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July 12, 2005

Ardoyne Parade Peaceful

News about Ireland & the Irish

BT 07/12/05 Ardoyne Parade Peaceful
UT 07/12/05 Police Clear Dunloy Stand-Off
SF 07/12/05 PSNI Forcing March In Breach Of Parades Commission
BT 07/12/05 Use Derry Parade Deal As Blueprint
BT 07/12/05 Lurgan Orangemen Angry Over Train Ban
BT 07/12/05 Unionists Called On To Condemn Latest Attack
BT 07/12/05 'Step Back From Brink'
BT 07/12/05 Loyalist Feud Escalates With Teen's Murder
BT 07/12/05 Fear In North Belfast
BT 07/12/05 New Attack Launched On Harryville Church
BT 07/12/05 Orange Arch Set On Fire In Early Morning Attack
BT 07/12/05 Gun Stolen As Mob Attacks Police Team
BT 07/12/05 Dodds Insists IRA Must 'Go Away'
IS 07/12/05 Interpol Says IRA Rebels May Be Hiding In Cuba
BT 07/12/05 Orangemen Step Out For The Twelfth
BT 07/12/05 Lord Laird To Be A 'Soldier' At Twelfth
BT 07/12/05 South Antrim Lodges And Bands Flock To Glenavy
BT 07/12/05 Sisters Who Treasure The Traditions Of The Twelfth
BT 07/12/05 Welcome For Grant Decision

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652217

Ardoyne Parade Peaceful

But tensions still high over return in evening

By Staff Reporters
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

POLICE removed sit-down protesters from the route of Belfast's most
contentious parade today, shortly before the first phase of the
Ardoyne parade passed off peacefully.

The PSNI action allowed this morning's Orange march through the area
to proceed on the route approved by the Parades Commission, but
serious tension remained in the district before tonight's return
parade.

Around 60 protesters - some linked by chains - blocked the Crumlin
Road near Ardoyne shops early this morning, several hours before the
parade was due to pass.

A large crowd lined the street carrying placards and shouting abuse at
the police. The PSNI's new helicopter hovered overhead and a water
cannon was on stand-by.

There was pushing and shoving as security forces struggled to maintain
order, and police and Army screens separated the protesters from the
route the march was set to take.

Shortly before 9am the security gates opened and the bands, lodges and
their supporters began to pass through the massive security presence
separating them from the Ardoyne residents.

Despite tension, jeering and verbal exchanges there was no outbreak of
violence.

Over 100 supporters of the band led the way singing The Sash and
making gestures at the onlooking protesters.

They were met by calls of "ban sectarian marches" and cat-calls from
local residents.

Two lodges and three bands then passed through the flashpoint area
with a single drumbeat sounding.

Within 10 minutes the parade had passed the protest and the massive
security operation began to be dismantled.

PSNI Superintendent Gary White said police had no official
notification of a protest for this evening's return but added that if
there is one he hopes the "same restraint and discipline" that
protesters used this morning will be shown.

Superintendent White said: "We have to get the parade back up the road
this afternoon. I hope this morning will set the scene.

"I would appeal to people to think before they decide to protest as
they would be breaking the law. People on all sides should be
congratulated for how this morning's march passed off."

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams appealed for everyone to remain calm
throughout the evening.

Meanwhile, about 60 local Catholic residents lined the Springfield
Road this morning in protest at the Parades Commission's decision to
allow Orange Lodges through.

Spokesmen Sean Paul O'Hare said there was "a lot of anger" concerning
the Parades Commission decision which had "no logic".

He said a silent and dignified protest would take place as no music
was being played and the parade passed off peacefully amid a high
security presence. Only a single drumbeat was played on the
Springfield Road.

As the marchers passed into Workman Avenue their supporters could be
heard cheering.

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http://www.utvlive.com/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=62522&pt=n

Police Clear Dunloy Stand-Off

Cars used to block an Orange Order parade were cleared by police in Co
Antrim today.

By:Press Association

Officers moved in after a stand-off developed between marchers and
nationalist residents in Dunloy.

Negotiations were underway in a bid to end the impasse.

Police said Orangemen had complied with a Parades Commission ruling
that limited them to walking just outside their hall in the village.

A spokeswoman said: "The Lodge members wanted to travel by vehicle to
a nearby Presbyterian Church to lay a wreath but were prevented by an
illegal protest.

"Vehicles were used to block the road."

As police chiefs urged all sides to show common sense, Sinn Fein MLA
Philip McGuigan said protesters suspected Orangemen planned to break
the Commission ruling and reform to march into the church.

"What they did last year, however, was they formed on the main street
in Dunloy and had a march, what we contend was a march and played
tunes.

"That was never part of any agreement with the people of this village
and it wasn`t part of the Parades Commission determination.

"The people of Dunloy have basically said this was unacceptable."

But a spokesman for the Orange Order insisted they had complied with
the determination.

