Ireland remains calm for the remainder of the marching season waits to be seen.
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