The North's First Minister, Mr David Trimble, has criticised the Parades Commission for not attending the latest round of talks aimed at resolving the 14-month Drumcree dispute.
Representatives of the Parades Commission had been invited to attend Tuesday's Drumcree talks between the Political Development Minister, Mr George Howarth, and Portadown Orangemen. The commission declined the invitation, saying its role was to observe the talks. The absence of the Garvaghy Road residents prevented it from taking up that role, as only one party in the Drumcree dispute was present.
Mr Timble said the absence of the Parades Commission from the talks was of "greater significance and concern" than the absence of the Garvaghy Road residents.
"This was an integral part of the whole process, to be sure the Parades Commission would be given a factual account of the participation or non-participation by either side in the Prime Minister's process," Mr Trimble said. "The failure of the Parades Commission to send observers gives a clear impression of partiality by the commission."
Meanwhile, the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition has rejected an allegation that its failure to attend the discussions meant it was afraid of any further proximity talks on Drumcree. The residents pointed out that they had already told the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, that they would not be taking part in the discussions with Mr Howarth. However, they have indicated their intention of meeting the Security Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, at Stormont today.
Representatives of the Portadown Orange District are also due to meet Mr Ingram this morning.
The Portadown Orange spokesman, Mr David Jones, said yesterday, however, that Orangemen would now be seriously considering "how much further we can go on with these processes".