US citizens warned over Orange marches

The United States hasurgedall its citizens in Northern Ireland to be particularly cautiousduring the forthcoming "marching season…

The United States hasurgedall its citizens in Northern Ireland to be particularly cautiousduring the forthcoming "marching season",due to recent unrest that hasbeen exacerbated by sectarian clashes in Belfast.

In a statement, the US State Department said US citizens "arenot normally targeted during these protests," but their movementshave been restricted by roadblocks and violence.

The department particularly warned about Orange Order paradesonJune 30th in Belfast, July 8th in Portadown and July 12th in Derry.

"American citizens should avoid contentious parades andsurrounding areas, as well as Loyalist community bonfires held onthe evening of July 11th," the statement said.

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The statement said "incidents this month have already heightened tensionsthroughout the region."

PA