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Robert Saulters, Grand Master of the Orange Order, and the
Rev Stephen Dickinson, Deputy Grand Master, today issued the
following joint statement:
"We have been dismayed by recent reports in the media
concerning the situation regarding parades in the City of
Londonderry and West Belfast. We wish to warn our members
that opponents of the Orange Institution will be endeavouring
to tempt them into processes which include meetings and dialogue
with Sinn Fein/IRA-backed residents groups, holding out the
carrot of short term gain, but with a sinister longer term
objective in mind. We encourage all Orange brethren to be
disciplined and very cautious at this time and reject advances
and invitations to be a part of any process that breaches
Grand Lodge policy and is designed to undermine our cause
and erode our human rights as enshrined in European legislation.
In our view, some Orange brethren feel these talks breach,
if not the letter, certainly the spirit of the Grand Lodge
policy. We are disturbed by the events in Londonderry and
West Belfast and regret that members got involved in such
meetings. We further regret the public interference by Rev.
Brian Kennaway in this issue and would encourage all brethren
to take their lead from the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
We salute the work being done by the Ulster Human Rights
Watch in respect of Dunloy and other areas where Orange parades
have been targeted by republicans, and would call on all Orange
brethren to remain loyal to the letter and spirit of the present
Grand Lodge policy.
We, along with others, want the 12th July to be a peaceful
and enjoyable day for everyone, and this should happen as
people learn how to respect, and be tolerant of the traditions
of those whom they oppose. The Orange Order poses no threat
to anyone; others must learn to give us the space and time
to celebrate our rich heritage, in a peaceful, calm, atmosphere
free from threats of violence, intimidation or attempts to
deny us our civil and religious liberties."
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