4 November 1999 Edition
No objections to Derry march
Sinn Féin councillor Cathal Crumley has described the decision of the Bogside Residents' Group not to oppose the Apprentice Boys siege of Derry commemoration as ``a genuine example of positive leadership''.
In their statement, the Bogside Residents reiterated their previously stated position of acknowledging the right of the Apprentice Boys of Derry to commemorate the siege of Derry, including their right to do so through parades.
However, the residents again pointed out the links between the parade in Derry and the situation on the Garvaghy Road, saying ``There are no feeder parades linked to the Derry Apprentice Boys December commemoration. The situation on the Garvaghy Road is, at the moment, stable. In that context, the BRG intends a reciprocal gesture. We will not oppose the December parades as proposed.''
They warned, however, that ``the ongoing attempts to force an unwanted Orange march on the people of the Garvaghy Road has the potential to undo any accommodation in Derry''.
Cathal Crumley said: ``Whilst there remain a number of concerns over the disruption which the Apprentice Boys Parade creates at the busiest period of the year, the Bogside Residents' Group should be applauded for the positive leadership they have displayed.
``The decision of the BRG not to oppose the Apprentice Boys march in December should be viewed as a forward step towards seeking an overall resolution of the marching issue.
``It is to be hoped that the example of the BRG will now be reciprocated in relation to the outstanding issues which have still to be resolved, particularly the contentious matters of feeder parades in August and the ongoing situation on the Garvaghy Road, and that every effort should be exercised in reaching an accommodation which respects all our rights''.
In their statement, the Bogside Residents reiterated their previously stated position of acknowledging the right of the Apprentice Boys of Derry to commemorate the siege of Derry, including their right to do so through parades.
However, the residents again pointed out the links between the parade in Derry and the situation on the Garvaghy Road, saying ``There are no feeder parades linked to the Derry Apprentice Boys December commemoration. The situation on the Garvaghy Road is, at the moment, stable. In that context, the BRG intends a reciprocal gesture. We will not oppose the December parades as proposed.''
They warned, however, that ``the ongoing attempts to force an unwanted Orange march on the people of the Garvaghy Road has the potential to undo any accommodation in Derry''.
Cathal Crumley said: ``Whilst there remain a number of concerns over the disruption which the Apprentice Boys Parade creates at the busiest period of the year, the Bogside Residents' Group should be applauded for the positive leadership they have displayed.
``The decision of the BRG not to oppose the Apprentice Boys march in December should be viewed as a forward step towards seeking an overall resolution of the marching issue.
``It is to be hoped that the example of the BRG will now be reciprocated in relation to the outstanding issues which have still to be resolved, particularly the contentious matters of feeder parades in August and the ongoing situation on the Garvaghy Road, and that every effort should be exercised in reaching an accommodation which respects all our rights''.