John Finlay told BBC Radio Ulster: "The PSNI is happy to confirm what
we did last year was totally within the law, the Parades Commission
will also confirm that.

"The law was abided by at all times, we did not break the law.

"Unfortunately those this morning blocking the road are now breaking
the law so it`s up to the PSNI to enforce the law."

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/10400

Riot Clad PSNI Trying To Force An Orange March Through Dunloy In
Breach Of Parades Commission Decision

Published: 12 July, 2005

A tense situation is developing in the nationalist village of Dunloy
in County Antrim this morning. Riot-clad PSNI personnel are attempting
to force an Orange march through part of the village, contrary to a
determination issued by the Parades Commission.

Sinn Féin's North Antrim representative, Philip McGuigan MLA, who is
present at the scene, said, "The people of Dunloy were preparared to
accept and abide by the Parades Commission determination which
permitted the Orange Order to march on a stretch of roadway adjacent
to the Orange Hall. However, this morning, dozens of riot-clad PSNI
officers attempted to collude with

the Orange Order in breaching that legal determination, by trying to
force the parade along a route which the Commission had barred them
from marching.

"We now have a stand-off situation in the village. Many residents are
outraged and angry had what has happened this morning. The Orange
Order, led by the DUP's David Tweed, are threatening to blackade the
village. The PSNI are refusing to make the marchers disperse, and a
very tense and volatile situation is developing here."ENDS

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652235

Use Derry Parade Deal As Blueprint

O'Doherty plea to avoid confrontation

By Paddy McGuffin
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

ORANGEMEN today gathered for the first Twelfth demonstration in
Londonderry for 13 years, amid calls for a local deal to become a
blueprint for contentious parades throughout Northern Ireland.

As lodges and bands began their march along a route that included the
Diamond, a local business leader called for the historic talks process
that led to unprecedented agreement to be adopted in other areas.

The deal that allowed an Orange parade to march around the city centre
without a nationalist protest means that all of the Loyal Orders have
now reached agreements on parades in Derry.

Recent Apprentice Boys parades have passed off peacefully and the
Royal Black Preceptory have also engaged in a talks process initiated
by the Chamber of Commerce that led to unopposed parades through
Derry's city centre.

Hopes for a peaceful Twelfth demonstration in the city continued to
rise this morning amid reports that the traditional 11th night
bonfires had passed off without incident.

However, residents of Eglinton were greeted with the bizarre sight
this morning of a local Orange hall flying a Celtic Football Club
flag, the work of pranksters who had replaced the Union Flag
overnight.

Today's parade was set to be the largest to occur in the city for over
a decade.

The march through the contentious Diamond area of the city centre had
been the subject of a pioneering forum involving the City of
Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge, residents and local community and
church leaders.

Chamber of Commerce representative, Garbhan O'Doherty, who helped
broker the deal, said today: "I certainly hope when we review this day
we can look back and see that it had a satisfactory outcome for all
concerned.

"I am hopeful that we will be able to do so.

"There is no doubt that the process engaged in here in Derry should
become a template for the rest of the north. It is time that the
domination of the marching season over the summer months was
eliminated."

However, the Orange Order appear in no hurry to replicate the Derry
talks on a larger scale.

Whether such a process will be adopted by other lodges is uncertain,
given recent criticism by the Orange Order's Grand Master Robert
Saulters of talks involving residents' groups.

Police plans for the march were initially focusing on a low-key
approach.

While riot police were placed on stand-by, they were expected to play
a low-visibility role unless called on.

Meanwhile, Orangemen paid solemn tribute today to the victims of
London's terrorist attacks with one minute's silence during Twelfth
celebrations.

The main county demonstrations were due to include prayers for those
killed and injured in the attacks.

A huge security operation accompanied some of the parades, with large
numbers of troops returning to the streets of Belfast to join police
at potential flashpoints in north Belfast.

The continuing problems with the marching season were also emphasised
at a number of the Twelfth fields, where resolutions condemning the
Parades Commission were read out.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652220

Lurgan Orangemen Angry Over Train Ban

By Michael McHugh
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

A PARADE in Co Armagh passed off peacefully after Orangemen protested
over the withdrawal of train services.

Lurgan lodges were unable to catch a train to the Co Armagh
demonstration in Portadown after Translink withdrew services over the
holiday period.

The parade through Lurgan town centre ended near the War Memorial and
only a handful of nationalists had gathered at the William Street
interface, which was heavily policed.

A war of words had broken out between Orangemen and residents, with
Upper Bann MP David Simpson angry at alleged nationalist threats and
Sinn Fein calling for urgent dialogue.

Mr Simpson said he was disappointed that Trans- link had decided to
withdraw train services and added that Orangemen would not be bussed
to Portadown.

"Last week we met with the PSNI and they gave us an assurance that
there would be protection to allow us to catch the train," he said.

"GAA fans travelled to Dublin without any trouble and it is despicable
that Orangemen are not allowed to take a seven-minute train journey to
Portadown."

