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NI Assembly rejects call over parades meeting

The Northern Ireland Assembly has rejected a call from Sinn Féin for Orange Order leaders to meet directly with nationalist residents over contentious parades.

A parade is due to pass by St Patrick's Church on Donegall Street in Belfast later this month.

It marks 100 years since the signing of the Ulster Covenant in opposition to Irish Home Rule.

Last month, loyalist bands defied the Parades Commission and played music outside the church. Seven police officers were hurt in subsequent riots.

Parish priest Fr Michael Sheehan has said he is bewildered that the Orange Order will not talk directly with local residents.

The Orange Order said on Monday it would not meet local residents, but said bands would only play hymns when passing St Patrick's Church.