NIO Minister anniounces new group to tackle interface areas

The British government has announced the setting up of a new group to tackle problems at the North's bitterly divided interface…

The British government has announced the setting up of a new group to tackle problems at the North's bitterly divided interface areas.

NIO Minister Des Browne is establishing a Community Action Group aimed at improving community relations across Northern Ireland. The group will involve the police, Housing Executive and the Community Relations Council.

The move comes after months of sectarian tension, particularly along interface areas of north and east Belfast. Mr Browne revealed the new initiative as he addressed the annual conference of the cross community Women's Coalition.

He said: "We want to support and build on the efforts being made to grip those issues that have a practical impact on the daily lives of everyone living at interfaces in Belfast and elsewhere.

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Minister Browne said the new group would focus initially on tackling the proliferation of paramilitary flags, emblems and sectarian graffiti.

The announcement was taking place as Sinn Fein held a National Day of Action to highlight the plight of nationalist communities, which it claimed have borne the brunt of an ongoing loyalist pogrom.

The day was marked by a series of pickets throughout Belfast. This included protests outside Musgrave Street Police Station in the city centre and Antrim Road Police Station in the north of the city.

PA