The town was very quiet when marchers passed through early this
morning.

The latest controversy follows serious disturbance last July 13 after
Blackmen were attacked as their train headed for Bangor.

Sinn Fein Upper Bann Assembly man John O'Dowd said he was not aware of
any nationalist threat and called for talks.

"The Loyal Orders have brought trains into the parading dispute. If
the Loyal Orders are serious about resolving the parading issue, then
dialogue must happen.

"This is totally different from a sporting issue, like Gaelic
football; it is up to the loyalists to enter into dialogue with
communities that are affected," he said.

Mr O'Dowd watched the parade take place and was accompanied by a few
other party workers, including former Assemblywoman Dara O'Hagan.

The marchers read a statement complaining that "as British citizens we
have once again been denied our basic rights by a combination of the
PSNI's unwillingness to support the law- abiding population and their
refusal to face down violence or the threat of violence from
republican elements."

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652238

Unionists Called On To Condemn Latest Attack

By Deborah McAleese
12 July 2005

Unionist politicians were today being urged to condemn the
intimidation of Catholics from their homes by loyalists - after a
woman was forced from her home of 50 years.

The SDLP made the call after a loyalist mob hounded Kathleen McCaughey
from her home in Ahoghill.

North Antrim MLA Sean Farren and Ballymena Councillor Declan O'Loan
said it was time unionist leaders acted to stop any further terrifying
incidents of "ethnic cleansing".

Yesterday the Belfast Telegraph revealed that Kathleen McCaughey (51)
was finally worn down by a terrifying campaign of sectarian
intimidation and fled from the mainly Protestant village of Ahoghill
under the protection of a police escort.

A loyalist mob camped in her garden for several hours shouting threats
and playing Lambeg drums on Thursday evening.

In May, Ms McCaughey had vowed not to be intimidated from the area
despite a petrol bomb attack on her home.

For several months she endured smashed windows, paint bomb attacks and
was even threatened by a masked man who forced his way into her house
earlier this year.

Councillor O'Loan described what happened as "gross in the extreme".

He added that Ms McCaughey had the support of most of her Protestant
neighbours, but they were also intimidated, particularly when the mob
threatened to burn down a full row of houses where she lived.

Mr Farren has called for a meeting with the District PSNI Commander to
find out the full circumstances of what happened.

He added: "We can't dismiss this as an isolated act of hotheads to be
dealt with by condemnation. The people who drove Ms McCaughey from her
home were engaged in a deliberate and conscious act of ethnic
cleansing.

"The SDLP has stood firmly and very publicly against intimidation of
Protestant families over the years. Unionist leaders have got to find
the courage to do the same on this occasion."

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652189

'Step Back From Brink'

By Claire Regan
cregan@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

RIVAL loyalist paramilitary groups were last night urged to "step back
from the brink" of an escalating feud and reprisal attacks.

Belfast politicians joined in an appeal for calm as tensions between
the UVF and LVF threatened to spiral out of control.

Concerns were voiced as police confirmed they are treating rising
tensions between the terror groups as a possible motive for a number
of gun attacks which left a teenager dead and a man in his 20s
fighting for his life.

Chris McGimpsey, an Ulster Unionist councillor in Belfast, said: "The
last thing we need is another loyalist feud. Both sides need to take a
long look at themselves before they plunge our community into a feud."

Nigel Dodds, the MP for North Belfast, claimed the public was sickened
by the feuding. With the Twelfth of July celebrations looming, the DUP
man said: "The ordinary people of north Belfast do not want this
violence.

"I appeal for calm and restraint at this very difficult time."

Mr Dodds, who has already held talks with police chiefs, urged
Security Minister Shaun Woodward to come to their aid.

He added: "He must ensure the police have the necessary resources to
deal with everything they have to contend with over the next 48 hours
and beyond.

"The lesson of history surely teaches those intent on continuing this
violence that it achieves absolutely nothing and that it is the last
thing loyalists want."

DUP assemblyman Nelson McCausland also appealed for calm.

"The last thing that the unionist community needs is an internal
feud," he said.

"It serves no purpose at all and will simply descend into a tit-for-
tat process of which no-one will be the winner. All this violence will
do is damage the wider community."

Referring to the Twelfth celebrations, he said: "This time of year is
our big community festival and it is damaging to have it overshadowed
by the threat of violence.

"I would call on anyone with influence over the situation to use it to
bring this situation to an end."

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652187

Loyalist Feud Escalates With Teen's Murder

By Linda McKee
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

YESTERDAY'S murder in north Belfast is the latest escalation in a
bloody battle between warring loyalist terror groups.

Intelligence sources predicted earlier this year that the simmering
situation between the UVF and LVF could be notched up with the onset
of the marching season.

Early yesterday morning, gun attacks in north Belfast claimed the life
of a teenager and left another man fighting to survive.

Police have blamed the loyalist feud for the killing and appealed for
calm, urging community representatives to use their influence to ease
tensions.

