A major security operation will surround a homecoming parade in Belfast later for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
A major security operation will surround a homecoming parade in Belfast later for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sinn Fein and other republican groups plan to protest along the route at the British Army's role in the Troubles.
Sinn Fein and other republican groups plan to protest along the route at the British Army's role in the Troubles.
The RAF has cancelled a planned fly-past and the soldiers, from the Royal Irish Regiment, will be unarmed.
The RAF has cancelled a planned fly-past and the soldiers, from the Royal Irish Regiment, will be unarmed.
Sinn Fein has changed the route of its demonstration to try to avoid conflict and told troublemakers to stay away.
Sinn Fein has changed the route of its demonstration to try to avoid conflict and told troublemakers to stay away.
Despite the concessions made on both sides, there are still fears that some loyalists and republicans could infiltrate the peaceful protesters.
Despite the concessions made on both sides, there are still fears that some loyalists and republicans could infiltrate the peaceful protesters.
'Looking for trouble'
'Looking for trouble'
Sinn Fein says it is inappropriate to mark the homecoming because British troops were responsible for the deaths of Catholic civilians during the Troubles.
Sinn Fein says it is inappropriate to mark the homecoming because British troops were responsible for the deaths of Catholic civilians during the Troubles.
But unionists say the Army has every right to walk the streets of Belfast. They say that the changes made to the parade mean troops from the Royal Irish Regiment will receive a different welcome home than soldiers elsewhere in the UK.
But unionists say the Army has every right to walk the streets of Belfast. They say that the changes made to the parade mean troops from the Royal Irish Regiment will receive a different welcome home than soldiers elsewhere in the UK.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has warned dissident republicans opposed to his party's role in Northern Ireland's devolved government not to "piggyback" on the protest.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has warned dissident republicans opposed to his party's role in Northern Ireland's devolved government not to "piggyback" on the protest.
"Anybody looking for trouble shouldn't be coming here," he said.
"Anybody looking for trouble shouldn't be coming here," he said.
BBC Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson said the event was being seen as a test for the new peaceful era in Belfast.
BBC Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson said the event was being seen as a test for the new peaceful era in Belfast.
Politicians on all sides have appealed for demonstrators to be calm and dignified, he added.
Politicians on all sides have appealed for demonstrators to be calm and dignified, he added.
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