20th February 2003

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Unionist Paramilitaries behind Lambeg church arson attack

Lagan Valley Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Butler has said that he is in no doubt that unionist paramilitaries were behind last nights arson attack on St. Colmans Catholic Church in Lambeg. Cllr Butler said:

``In the past week unionist paramilitaries in this area have sent a live bullet to my home, attacked a Catholic school and now attempted to burn down a Catholic Church.

``This increase in the ongoing sectarian campaign against the Catholic community was the predictable result of the ending of the UDA feud. In the past these groupings have sought to overcome their differences by engaging themselves in the one activity which unites them, attacks upon the nationalist community.

``Unfortunately this has once again proved itself to be the case. I would urge nationalists to be particularly vigilant and would call upon those with influence within the unionist community to do all in their power to help bring these attacks to an end.''

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