The feud dates back to 1996 when LVF leader Billy Wright and his
cohorts were 'stood down' by the UVF, following the sectarian murder
of Catholic taxi driver Michael McGoldrick.

The relationship between the organisations continued to fester until
January 2000 when the feud flared into violence with the murder of UVF
commander Richard Jameson, gunned down as he drove to his home outside
Portadown.

More recently, the terror groups faced off with the gangland-style
murders of two north Down drug barons, the LVF's Stephen Warnock in
September 2002 and millionaire UVF/Red Hand Commando, Jim 'Jonty'
Johnston in May 2003.

At the end of 2004, the 'taxi wars' erupted in Belfast, with gun
attacks on taxis aimed at driving individuals out of business.

Jackie Mahood, a former senior PUP member, was forced to close his
Call-a-Cab firm, following repeated attacks on his drivers.

In May this year, the UVF assassinated LVF man Brian Stewart (34) as
he went to work in east Belfast.

A series of bomb attacks on homes in the east of the city and north
Down followed, with families fleeing their homes in fear.

As two more men were gunned down in north Belfast, police were still
seeking the killers of Jameson Lockhart (25).

He was murdered by the UVF on the Upper Newtownards Road on Friday
July 1 as he sat in the cab of his truck while he was working at the
demolition of the old Avenue One bar.

The LVF has denied he was one of their members but is believed to be
seeking revenge for the murder.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652183

Fear In North Belfast

Terror sources warn of more deaths

By Claire Regan
cregan@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

SENIOR loyalist sources warned last night that more lives will be lost
as a bloody feud between the LVF and UVF continues to escalate.

The warning was issued as a UVF boss was taken into protection
yesterday after a teenager was killed and a man critically injured in
a series of gun attacks across the north of the city.

As police swamped the area in a bid to halt feuding terrorists
carrying out more killings, personal bodyguards were drafted in to
watch over the terror chief.

The move came after four shootings in less than 24 hours involving his
organisation and its sworn enemies in the splinter LVF.

In one attack, three gunmen broke into a house at Dhu Varren just
before 2am yesterday and opened fire on a 19-year-old man. The victim,
whose partner and their baby were also at home, died later in
hospital.

UVF men have been blamed for the murder.

Soon after, a man jumped from the window of a house in nearby Woodvale
Pass as masked men tried to smash their way in.

The retaliation killing followed three earlier attacks blamed on the
LVF.

In the most serious, a man in his 20s was shot several times as he
walked his dogs past a bonfire site on the Crumlin Road.

He was critically injured in the midnight shooting and underwent
emergency surgery.

It also emerged that a mother and child escaped injury early on Sunday
morning when shots were fired into a house on Silverstream Avenue and
at a nearby address. One man was arrested by police.

Senior loyalist sources predicted there would be further attacks in
the days ahead.

"Young Protestant fellas are lying in their graves and blood is
flowing down the streets over this," one said.

"This problem is not going to disappear overnight and I can see at
least three or four more deaths ahead before this feud comes to an
end."

Another said: "The UVF is on full alert and there is no doubt they
will hit back. Their supreme commander has also been given personal
bodyguards - it's that serious."

David Ervine, leader of the UVF-linked Progressive Unionist Party,
said he had "no comment" to make on the escalating situation.

Police have said the latest attacks are thought to be linked to a
murder in the city earlier this month.

Jameson Lockhart was gunned down as he sat on a lorry in east Belfast
on July 1.

The 25-year-old victim, who was from the north of the city and
believed to have had LVF connections, had been clearing rubble from
the site of a demolished bar when the killers struck.

The detective in charge of the latest murder investigation confirmed
officers probing the Lockhart assassination have been drafted in to
hunt down the killers.

Chief Superintendent Phil Wright said: "I believe all these attacks
are down to the loyalist feud. They were carried out by personalities
from these organisations.

"We have got detectives and uniformed staff working on this from the
Lockhart murder team."

Mr Wright said the security forces were attempting to stop further
bloodshed.

"I'm sure the public has seen the high visibility of policing that has
taken place. We have put these resources in and I'm confident we are
doing everything we possibly can," he added.

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds appealed for calm.

"The ordinary people of north Belfast do not want this violence," he
said.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652192

New Attack Launched On Harryville Church

By Jonathan McCambridge, CRIME CORRESPONDENT
12 July 2005

An attack on a Catholic church in Ballymena has been strongly
condemned by local nationalist politicians.

Sectarian graffiti was daubed across the front doors of Our Lady's
Church in Harryville.

Several windows were also smashed at the building, which was the scene
of a loyalist picket in the 1990s when protesters attempted to stop
worshippers getting to church.

It is the latest in a long line of attacks on the church.

Sinn Fein MLA Philip McGuigan said: "This is the latest in an ongoing
campaign against this chapel and the community that uses it.

"It is loyalists demonstrating that Catholics are unwelcome to attend
their own church in that part of Ballymena.

