There were fresh indications in North Belfast today that an end may be in sight to a three-year-old row between Orange Order members and their nationalist neighbours.
Orange Order members want the right to parade to and from Belfast City Centre on 12 July.
Since 2013, the PSNI has been implementing a decision by the Parades Commission to prevent a return journey past nationalist homes in Ardoyne.
Orange order members, in response, have established a protest site, at Twaddell Avenue, close to the Ardoyne shops.
More than £20m has been spent by the PSNI, policing the protest site over the last three years.
Behind-the-scenes discussions have been taking place with representatives of the three orange lodges involved in the row.
Two of the three groups were poised to reach a compromise last month and today the third lodge, from the Ballysillan area, said it is suspending its protest. Further negotiations now seem likely.
In a statement, Sinn Féin's North Belfast Assembly member, Gerry Kelly, welcomed the developments.
He said Sinn Féin has been consistent in its support of inclusive dialogue involving local communities and parade organisers.
A local priest, Fr Gary Donegan, said it would be a great relief to all residents of the area if an agreement is put in place.
One solution would see the Orangemen allowed to march back up the road, past nationalist Ardoyne, in a peaceful fashion, on the understanding that it would be the last such return journey.
However, the County Grand Lodge of Belfast issued a statement insisting that the protest will continue.
"The County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast notes the public comments of Ballysillan LOL 1891 [the lodge that suspended its protest] and respects their decision to suspend their participation in any further protests regarding securing a homeward parade along the Crumlin Road," said a spokesman.
"However the protest will continue until a resolution is found. There will be no further public comment by the Orange Institution on this development."
