02/08/2001
Politicians meet to discuss ways to end violence
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams have held private talks about the recent upsurge in violence in Northern Ireland.
A spokesman from Sinn Féin said the meeting on Thursday 2 August was arranged at their request and represents part of their recent strategy to engage in talks with other parties in an effort to stop sectarian disturbances.
As part of this strategy South Belfast Sinn Féin assembly member Alex Maskey said they attended talks, organised by the Lord Mayor of Belfast Jim Rodgers, in an attempt to end the ongoing attacks particularly native to the north side of the city. He said: “We have initiated a number of contacts in order to try and end this violence. Already we have met with members of the Protestant clergy and a representative of the council group met with the Mayor of Belfast on Thursday on this issue. We are calling upon these groups to bring any influence they may have to bear on those orchestrating the violence in order to bring it to an end.”
The Lord Mayor of Belfast called a meeting with the council’s party leaders on Thursday to discuss ways to try and stop the recent violence in the city. Fierce violence has erupted between nationalist and loyalists in North Belfast in the past weeks and two teenagers have been murdered by the loyalist paramilitary group the Red Hand Defenders in the last month.
Last week Gerry Adams made an appeal for groups, particularly political parties to show leadership and actively work to bring the ongoing violence to an end.
On Wednesday army technical officers diffused three pipe bombs and a petrol bomb was thrown at a house in Newtownabbey. Arsonists also targeted a catholic church on the Crumlin Road. Meanwhile dissident republican group the Real IRA have admitted they were responsible for planting a 44lb bomb in a car parked in Belfast International airport on Wednesday August1.
Mr Rodgers said that violence was damaging Belfast’s reputation as a holiday destination and would put off investors and tourists. He said before his meeting: “Many people have been on the streets causing mayhem for the RUC and the army and that is no way to move forward. I want to see more tourists, business visitors and investment come to Belfast.” (AMcE)
A spokesman from Sinn Féin said the meeting on Thursday 2 August was arranged at their request and represents part of their recent strategy to engage in talks with other parties in an effort to stop sectarian disturbances.
As part of this strategy South Belfast Sinn Féin assembly member Alex Maskey said they attended talks, organised by the Lord Mayor of Belfast Jim Rodgers, in an attempt to end the ongoing attacks particularly native to the north side of the city. He said: “We have initiated a number of contacts in order to try and end this violence. Already we have met with members of the Protestant clergy and a representative of the council group met with the Mayor of Belfast on Thursday on this issue. We are calling upon these groups to bring any influence they may have to bear on those orchestrating the violence in order to bring it to an end.”
The Lord Mayor of Belfast called a meeting with the council’s party leaders on Thursday to discuss ways to try and stop the recent violence in the city. Fierce violence has erupted between nationalist and loyalists in North Belfast in the past weeks and two teenagers have been murdered by the loyalist paramilitary group the Red Hand Defenders in the last month.
Last week Gerry Adams made an appeal for groups, particularly political parties to show leadership and actively work to bring the ongoing violence to an end.
On Wednesday army technical officers diffused three pipe bombs and a petrol bomb was thrown at a house in Newtownabbey. Arsonists also targeted a catholic church on the Crumlin Road. Meanwhile dissident republican group the Real IRA have admitted they were responsible for planting a 44lb bomb in a car parked in Belfast International airport on Wednesday August1.
Mr Rodgers said that violence was damaging Belfast’s reputation as a holiday destination and would put off investors and tourists. He said before his meeting: “Many people have been on the streets causing mayhem for the RUC and the army and that is no way to move forward. I want to see more tourists, business visitors and investment come to Belfast.” (AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.