"This kind of sectarianism and intimidation is designed to ensure the
Catholics are expected to live as second class citizens in their own
town."

The MLA called on unionist politicians to speak out against the
attack.

SDLP councillor Declan O'Loan added: "Unfortunately it's been the case
over past years that there have been paint bombs and other types of
incidents at the church at this time of year.

"It is regrettable that this has happened and I'm sure it will not be
welcomed by most residents in the area.

"An incident like this will only serve to heighten tensions in the
area and contribute to the sectarian hatred which exists.

"This comes in the same weekend that a Catholic woman was put out of
her home in Ahoghill and I would condemn both incidents."

Earlier this year, loyalists were blamed for damage caused to the cars
of two Massgoers as bricks and stones were thrown at the vehicles.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652226

Orange Arch Set On Fire In Early Morning Attack

Hall suffers scorch damage

By Staff Reporter
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

AN Orange arch in Newcastle has been destroyed in an arson attack.

The arch at the entrance to the Orange hall at Causeway Road in the
seaside town was set on fire at 3.15am. It was destroyed while the
hall itself suffered minor scorch damage.

An Orange Order spokesman said: "Obviously it's something we deeply
regret because at the end of the day it seems to me that the arch is a
very innocuous thing and why anyone would want to attack it is beyond
me.

"I imagine it's probably someone who is opposed to Orangeism as a part
of Ireland's rich heritage and culture."

Police are treating the fire as malicious and have called on anyone
who witnessed suspicious activity to contact them at Newcastle at 028
9181 8080 or the Crimestoppers number at 0800 555111.

Down Ulster Unionist councillor Gerry Douglas condemned the early
morning attack.

Mr Douglas said it was only the quick thinking of police officers and
fire service personnel that had saved the Orange hall in the attack.

He told how the officers had pulled the burning arch away from the
hall otherwise it too would have been more seriously damaged.

Mr Douglas said: "As a member of the lodge I was there and helped the
late Leslie Hanna build what was a unique arch.

"It is heartbreaking to see it this morning.

"It is very sad. There is only one part of the arch left - a painted
sign saying, Honour all men."

Mr Douglas, who is a former County Master in the Orange Order, said
that the arch had been erected within the grounds of the Orange hall
for the past five years, rather than on the street outside, due to
stricter insurance requirements.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652223

Gun Stolen As Mob Attacks Police Team

By Linda McKee
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

A POLICE officer had his firearm and radio stolen when his team came
under attack at a bonfire in east Belfast last night.

The officers had gone to the aid of a man who was being seriously
assaulted.

Two officers were injured when they were set upon by a large crowd
which thenoverwhelmed the police team.

The officers had been flagged down at around 3.30am to help a man who
was being beaten up near the Woodstock Link bonfire.

Extra officers were brought in to disperse the crowd and calm was
restored.

Condemning the incident, local councillor Jim Rodgers urged whoever
now has the gun to return it.

He said: "I would appeal to those persons responsible for taking the
gun and radio to return them immediately,

because a weapon like this could come into the wrong hands and
somebody could be killed.

"There would be no useful cause undertaken by keeping it."

Councillor Rodgers questioned police tactics during the incident.

And he added: "A lot of those involved at the bonfire had a lot of
drink taken and this certainly didn't help."

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652221

Dodds Insists IRA Must 'Go Away'

By Chris Thornton, Political Correspondent
cthornton@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

THE IRA must "disappear, go away, be disbanded", DUP MP Nigel Dodds
told the Twelfth gathering in Newtownards today.

Even then, he indicated that future political progress depends on
republicans proving they had changed over a period of time.

"How long that takes depends on republicans," he said.

And he added that there was "no question of a different standard"
applying to loyalist groups.

Mr Dodds described the IRA process as a "charade designed to win back
credit in America and among the political establishment".

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http://www.isn.ethz.ch/news/sw/details.cfm?id=12201

Interpol Says IRA Rebels May Be Hiding In Cuba

ISN SECURITY WATCH (12/07/05) - Three alleged members of the Irish
Republican Army (IRA) convicted of training leftist rebels in Colombia
may be hiding in Cuba, an Interpol official in Colombia said on
Sunday.

The theory regarding the whereabouts of the men, espoused by an
Interpol agent on Colombian television, comes more than six months
after the supposed IRA members fled Colombia following their
conviction on charges they helped train the rebels in terror
techniques and explosives.

"We have intelligence reports to that effect," Interpol agent Victor
Cruz said during an interview on Colombia's Caracol Television.

Colombia sentenced Niall Connolly, James Monaghan, and Martin McCauley
to 17 years in prison in December 2004. They fled soon after their
convictions, having posted bail during the appeal process.

The men were first arrested in August 2001 and accused of training
members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, in the
use of explosives and carrying falsified identification documents.

The Colombian government alleged the men were representatives of the
IRA on a mission to establish ties with FARC, an accusation they
denied.

