Sinn Fein/I.R.A. are manipulating certain resident groups
with a view to preventing or impeding Orangemen in the exercise
of their civil rights.
The United Districts of Clifton Street have encountered such
manipulation as Sinn Fein/I.R.A. seek to make political capital
out of the Parade on Friday, 19 June.
Despite serious provocation the United Districts have no
intention of giving Sinn Fein/I.R.A. a cynical excuse to bring
about orchestrated street protest resulting in violence. This
was a situation Sinn Fein/I.R.A. were willing to use to serve
their purpose prior to the Assembly Elections.
Grand Lodge would reiterate its belief that all law abiding
citizens are entitled to certain inalienable rights, including
the rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of movement
as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights.
These rights are not negotiable and apply to the Orange Institution.
There can be no question of one group of free citizens having
to request permission from so called "residents groups"
to walk the public highways of Northern Ireland.
Orangemen are not afraid to talk but there are people with
whom they cannot in conscience discuss these matters. No reasonable
person can expect dialogue under such circumstances.
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