The nationalist residents of the Lower Ormeau Road have warned that if a march by the Apprentice Boys is forced down the route next weekend, the current dialogue between the sides will be "blown out of the water".
According to the Lower Ormeau Concerned Community, an offer put forward by the residents had been rejected "out of hand". They proposed that the Ballyna feigh Apprentice Boys march over the Ormeau Bridge, the previous flashpoint, and then turn left, thereby avoiding a march down the entire length of the road.
The failure of the sides to reach agreement at a meeting on Thursday night means the Parades Commission will now rule on the controversial route and announce its decision on Monday.
Commission members yesterday met the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, to discuss the July marches. Afterwards, a spokesman described the meeting as "positive" and stressed that dialogue between parties should be encouraged. A spokesman for the Ormeau residents, Mr Gerard Rice, yesterday described the offer made by the residents as an attempt to protect the process of dialogue. However, Mr Tommy Cheevers of the Apprentice Boys said many issues had been discussed at meetings and it was unfair of the residents to now "pick out one point". He added that the minutes of all meetings would remain confidential, as requested by the residents.
Mr Rice has claimed the Apprentice Boys entered talks merely to "impress" the Parades Commission.
"We believe that the commission is planning to use the Apprentice Boys parade to send a signal to the Orange Order that any form of dialogue - no matter how hollow or insincere - will result in parades going ahead," he said.