The three Irishmen claimed they were in Colombia studying its peace
process and were eco-tourists, and said they would not leave the
prison until the Colombian government guaranteed their safety from
reprisal killings by right-wing paramilitary groups.

Sinn Fein - the political party linked to the IRA - had spent the
entire tenure of the men's stay in Colombian prison campaigning for
their release. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams called their ongoing
detention "outrageous" and a "grievous miscarriage of justice".

The trio were eventually acquitted of the charges in May, but were
forced to remain in Colombia while the prosecution appealed. Their
last hope would be to send an appeal to Colombia's Supreme Court.

It was soon thereafter that Colombia admitted it had "lost track" of
the trio. However, Attorney-General Luis Camilo Osorio said
authorities would search for the fugitives "so that justice is done".

Since then, Colombian military officials have alleged that rebel
groups like FARC have shown signs of using techniques learned by the
supposed trio of IRA terror experts.

General Carlos Ospina said earlier this year that bombings blamed on
FARC in the capital and throughout the country were more sophisticated
than before, displaying all the earmarks of techniques learned from
the IRA.

South America's most embattled nation has been embroiled in more than
four decades of civil war that pits leftist rebels like FARC and other
Marxist groups against the government and the paramilitaries.

(By Carmen Gentile in Rio de Janeiro)

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652195

Orangemen Step Out For The Twelfth

Battle's 315th anniversary

By Staff Reporter
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

THOUSANDS of Orangemen will today don their bowler hat and sash for
the biggest event of their year - the 315th anniversary of the Battle
of the Boyne.

And not only could there be a sighting of King William and his spouse,
Mary, travelling through Bushmills by pony and trap, but the king's
principal general, the Duke of Schomberg, could put in an appearance
at Barnetts Demesne in Belfast.

Orangemen in the city are putting on a major extravaganza with the
release of 315 balloons to mark the anniversary, followed by a
Highland and Scottish country dancing display and music by champion
piper Robert Watt.

This year, the Ulster-Scots emigrant ship will be carrying some
special passengers through the streets of Belfast - the Low Country
Boys who will be supplying Appalachian folk music.

The largest gathering is expected to be in Portadown, where lodges
from Craigavon, Markethill, Loughgall, Bessbrook and Tandragee will
celebrate the Twelfth a few miles from where the Orange Order was
formed at the Diamond in Loughgall in 1795.

Orangemen are also converging on Loughbrickland in south-west Down,
another significant location in the Order's history.

It is believed that King William reviewed his troops by the lakeside
on his way to the Boyne, and this year the village is expected to
attract 5,000 Orangemen and women from 90 lodges.

The Order in Londonderry hopes to celebrate its largest Twelfth
demonstration in over a decade, hosting 60 lodges and up to 40 bands.

Meanwhile, the Order's newest lodge is celebrating its first Twelfth
at Cullybackey in Co Antrim.

Maine Valley Junior LOL 206 was formed only a few weeks ago but can
already boast more than 20 enthusiastic young members aged between
seven and 15.

Lodges in Newtownards are planning a carnival atmosphere with bouncy
castles and face-painting.

The Rev Martin Smyth will address marchers at Tobermore, which is
expected to host more than 8,000 Orangemen and supporters, including a
lodge from Birmingham, Alabama, in the US, whose visits are becoming
an annual event.

Weather forecasters were predicting the highest temperatures in the
south and west, so Orangemen in Co Fermanagh were packing their sun
cream for the Twelfth at Ballinamallard.

In Clogher, 24 bands and lodges hosted by Fivemiletown district plan
to pause at the cenotaph on the way to the field for a wreath-laying
ceremony to mark 60 years since the end of WW2.

In Portglenone, the Independent Loyal Orange Institution will gather
for a service by the Rev Ian Paisley.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652229

Lord Laird To Be A 'Soldier' At Twelfth

By Andrea Clements
newsdesk@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 July 2005

ULSTER Unionist peer Lord Laird will today take part in the Twelfth
celebrations in Belfast with an Orange Lodge formed by members of the
York Fensible Regiment.

He will be dressed as a soldier, along with other members of York LOL
145, marching from Carlisle Circus along the Lisburn Road to Barnett's
Demesne.

They are part of a re-enactment team and are involved in a film about
the Battle of Saintfield, due to be shot in August.

The drama will be filmed in the locations of the 1798 rising in Antrim
and Down.

Clifton Street-based LOL 145 was formed in 1796 by soldiers of the
York Fensible Regiment.

Lord Laird said he was keen to turn the Twelfth into a tourist
attraction.

"The re-enactment is interesting to me an Ulster-Scot as I have
connections on both sides of the 1798 argument," he added.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652228

South Antrim Lodges And Bands Flock To Glenavy

12 July 2005

Glenavy

The 75 south Antrim lodges accompanied by 60 bands descended on
Glenavy village, which was in carnival mood for the occasion.

The procession got underway at 11.30am at Moira Road and spectators
lined Main Street as the marchers made their way to the field.

