Dissident loyalists plan to use the Drumcree protest by Portadown Orangemen for their own violent ends, according to the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan. He said his force had intelligence which pointed to the likelihood of violent clashes between the security forces and protesters.
Sir Ronnie was presenting his annual report on the force, in which he outlines that the parades issue had placed a "substantial drain" on police resources, which could have been better used in other areas.
"I think there are dissident, so-called loyalists, who would intend to use the forthcoming events as some sort of cover for them to be engaged in violence. That's something that we are alive to, and something we will be doing everything that we can to thwart."
Sir Ronnie stressed that organisers of events expected to assemble large numbers of people should be mindful of their responsibilities and said they should try to ensure their protests are not hijacked by violent elements.
The security operation at Drumcree this weekend would "look dreadful" but it was necessary so protesters and police officers are not in close proximity. "I think it's necessary to provide that distance so that taunts and more importantly violence are obviated and I think there will be physical measures that we will have to take for the protection of all."
He added: "Conflicting desires to parade and to protest have led to a continuing and substantial drain on policing resources which are desperately needed elsewhere to combat crime, tackle the dangers on our roads and develop community safety."
Commenting on the ongoing investigation into the Omagh bombing, Sir Ronnie said people should not lose hope that more suspects will stand trial in connection with the "Real IRA" bomb attack last August which killed 29 people. "People should not read too much into the fact that while we have arrested significant numbers of people and questioned them, and while at this stage have released them without charge, that means there won't be further charges."
Sir Ronnie also stressed in his report the need for all the people of Northern Ireland to have their say on the future of policing partnerships with communities.
"There are numerous mechanisms in place to enable people to have their say in determining our future direction, whether through the medium of community and police liaison committees, local political or community representatives, the Police Authority for Northern Ireland, national politicians or the Patten Commission created from the Good Friday Agreement."
Sir Ronnie said he expected the Patten report, due to be published at the end of the summer, to reject extreme views on the policing issue. "I think disbandment is not an option at all. I don't think that those who call for it believe it is a realistic option."
On Tuesday, Sir Ronnie spent two hours with the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, briefing her on the current security situation. Yesterday the North's Security Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, said the cease-fires of the main paramilitary groups remained intact.