Drumcree Parade Talks End Without Agreement in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant announced that five days of negotiations to resolve the Drumcree parade dispute ended without a settlement.
Negotiations to resolve the Drumcree parade dispute ended without agreement on Thursday after five days of talks at Hillsborough Castle. Chris Bryant, the Northern Ireland Secretary, stated that while discussions covered mediation and options for a final march, no settlement was reached between the government, the Orange Order, and local residents.
The dispute centers on the Portadown District of the Orange Order's attempt to march along the Garvaghy Road for the first time since 1998, following a ruling by the Parades Commission. A coalition of nationalist residents has blocked the route in opposition and scheduled a legal appeal for Monday.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher reported that the Police Service of Northern Ireland operation has already cost over £3 million. He warned that forcing the march could be "catastrophic" for Northern Ireland. Adding international pressure, 14 members of the US Congress urged Bryant to cancel the parade to avoid undermining the Good Friday Agreement.