Joining the host Glenavy District were lodges from Magheragall,
Ballinderry, Derriaghy, Lisburn, Hillsborough and Aghalee.

The biggest contingent was from Lisburn where 1,000 Orange Order
members belonging to 24 lodges marched through the biggest arch in the
Province before boarding buses in the city on route to Glenavy.

A religious service was performed as the main part of the platform
proceedings and county and district officers spoke.

Afterwards a variety of entertainment included a display of Lambeg
drumming.
----

Loughbrickland

A number of new features marked the south-west Down demonstration at
Loughbrickland where 5,000 Orangemen and women from 90 lodges took
part. They were accompanied by 50 bands.

The village has an important place in Orange history and it is
believed King William reviewed his troops by the lakeside on his way
to the Boyne.

This year there were more new banners than usual and a revival of
Lambeg drumming in Down and Armagh meant more drums in the parade.
Many of those on the march wore a special badge with a local flavour -
the first of a series to be produced for future Twelfths.

The procession set off from the Scarva Road at noon and districts
represented on the way to the Ross Memorial Field beside
Loughbrickland lake were Lower Iveagh, Rathfriland, Banbridge, Lower
Iveagh West, Newry, Loughbrickland, Gilford and Bann Valley.

The address was given by Rev Hugh Ross, District Chaplain, Bann Valley
and Banbridge Silver Band led the hymn singing.

Main speakers were Richard Fleming, County Grand Secretary of Down and
William McKeown, Deputy Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
The platform chairman was Trevor Fegan, Worshipful Master of
Loughbrickland District No. 10 which hosted the demonstration.
----

Portadown

Portadown was hosting what was expected to be the largest gathering of
Orangemen in the province.

Lodges from Craigavon, Markethill, Loughgall, Bessbrook and Tandragee
will be at the Co Armagh demonstration, which is being held only a few
miles from Loughgall where the Order was formed at the Diamond in
1795.

Portadown District LOL 1 was formed 209 years ago as the first Orange
District a year after the establishment of the first lodge and the
roots of Orangeism run deep in the area.

Co Armagh Grand Master Dennis Watson was giving the keynote speech at
the demonstration field on the Armagh Road and the event follows a
week of festivities which included a family fun day last Saturday, an
exhibition on local Orangeism and Sunday's Drumcree parade.

Parts of the town have been covered in bunting and flags in
anticipation of today's event, which follows a peaceful Drumcree, and
which began at 9am from Carleton Street Orange Hall in the centre of
the town.
----

Tobermore

Tobermore District LOL No.11 was expecting more than 8,000 Orangemen
and their supporters at the demonstration field for the annual Twelfth
celebrations.

Up to 65 lodges and bands were taking part in the festivites.

The events were expected to get under way at 11.30am at Desertmartin
Road, with the parade route travelling along Main Street and
Draperstown Road, arriving at the 'field' around 1pm.

Platform proceedings were due to begin around 2pm.

The main speakers include the Rev Martin Smyth, Londonderry County
Grand Master Ivan Kelly, and American special guest the Rev Dr Paul
Zahl.

Members of the American Birminghan Alabama Lodge, who are connected
with Maghera Sons of William, were expected to be present for the
third year running.

Marchers were scheduled to leave the field at 3.30pm and return to
Tobermore Orange Hall via Draperstown Road, Main Street and Maghera
Road.
----

Independent Orange Order

The Grand Master of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution claims
the much larger Orange Institution has thrown off the formal shackles
of its link with the Ulster Unionist party to return to the fold.

Addressing today's Twelfth demonstration in Portglenone, George Dawson
notes that for the first time in over a century it is an "independent
Twelfth".

"The 'old order' has adopted the policy of the independent movement.

"This institution has responded to the changing circumstances in
meetings with the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, in a number of joint
parading initiatives and in our resolutions today."

The DUP Assembly member was addressing 20 lodges, bands and drumming
parties. Lodges travelled from Lurgan, Tandragee, Londonderry,
Enniskillen and Belfast to take part, leaving Townhill Road at 1pm for
the field at Clady Road.

Mr Dawson says his heart sank as he learned of UUP leader Sir Reg
Empey's ideas on the parades issue.

"It is folly to suggest that all parades become tradeable as part of
some overall parading deal.

"This is the republican agenda - Reg Empey is dancing to the
republican tune."

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/features/story.jsp?story=652176

On Parade: Sisters Who Treasure The Traditions Of The Twelfth

Isobel Cloughan (62) has been a member of Teemore Orange Lodge, Co
Armagh, for 39 years. She tells Judith Cole why it is so important to
her and her sisters Phyllis, Aubreen and Ray

12 July 2005

My fondest memories of the Twelfth of July celebrations are the days
when we were all involved - my mother, father and my 12 siblings.

I really cherish those memories. It was wonderful to see everyone
dressed up so well in their collarettes, people who really believed in
the Orange Order.

