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30 August 2013

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Loyalist ‘civil rights camp’ protesters trying to provoke Ardoyne confrontation, says MLA

‘Loyalists are clearly intent on heightening tension and creating sectarian conflict’

LOYALISTS leaving what they claim is a ‘civil rights camp’ at Twaddell Avenue in north Belfast are trying to provoke a reaction as they pass nationalist homes, a local Sinn Féin MLA has warned the PSNI.

On Friday, Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín urged Ardoyne residents not to rise to the bait by unionists using the camp but she also called on the PSNI to ensure loyalist actions are not provocative or threatening.

The camp was set up after the Parades Commission banned a return parade by a Ligoniel Orange lodge and a loyalist band from walking back past the Ardoyne shops on the Twelfth of July.

The camp has been set up on wasteground at the end of Twaddell Avenue behind railings. Initially made up of a few tents, it now includes a caravan, a pop-up gazebo and a mobile office where meetings are held. It has become the focus of rallies by up to 400 loyalists and bands, including Orange Order members, demanding the Parades Commission reverses its decision.

Carál Ní Chuilín said on Friday:

“Loyalists are clearly intent on heightening tension and creating sectarian conflict. Over the last few nights those involved in the protest at Ardoyne have walked in small groups past nationalist homes in the hope of provoking confrontation with residents.

“The PSNI needs to take a firm hold of this situation – something which is not happening at the minute – and not allow the protesters to further inflame the situation with coat-trailing attempts to provoke local residents into confrontation.

“Clearly their aim is to create conflict and while I appeal for Ardoyne residents not to rise to this nightly charade, I call on the PSNI to ensure the situation is not allowed to develop any further.

“Nationalist residents want to get on with their lives peacefully and free from sectarian intimidation. It is incumbent on the PSNI to make sure that the protesters’ aim of heightening tension and creating confrontation is not allowed to succeed.”

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