Arabic version: تأجيل مسيرة لجماعة أورانج في بورتاداون

According to The Guardian, an Orange Order march in Portadown has been delayed after counter-protesters blocked Garvaghy Road, a Catholic enclave in the largely Protestant town. The procession was authorised to take place from 8am to 9.30am, but the 35 Orangemen had not set off from Drumcree Church as talks with police continued.

The Parades Commission authorised the small group to walk silently along the road, without bands or supporters. Courts upheld the commission’s determination after the Court of Appeal found that an injunction had been granted in error and the High Court confirmed the decision had to be respected.

Counter-protesters remained on Garvaghy Road, where police officers, vans and a helicopter were present. Police had warned over speakers that participating in the counter-demonstration could be a criminal offence. The Orange Order was still planning to march, while a member of the group said they would wait for police advice on when they could begin.

Northern Ireland secretary Chris Bryant travelled to Belfast and urged people on both sides to cooperate with police. He said he wished the situation had not arisen and that it was important for everyone to abide by the law. Prime minister Andy Burnham also appealed for calm, saying Northern Ireland had made major gains and should not go backwards.

The Irish government said it was very concerned and wanted to avoid a return to past divisions, citing progress in reconciliation under the Good Friday Agreement. Garvaghy Road was a major flashpoint during unrest in the late 1990s, and the march would be the first along the route in nearly 30 years after a long-running ban.