I suppose we all got involved because our parents were members and, in
particular, I decided to join because of my mother's influence.

Although she wasn't a founding member of her local lodge, Teemore in
Co Armagh, she was certainly one of the earliest members.

It was so important to her to be involved because my father was deputy
master of Marlacoo, the neighbouring men's lodge.

The ladies' lodge was very new to the rural area and most of the women
in the area went along.

I often wondered how mummy found the time to attend because she had
all us McClellands - my 10 sisters, two brothers and me - at home! She
went to meetings once a month.

The Twelfth was always a really big day. It took a lot of preparation
- at least two weeks beforehand we would be getting ready for it.

Our mother had to sort out our clothes, whether that meant shopping
for new ones for whomever needed them or handing down to the younger
children.

The oldest ones were fortunate because they always got new clothes! It
was great craic.

We didn't go to 11th night bonfires because we lived out in the
countryside and there weren't so many there. But we were really busy
getting our shoes whitened and our clothes left out for the morning.

When the day came, we got dressed in our beautiful new outfits,
excited about what lay ahead.

Then we walked down the lane to watch the men parading past. We joined
in, either holding on to the strings of the banners, clinging to
someone's coat or walking behind our daddy, who was marching at the
front.

After that we all climbed into a bus and went off to the field.

The women didn't march on the Twelfth. We made the journey home from
the field early to prepare the meal in the local Orange hall. We never
had any desire to march and just enjoyed watching the men walking.

I was parading last Friday night when the new Orange hall at Marlacoo
was opened but, in my opinion, the Twelfth is really a man's day for
marching.

However, I do think it is nice to see the ladies walking, too - it's
their own individual choice.

We really treasure the times we had - the Twelfth is a great family
day out and a tradition we were brought up with.

Our parents instilled in us from an early age the values and
principles which the Orange Order holds dear.

The most important thing is that they are based on the Bible and you
have to put God's word before anything else. We also remember our
forefathers who fought for our liberty and freedom.

I only missed one Twelfth in my life, when I had an accident and was
in hospital.

I joined Teemore lodge 39 years ago, a year after I was married.

My husband, from Armagh, transferred to Marlacoo lodge when we moved
here, which was great because my father and brothers were members
there, too.

The men always encouraged the ladies to join, and Teemore was made up
of many of their wives.

I have had a variety of roles in our lodge.

I've been the deputy mistress of Teemore and am currently mistress, as
well as treasurer, of Portadown district (there are nine lodges in the
district), chaplain of the county ladies' lodge and deputy grand
mistress of Ireland.

My sister Aubreen is deputy mistress of Teemore and my sister Ray is
tiler, which means she stands at the door and makes sure no-one gets
in who isn't approved.

We have a lodge meeting every month and also hold services, go on
outings and donate the money raised to the church orphans society.

I've met so many friends who I wouldn't have met if I'd sat in the
house and it's also an opportunity to be reminded about our culture.

I don't think the Orange Order has changed much over the years -
except there aren't as many ladies in their 20s and 30s joining now.
However, one of the junior lodges in Portadown is thriving and there
are about 200 young women members in the area.

I think it's really important that the younger generations continue to
support the Orange Order.

Parents should encourage their children to take part - they can make
up their own minds whether they want to continue their involvement
when they're older.

Of my two sons, one is still in the Orange Order. The other was a
member up until a few years ago but he always got the Twelfth
fortnight off work and took the opportunity to go away on holiday with
his wife and children.

My grandson Jamie, who's 12, is in a junior lodge and my granddaughter
Lucy (7) asked me the other day to find out when she could join, but I
keep putting her off until she's a bit older.

It's wonderful for them to be involved - the Twelfth itself is such a
nice family day out and you meet people you haven't seen for a year. I
have a friend who I see every single year - she knows where I sit and
always joins me to have a chat.

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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=652210

Welcome For Grant Decision

£2.2m Lottery boost to aid facelift of historic quarter

12 July 2005

A REGENERATION programme in Lisburn's Historic Quarter, which began
some time ago, has been given a major boost with news that a scheme to
restore the Castle Gardens has attracted a £2.2m grant from the
Heritage Lottery Fund.

The gardens are at the heart of the part of old Lisburn which is being
given a major facelift and property to benefit is mainly in the Bridge
Street and Castle Street areas.

Work on the Castle Gardens could be completed in about two years and
will include the restoration of the gateway and turret, replacement of
railings, which once surrounded the park, and restoration of
attractive monuments which are already listed for their historic and
decorative qualities.

When the job is completed the gardens will be more accessible to the
city centre as a new entrance will be constructed in Bridge Street and
the entrance through the cathedral grounds to the Irish Linen Centre
in Market Square will be upgraded.

Lisburn Council will have to agree to a 10-year management and
maintenance plan before the restoration scheme gets underway.

The council has welcomed the grant decision.

A spokesman for the Economic Development Committee said it would mean
the return of Castle Gardens to its former civic beauty and character.
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