THE Parades Commission has placed certain conditions on a Sinn Fein hunger strike parade due to take place in Derrylin on Sunday.
In its determination announced today, the Commission states that no paramilitary-style clothing is to be worn in the parade, which is expected to attract over 10,000 people to the small rural village.
No banners, flags or symbols relating to proscribed organisations are to be displayed and participants must behave with due regard for the rights, traditions and feelings of others.
The Commission says it is aware of opposition to the parade – described by First Minister Peter Robinson in today's Impartial Reporter as “obnoxious” - including concerns about its content, images and symbolism.
It says Sinn Fein's assurances reflect efforts to choose a route which "avoids landmarks of particular sensitivity" in Derrylin. And, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has told today's Impartial Reporter that the event will be “respectful”.
In relation to the opposition of unionists and some families of those killed by the IRA in Derrylin during the Troubles, the Commission says it notes Sinn Fein's "proposed actions to manage the imagery and symbolism" of the parade. And, it says it has considered the "divergent symbolic meaning" of the parade for those in support of it and those against it.
In concluding, the Parades Commission states that Sinn Fein and all participants in Sunday's parade must comply with conditions set out in its code of conduct.
* In today's Impartial Reporter, First Minister Peter Robinson and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams clash over Sunday's hunger strike march in Derrylin which is set to attract over 10,000 republicans. Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Ahmad Abdelrazek, has been named as one of the guest speakers at the event.
See today's newspaper for our exclusive report.
Gerry Adams: Robinson “makes the mistake of asserting a single narrative of the conflict”.
Peter Robinson: “If Sinn Fein has any respect for victims they will call this obnoxious event off”.
Secretary of State Theresa Villiers: “This government thinks that efforts to glorify or glamorise terrorism are to be condemned”.
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