Grand Lodge support for Ligoniel brethren
Statement on behalf of the Orange Institution following a meeting of Grand Lodge in Eglinton, Co Londonderry, earlier today:
"The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland reiterates its support for our brethren in north Belfast who have been prevented from peacefully completing their 12th July parade.
Grand Lodge is disappointed that efforts to reach a resolution to this impasse, imposed by the Parades Commission at the behest of republicans, have not been successful to date.
We commend the peaceful and democratic expression of protest against this draconian decision by an unrepresentative quango and would encourage the three Ligoniel lodges involved in this protest.
We remember also our brethren at Drumcree, Dunloy and other areas who face cultural division as a result of the decisions of the Parades Commission and the opposition by republicans."