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Orange Order interested in talks on parades

The Orange Order wants to march on a contested stretch of Crumlin Road next Saturday
The Orange Order wants to march on a contested stretch of Crumlin Road next Saturday

The Orange Order has said it hopes a new plan could resolve the current impasse over a controversial parade at a north Belfast flashpoint.

Its Twaddell Initiative promises full and open dialogue with nationalist residents, but warns that negotiations will only happen after Orangemen complete the last leg of a contentious loyalist march in Ardoyne.

"A few moments of tolerance on a quiet Saturday morning can move the situation forward and create a positive platform, both for the 2014 parades and the Haass talks," a statement said.

The Orange Order wants three Ligoniel lodges and two bands to be allowed on a contested stretch of Crumlin Road at 9am next Saturday, 5 October.

It said it would be applying to the Parades Commission for permission.

The statement added: "The parade will consist of the three Ligoniel lodges and two bands banned from the Crumlin Road on July 12 by the Parades Commission.

"We are committed to full and open dialogue with Ardoyne residents for the 2014 parades that can commence immediately after our return to Ligoniel Orange Hall."

Serious violence erupted in the area when Orangemen were stopped from marching past Ardoyne while returning from their annual Twelfth of July demonstrations.

Dozens of police officers were injured when loyalists pelted them with bricks, bottles and heavy masonry.

One rioter also used a ceremonial sword to attack police lines.

Since then, loyalists have set up camp at Twaddell Avenue to protest against the Parades Commission determination which they claim rewarded last year's violence by republicans.

They have held weekly parades to voice their opposition to the Commission.

The PSNI revealed the cost of monitoring the protest camp was around £50,000 a day.

Parading difficulties fall under the remit of former US diplomat Dr Richard Haass, who has been appointed to chair multi-party talks aimed at resolving Northern Ireland's most divisive issues.

The ex-White House envoy met representatives from the Orange Order during the first round of negotiations in Belfast earlier this month.