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Post by Frenchie on Aug 21, 2009 11:43:43 GMT 1
Up to 200 people are expected to protest against a loyalist band parade being held in a County Antrim village later on Friday. More then 40 bands will march through Rasharkin. The Parades Commission has appealed for calm ahead of the parade. Commission Chairperson Rena Shepherd said it was clear there were serious tensions in the area. The commission ruling states that no paramilitary displays or emblems are to be included in the march. It also limits the number on protest to 130, including marshals. "We look to political and community leaders to do all they can to reduce tension on the ground and ensure as far as possible that the parade passes peacefully," Ms Shepherd added.
"Our decision represents our best efforts to strike a balance between the rights of residents and the rights of those who wish to parade.
"As in other areas we only became involved in Rasharkin because there was no local agreement.
"Local parading disputes must be addressed by local people and when this parading season has concluded we will be focussing our efforts on establishing a meaningful and robust dialogue process in Rasharkin."
Source: BBC
There have been sectarian tensions in the Rasharkin over recent months.
Sinn Fein argued that the march should not have been permitted in light of the current problems.
The DUP said the bands have a right to parade.
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