18th June 2003

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Adams Support For Parade Initiative

Sinn Fein President and West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has urged the Orange Order to engage constructively with the Springfield Road Residents after the Residents brought forward an imaginative compromise which would allow this years Springfield Road parade to proceed without opposition

Mr Adams said:

``In recent years this parade has been forced through the local nationalist community. This has on occasion seen an oppressive military presence in the area and serious violence has erupted. It is in this context that the local residents presented the Springfield Community Initiative to the Parades Commission.

``This is a hugely significant initiative which provides the basis for the parade to proceed this year with nationalist support. The residents have produced an imaginative five point plan which deserves a positive response from the Orange Order.

`` There is an onus on all of us to make every effort to ensure a quiet summer this year. It is important we give encouragement to those working to achieve this.''

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