The Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, yesterday appealed to unionists and nationalists in Portadown to use the few days between now and the Drumcree march to see if they can still reach agreement on the issue.
However, speaking to journalists on a visit to Brussels to promote Northern Ireland beef, she insisted that the decision of the Parades Commission should be respected.
"Our position, as the government, has been clear for some time," Dr Mowlam said.
"We believe that the only way forward is through accommodation by people talking, and as Alister Graham said this morning this is an indication of failure, failure of people to talk. And I regret that.
"But this is a legal decision, and I just appeal to everyone now that the decision has been taken to comply with it. However, there is five days, and I do hope that people try and talk in the days that are left to try and find a way forward.
"Violence isn't the way," she said, "and I think the Parades Commission have acted impartially and done their best. I'd like to thank them for their work."
Asked if she thought the RUC could police the decision, Dr Mowlam said that matter was up to the Chief Constable.
"And I sincerely hope so . . . I believe they can, but it's up to the people in the five days ahead. We don't have to go through the violence of the last two years. I hope, against the backdrop of the Good Friday agreement, the election and the referendum that we can find another way forward."
She was asked about the possibility of the decision being reversed by the Chief Constable making a recommendation to her.
"It's part of the law," Dr Mowlam responded, "and if the Chief Constable so does, then it happens. But I think the Parades Commission have done well and taken an open, transparent decision along the lines of the criteria set out in the law and, as it has a legally binding aspect to it, I appeal to people to comply."
