Loyalists blame republicans for Belfast violence
The Loyalist Commission, an umbrella group of loyalist paramilitaries, churchmen and politicians, has blamed republicans for almost nightly street violence in Belfast.
In a statement released today, the commission admitted that loyalists were also involved in the trouble, but said it was only in a defensive capacity.
“When Sinn Fein/Provisional IRA stop the trouble on their side, the violence will stop,” the statement said.
In response to last Friday’s statement by Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, the Loyalist Commission met today and issued the following communication:
The Loyalist Commission welcomes Archbishop Eames’ statement of August 30 and will do all it can to encourage a period of calm within loyalist communities suffering from relentless attacks as a direct consequence of republican politically orchestrated tensions.
We trust that Archbishop Brady will voice his endorsement of Archbishop Eames’ statement and likewise appeal for a period of calm.
Loyalist paramilitaries admit to being involved in interface trouble but only in a defensive capacity. There would be no need for their involvement if the PSNI were doing their job.
When Sinn Fein/Provisional IRA stop the trouble on their side, the violence will stop. Whatever their aims they have only brought more fear, hurt and intolerable conditions to both sides and driven further wedges between our communities.
We are certain that Sinn Fein/Provisional IRA are in denial of their responsibility for the violence towards loyalist communities.
Only honest and sincere communication across our communities can replace the blame game and the propaganda issued in support of unacceptable behaviour on both sides.
On June 15 the Commission called upon church and political leaders to exert their influence to seek from Sinn Fein/Provisional IRA an immediate “republican reciprocation” to a positive loyalist initiative.
In welcoming Archbishop Eames’ statement we hope he is able to extract a positive republican reaction because regrettably and, we believe, totally irresponsibly there has been no public response to our initiative of June 15.
Therefore the onus of responsibility rests with republicans to respect the Archbishop’s call.
The strategy being implemented by republicans which is based on the policy of provocative attack, agitation and aggression aimed at alienating Protestant communities does nothing but damage and defer any real prospect of improving relations across the community divide.
A period of calm entered into honestly and transparently can be of enormous relief and benefit to civic society. However, republican reciprocation requires more than hollow soundbites.
It has to be experienced, practised and sustained by everyone to enable both sides to agree how best they can tolerate each other.
