An RUC commander today appealed to nationalist residents opposing a loyalist march through their area on Easter Monday to show calm and restraint during their protest.
In an open letter to the people of the Lower Ormeau Road area, RUC South Belfast commander Chief Supt Stephen Grange confirmed there would be a strong police presence in the area because of the dispute.
"The police in South Belfast are responsible for ensuring that Monday morning's parade on the Ormeau Road passes off without disturbance and with the minimum disruption to residents.
"To that end the police are appealing for calm and restraint."In the absence of a local accommodation between the residents and the Apprentice Boys of Derry it is the duty of the RUC to see that the determination of the Parades Commission is upheld."Inevitably that means a large police presence and some disruption to normal life in the area."
Mr Grange said his officers acknowledged the right of residents to peacefully and lawfully protest.He said the RUC were willing to meet residents to discuss how a peaceful and lawful protest could be conducted.
Local neighbourhood officers would be on hand to talk to members of the community, he said, and a special information telephone line would also be provided, manned by members of his community affairs staff.The police chief also stressed that his officers would act "with fairness and evenhandedness".
PA