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North Belfast parades dispute: Rallies across Northern Ireland planned | North Belfast parades dispute: Rallies across Northern Ireland planned |
(about 5 hours later) | |
Orangemen and unionists are considering staging rallies over the north Belfast parades dispute, the BBC has learned. | Orangemen and unionists are considering staging rallies over the north Belfast parades dispute, the BBC has learned. |
The move is part of their "graduated response" to the Parades Commission's determinations preventing a march past Ardoyne shops on the Crumlin Road. | The move is part of their "graduated response" to the Parades Commission's determinations preventing a march past Ardoyne shops on the Crumlin Road. |
In July, Orange and unionist leaders called for the Northern Ireland Office to set up an inquiry into the parading dispute in north Belfast. | In July, Orange and unionist leaders called for the Northern Ireland Office to set up an inquiry into the parading dispute in north Belfast. |
Unionists walked out of talks on flags, parades and the past. | Unionists walked out of talks on flags, parades and the past. |
They said that was the first step in what they described as a "graduated response" to the Parades Commission ruling. | They said that was the first step in what they described as a "graduated response" to the Parades Commission ruling. |
Last week, a leaked document emerged which appeared to be a draft proposal from the NIO for a "panel of inquiry" into the north Belfast dispute. | Last week, a leaked document emerged which appeared to be a draft proposal from the NIO for a "panel of inquiry" into the north Belfast dispute. |
Although an announcement is thought to be imminent, so far Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has yet to confirm the shape of any inquiry. | Although an announcement is thought to be imminent, so far Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has yet to confirm the shape of any inquiry. |
Officially the Orange Order has said it knows nothing about any planned rallies. | Officially the Orange Order has said it knows nothing about any planned rallies. |
18 rallies | 18 rallies |
However, informed sources told the BBC that a plan has been discussed for at least 18 rallies around Northern Ireland in support of the north Belfast Orangemen. | However, informed sources told the BBC that a plan has been discussed for at least 18 rallies around Northern Ireland in support of the north Belfast Orangemen. |
The list of possible venues includes the Secretary of State's residence at Hillsborough Castle and the North-South Ministerial Council office in Armagh. | The list of possible venues includes the Secretary of State's residence at Hillsborough Castle and the North-South Ministerial Council office in Armagh. |
Some sources indicated the rallies would go ahead irrespective of any inquiry which might be announced by the NIO. | Some sources indicated the rallies would go ahead irrespective of any inquiry which might be announced by the NIO. |
Others said senior unionists believe the protest plan should be delayed until after Ms Villiers sets out the details of the proposed north Belfast panel. | Others said senior unionists believe the protest plan should be delayed until after Ms Villiers sets out the details of the proposed north Belfast panel. |
'Heighten tensions' | |
Sinn Féin said the rallies would heighten tensions. | |
"We need less parades in the north, not more," the party's Gerry Kelly said. | |
"This move can only heighten tensions and is part of a unionist effort to undermine the Parades Commission and put pressure on the British secretary of state to reward intransigence. | |
"In the past, when unionist leaders have called people out on to the streets we have seen a descent into street violence. | |
"There is a responsibility on the organisers to ensure that any rallies or public demonstrations are peaceful." | |
'Increasingly frustrated' | 'Increasingly frustrated' |
A protest over the Parades Commission's decision is continuing at Twaddell Avenue in north Belfast. | A protest over the Parades Commission's decision is continuing at Twaddell Avenue in north Belfast. |
On Wednesday, Orange leaders met with those taking part in the protest. | On Wednesday, Orange leaders met with those taking part in the protest. |
Afterwards, Orange grandmaster Edward Stevenson said: "It is clear those with feet on the ground have real and genuine concerns, and are becoming increasingly frustrated at the present impasse. | Afterwards, Orange grandmaster Edward Stevenson said: "It is clear those with feet on the ground have real and genuine concerns, and are becoming increasingly frustrated at the present impasse. |
"We in the Orange institution share those frustrations and remain committed to ensuring the three lodges complete their traditional parade to Ligoniel Orange hall." | "We in the Orange institution share those frustrations and remain committed to ensuring the three lodges complete their traditional parade to Ligoniel Orange hall." |
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