SF alter parade protest route
SINN Fein have confirmed that a counter protest to the armed forces homecoming parade in Belfast will now be amended.
Speaking at an arranged press conference in Belfast, Gerry Kelly revealed a planned protest in Donegall Place would now not take place.
Instead, protestors will congregate at the Grosvenor Road - Fisherwick Place junction.
Republicans will assemble on the Falls Road from 10.30am before setting off for the city centre at 11am.
There had been speculation on Friday that the party would announce that it was to scale down its protest in response to a series of concessions by the Ministry of Defence.
The homecoming parade is due to commence at 11.45am.
Outlining the renewed plans, Mr Kelly made no reference to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan - Sinn Fein's original stated reason for protest.
"Sinn Fin is determined that the focus of our protest is the British Army march and the irresponsible decision by the British MoD to stage such an event in Belfast," he said
"The clear opposition to this military parade points up the stupidity involved in staging such an event."
DUP MLA Nelson McCausland gave a guarded welcome to the republican protest amendment.
Earlier, the MoD announced that it was cancelling the planned RAF flypast and that none of the soldiers would be armed.
The MoD has already said that regimental colours will not be carried.
The moves have been made in an attempt to quell violence fears at the event being held on Sunday to welcome troops home after serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
There were fears the Sinn Fein counter protest would ensure a high level security presence as protestors and well-wishers come into close proximity.
Major General Chris Brown said the decision had been made to cancel the flyover to ensure the parade "does not increase the potential for friction".
Mr Brown also confirmed that no weapons will be deployed by soldiers and regimental tunes will not be played by the Royal Irish band leading the homecoming parade through the city centre.
"This further underpins our appreciation of the sensitivities surrounding this element of the parade," he said.
Ulster Unionist parades spokesman Michael Copeland - a former UDR soldier - accused the military hierarchy of bending over backwards to placate dissident elements.
The UUP councillor described the move as, "capitulation to the unstated requirements of those who have set themselves up in opposition to this expression of Britishness".
"The military hierarchy, in bending over backwards to accommodate this dissent, are in danger of breaking the hearts of those who consider themselves proud to be British, whether they are service personnel or civilians," Mr Copeland added.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
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