MORE than 50 members of the US Congress have signed a letter to the British Prime Minister, Mr John Major, expressing deep concern over recent events in Northern Ireland. They express "outrage over the RUC's failure to protect both communities equally".
The letter says. "While we remain hopeful that both governments and all parties can restore confidence and trust, we do have serious questions over decisions that preceded and followed the stand off at Drumcree".
The 54 members of the House of Representatives and one senator "condemn in the strongest possible terms the decision of the British government and the Royal Ulster Constabulary to allow Orange Order marches to proceed through predominantly Catholic neighbourhoods in Portadown and Belfast, triggering the worst violence in Northern Ireland in a generation".
The letter adds. "Those who forced the government and the RUC to capitulate to the threats of the Orangemen, including the Ulster Unionist Party leader, David Trimble, must be held accountable for their shameful actions".