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17 December 1998
Moratorium on Orange Marches required
Statement from Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness accusing the Orange Order or ``showing little respect'' for the nationalist people of Garvaghy Road and for the peace process following the breakdown of yesterday's talks.
Mr. McGuinness said:
``After six months of living under siege the nationalist people of Garvaghy Road were entitled to expect that Christmas would be free from the fear an intimidation that they have experienced every day since July. It was clear even before yesterdays talks that the Orange Order neither respect the people of Garvaghy Road nor their elected representatives. Why else would they insist that the talks are indirect instead of face to face?
``Furthermore the Orange Order are showing little concern for the peace process given that their activities are heightening tension across the six counties at a time when the rest of us are trying to end conflict.
``The only way the issue of contentious marches can be resolved is through face to face dialogue between residents and the Orange Order. The Orange Order should immediately declare a moratorium on all their planned marches for the Portadown area as a gesture of their stated willingness to find a solution to the ongoing problem.''
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