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Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
  Press Statements

Position Statement

12 July 1998

The Orange Order is horrified by last night's tragic events and has already unequivocally condemned it. We offer our sincere sympathy and deepest condolences to the Quinn family. What has happened in a number of incidents this past week is wholly contrary to the principles which we hold dear.

It is clear that there are those who are not prepared to let us have the kind of peaceful protest which is intended. In these circumstances the beleaguered Brethren of Portadown District are agreed to establish a continued presence at Drumcree. The Grand Lodge will support such a peaceful and dignified initiative.

Our country should be encouraged toward a reflective mode. Giving expression to understand each others legitimate rights and the sensitivities involved. Society as a whole must renounce any association with violence and reject therefore any political agenda founded on the premise of terrorism.

Talks at the highest level must be promptly facilitated to address the wider ramifications of distress caused to Orange Brethren at many venues including that at Drumcree. The Grand Lodge will make available its representatives to assist in the cockpit of discussions with regard to influencing a lasting recognition of its members civil rights and liberties.

We implore the government to restore our confidence in their understanding of our pain and sensitivities regarding meetings with those who engage in cultural apartheid, by acknowledging the responsible role we can play in creating a climate conducive to attaining a peaceful and lasting solution. We believe that, if talks to resolve current difficulties are to succeed, they should be on a much broader basis than Saturday's talks. We are willing to put proposals to the Government to achieve this.

Looking ahead, if Northern Ireland is to become the place we know it can be, all the ordinary folk need to find a way to trust each others identity. The Orange Order commits itself unreservedly to playing its part in creating a future in which we can all celebrate our diversity and in which the acute divisions which destroy our society become a thing of the past. We will be looking for a positive response from Government and from all in civil society who want to see a fair, balanced and stable future for Northern Ireland.

The focus should now be on tomorrow's celebrations, which we are determined will take place in a dignified fashion and which, mindful of the recent tragedy will fully recognise local sensitivities. Taking immediate effect peaceful protests will be scaled down.



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