28 November 2000

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Arson attacks must stop - Martin McGuinness

Sinn Fein Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has called on people carrying out arson attacks on Orange halls and other properties to ``desist immediately''.

Mr McGuinness was speaking after last night's (Monday's) attack on an Orange hall in his constituency.  He said:

``As I said in the Assembly yesterday, attacks such as these - whether on Orange halls, Irish schools, churches or any other property perceived to represent an opposite culture to those attacking them - must be deplored.

``Speaking as an Irish republican, sectarianism has no part to play in our philosophy.  Those carrying out attacks on Orange halls or Protestant church property should not attempt to fool themselves into believing that their activities have any part to play in the search for the equality, freedom and justice that we seek.

``They should desist from this sectarian behaviour immediately.

``Likewise, I would appeal to unionist leaders to use their influence to stop the ongoing attacks on property in nationalist areas.''

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