A joint statement issued by the Ballynafeigh branch of the Apprentice Boys of Derry and the nationalist residents of the Lower Ormeau Road has outlined the structures under which both sides will engage in face-to-face talks. The two sides will begin negotiations shortly in an attempt to resolve the dispute over the controversial parade route in Belfast. After three direct meetings the delegations have agreed procedures for further meetings.
"Such discussion will be undertaken in an attempt to promote a mutual understanding about all of the issues relating to the Apprentice Boys' parades and the concerns of the local community in the hope that a genuine resolution of current difficulties can be achieved," said the joint statement issued yesterday. Mr John Gormley, of the Lower Ormeau Concerned Community group, said the statement was important as it made people aware that direct talks between nationalist residents and a loyal order "were possible and were happening". Indirect talks such as those being held between the Portadown Orangemen and the Garvaghy Road residents were not the way forward, he added.
"We certainly see the joint statement as a hopeful development, but we don't want to overstate the progress. We've just put in place the structures for dialogue," added Mr Gormley. The spokesman for the Ballynafeigh branch, Mr Tommy Cheevers, said the meetings to date had been "business-like and positive". He added: "After what we've seen in Portadown this weekend, I hope it will be a peaceful summer."
Mr Alistair Simpson, the Governor of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, said in a statement last night that his organisation would be watching the situation "closely", but added that the talks were entirely a matter for the Ballynafeigh branch.
"We will never discourage the considered and democratically-selected policy of any local branch to act in the manner it considers best suited to local circumstances", he added.