THE order prohibiting parades and marches on certain sections of Derry's walls will remain in place until August 31st, according to the statement issued by the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew.
The order, made under Article 5 of the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Act, 1987, bans all public processions and open air meetings from taking place on the western section of the walls between Bishop's Gate and Magazine Gate. It came into force at 6 p.m. yesterday.
Sir Patrick's statement said the ban was ordered following advice from the RUC Chief Constable that it was likely "undue demands" would be made on police and military forces.
"My purpose in making this order is to assist the RUC in its task of preserving public order and protecting "the community over the coming days and is not intended to favour any side in the current dispute," said the Northern Secretary.
If local agreement is reached before Saturday the order will be rescinded.
According to the legislation, the Secretary of State, following information from the Chief Constable can invoke the order if he believes the powers conferred by other articles will not be sufficient.
The order can be invoked to prevent "disorder, damage, disruption or intimidation". Other circumstances are the holding of a public meeting likely to cause "serious public disorder, serious disruption of the life of the community or undue demands upon the police or military forces".
The order may prohibit the holding of such marches for a period not exceeding three months.