This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7591597.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Belfast 'yes' for forces welcome Council 'yes' for forces parade
(about 1 hour later)
Belfast City councillors have voted in favour of a reception for members of the armed forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Belfast City councillors have voted in favour of a homecoming parade for members of the armed forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Last month, a council committee voted to host a civic reception for the soldiers, to coincide with a homecoming parade organised by the Army. Councillors voted 26 to 20 in favour of the event.
That decision had to be ratified at Monday night's full council meeting. I will coincide with a homecoming parade organised by the armed forces. The events are due to take place on 2 November.
The Alliance Party, which holds the balance of power, voted in favour of the reception. The Alliance Party, which holds the balance of power on the council, voted in favour of the parade.
The events are due to take place on 2 November. The DUP's Nigel Dodds said: "I am delighted that Belfast City Council has agreed to civic hospitality on the occasion of the special event for our troops and servicemen who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"It's a great pity that nationalists couldn't bring themselves to support what is not a political event, but is something which is simply giving thanks and praise to God for their safe return."
Last month, a council committee voted to host a parade and civic reception for the personnel.
However, that decision had to be ratified at Monday night's full council meeting.