The chairman of Northern Ireland's Policing Board today denied he was trying to prejudge a report he had commissioned from Chief Constable Hugh Orde on the marching season.
Professor Desmond Rea moved to defuse a row with SDLP board member Mr Alex Attwood that erupted after Prof Rea claimed police had been placed in a "no-win situation" in north Belfast when violence flared last Monday night.
Nationalist youths in Ardoyne clashed with British soldiers and police after Orange Order members and their supporters were allowed by police to pass by the area as they returned from the city's main Twelfth of July demonstration.
Twenty-five police officers were injured during the disturbances.
Sinn Féin and the SDLP claimed the police decision undermined a Parades Commission ruling that imposed restrictions on the return march.
After a meeting with Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton yesterday, Prof Rea said: "Once again, in north Belfast, the police were placed in a no-win situation; and I fully endorse the view police cannot be held responsible for the fallout from the parading issue.
"There is no doubt the significant efforts of community representatives and political leaders on the ground, on both sides, played a pivotal role in managing tensions within communities and interface areas. Their work is to be applauded and encouraged."
However, in a statement today, Prof Rea said the board was responsible for holding to account the PSNI over the delivery of efficient, effective and impartial policing and had requested a report from Mr Orde in this context.
The statement continued: "One sentence in the July 15th news release has been construed as prejudging the board's view of the PSNI's report; that was not the intention.
"In the rest of the release the chairman first emphasises that parades and parading peacefully is above all a matter for the two principal identities in our community to resolve; secondly, applauds and encourages the sterling work of political representatives and community leaders on the ground from both principal identities in managing tensions at interface areas; and thirdly, deprecates the return to violence.
"I trust you will note this. The chairman will not be making any further comment."
PA