MEDIATION is continuing to try to avert disturbances at a planned Royal Black Preceptory parade in Roslea, Co Fermanagh, tonight. One nationalist has complained that the parade is "a sheer act of provocation" while the Royal Black Preceptory insists that it is a legitimate demonstration of Protestant tradition.
The RUC confirmed the organisation has served notice to the police seeking permission for the march, although it has not yet officially responded. "The matter is still under consideration," an RUC spokeswoman said.
The RUC is delaying its decision in the hope that a compromise on the march can be reached. There will be a heavy security presence in Roslea if the parade goes ahead.
The cross community Enniskillen Together organisation, set up in the wake of the IRA Remembrance Day massacre in 1987, is attempting to broker a compromise between the two sides. It has held meetings with members of the Preceptory and some nationalist residents in Roslea.
Nationalist opponents of the march argue that the Preceptory is taking a provocative route when there is an alternative route available. A Preceptory spokesman said the organisation intended taking its traditional route through Roslea.
No member of the Preceptory would cause any trouble, even in the event of a protest, a Preceptory spokesman added. The organisation intends marching through the village to unfurl its first new banner in 30 years.
"The parade only takes five minutes. We would be disappointed that somebody would feel the need to complain that it is offensive," he added.
Mr Brian McCaffrey, a former Sinn Fein councillor for Roslea, said a protest was inevitable if the marchers tried to parade through the village.
