[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 98 (Friday, July 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1414]]


                THE MARCHING SEASON IN NORTHERN IRELAND

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                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 11, 1997

  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out against the 
unfairness of Britain's decision to allow the Orange Order to march 
through Northern Ireland's Garvaghy Road area this past weekend. 
Thousands of residents were barricaded in their homes by 1,500 riot 
police and troops, which were reinforced by more than 100 armored cars. 
This choice was tragic, and today's headlines bear solemn witness to 
this fact.
  This is the third year that British authorities have allowed the 
Orange Order to march through this predominantly Catholic neighborhood. 
In justifying this fatal decision, Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam 
said, ``Had the Orange Order not been permitted to march through the 
Garvaghy Road Community, the Protestants would have committed 
widespread mayhem.'' The mere fact that Secretary Mowlam, admitted that 
by allowing the Protestants to march through the Garvaghy Road area was 
her least worst option, to me is quite disturbing. In fact, her 
decision led to severe rioting, and has made the Irish Peace process 
that much more difficult to achieve. Clearly, this march should not 
have been allowed to take place in the first place. All marches in the 
future should be cancelled, until Ireland can reach a peace agreement.
  I call upon the British and Irish Governments to work together, and 
encourage all parties to resume their efforts toward a just and lasting 
peace. Violence, under any circumstance, is not the answer.

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