19th June 2003

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Sinn Fein meets Parades Commission about Springfield Road march

Lower Falls Sinn Fein Councillor Tom Hartley speaking after, this afternoon's meeting with the Parades Commission to discuss this years proposed Springfield Road Orange march said:

``In recent years this parade has been forced through the local nationalist community. This has seen an oppressive British 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,

``I relayed to the Parades Commission my belief that 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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