Tensions rise in North Belfast
By Mick Naughton.
Nationalist homes were again attacked in North Belfast in an area
adjacent to the contentious route of the `Tour of the North'
Orange march planned for 19 June.
Margaret O'Neill of Rosevale Street, whose home was attacked on
Monday, said the experience had been ``absolutely terrifying''. She
said loyalists gathered at around 11pm and the attacks didnj't
stop until the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Mrs O'Neill's complained that her three children required
psychiatric treatment after the attacks which smashed her roof
and exposed her home to damage from heavy rain.
``Attitudes are hardening within the affected areas, particularly
after the attacks. The community will oppose the march in
whatever peaceful means at their disposal'', said Sinn Fein's
Bobby Lavery.
Meanwhile Gerry Adams joined North Belfast candidates Gerry Kelly
and Martina McIlkenny in cautioning that trouble may arise if the
`Tour of the North' is allowed to proceed.
``There is a head of steam building up around the so-called `Tour
of the North', which passes through nationalist areas. To date
there has been no effort by the Orange Order to broker an
accommodation. This is a matter of deep concern. Last year the
British government faced its first real test on the Garvaghy
Road. It failed that test and the Orange card triumphed. Will it
do so again?'' he asked.
``The Good Friday document, under Rights, Safeguards and Equality
of Opportunity, specifically establishes `the right to freedom
from sectarian harassment' as a fundamental human right. If this
is to mean anything the British government especially must stand
up for equality and human and civil rights and defend the rights
of residents.''
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)