Minister Burke Welcomes Orange Order Decision on Parades

Speaking to Representatives of Irish Community Organisations in London today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Ray Burke, T.D., said he welcomed the decisions taken by the Orange Order with regard to certain marches. "They pull the situation back from the brink and give space for all sides to consider how this whole issue can be handled on a basis of respect for the rights of all, the Orange Order and the wider community alike."

The Minister said "I hope that in the case of other contested parades this weekend both sides will now take a lead from the decisions announced last night. It is a time for reciprocal gestures and mutual confidence building to ensure a fair balance between the right to march and the responsibility to exercise that right with due regard for the rights of others. There are victories to be won from generosity far greater than can ever be found in confrontation."

Mr Burke said that the Irish Government "will enter the substantive negotiations which are to begin next September seeking a genuinely new political dispensation, based on equality, parity of esteem, respect for human rights and the principle of consent." He also said "We want to see Sinn Féin take their place at the table, and represent the views of those who support them. But they know exactly what must happen if they are to join us. A fair and reasonable set of assurances has been offered to them as regards their entry to the negotiations, and as regards the seriousness and honesty of the two Governments' approach. Any reasonable clarification sought is being given."

Mr Burke hoped that in the respite "we have now gained as regards the marching season, the Republican Movement should seize the opportunity to participate with the rest of us in the construction of a political settlement without further delay or equivocation."

"It is also vital that we now move ahead into serious and substantive negotiations. The issues under discussion have been sensitive and highly difficult. Nevertheless, the prize we seek - of lasting peace, agreement and reconciliation - is so great that it would be tragic and inexcusable, were we to fail to address the real political questions we know have to be resolved."Top