THE British government must clearly state how it will rebuild the peace process in light of nationalist disillusionment following Drumcree, Mr Gerry Adams says.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the Sinn Fein president said that the actions of the British army and the RUC on the Garvaghy Road would make it much more difficult to secure another IRA ceasefire.
However, he stressed that his party was still committed to its peace strategy and he appealed to young people not to riot. In a direct appeal to the British Prime Minister, he said: "Where sits the peace process? Mr Blair must now spell out how he intends to build a credible peace process.
"He must put the rhetoric of peace to one side and engage in peace- making. Sinn Fein is prepared to enter into discussions now, immediately, with this British government, in an effort to defuse the current crisis and to find ways to make progress. Is Mr Blair ready to do that?"
Mr Adams said that the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, was not in charge when the Orange march was forced through - that decision had been the work of the "militarists" in the RUC and British intelligence.
Condemning London for capitulating to loyalists, he said: "Forget the excuses; forget the PR spins; this British government in its first real test failed that test. Once again the Orange card has triumphed."
Mr Adams asked how Mr Blair would improve relations with the nationalist community following Garvaghy Road. He wondered if Orange parades in Bellaghy, Co Derry, the Lower Ormeau in south Belfast, and elsewhere this summer would be permitted.
"What of the key issues of equality, of parity of esteem, and of justice?" he asked. "What confidence can nationalists place in this government to tackle these issues after the events of last weekend?
Mr Adams urged nationalist youth not to riot, as it diverted attention from the actions of the RUC and British government. He said that he had helped dismantle barricades in west Belfast on Sunday night.
In coming weeks, there was a heavy responsibility on both governments, republicans, unionists, and church and trade union leaders to work for peace, he said.