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RAF flypast dropped from parade Parade and protest plans changed
(about 2 hours later)
An RAF flypast has been dropped from Sunday's armed forces homecoming parade through Belfast city centre. The armed forces and Sinn Féin have both altered their planned homecoming parade and protest in Belfast.
The parade to welcome home troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has met with opposition from Sinn Féin, which is staging a protest. The armed forces dropped a planned RAF flypast and announced soldiers would be unarmed, while Sinn Féin has changed the route and times of its protest.
Major General Chris Brown said they were taking a number of measures to ensure the parade "does not increase the potential for friction". Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly said the change "would facilitate republicans and unionists being on the streets of Belfast in a peaceful way" on Sunday.
He said soldiers on parade would not be carrying weapons. Major General Chris Brown said it would reduce "the potential for friction".
"Earlier this week, I issued a special order to all military personnel taking part in the many events this weekend," he said."Earlier this week, I issued a special order to all military personnel taking part in the many events this weekend," he said.
"In that signal I stressed the significance and importance of being able to give thanks for the safe return of those who have served overseas."In that signal I stressed the significance and importance of being able to give thanks for the safe return of those who have served overseas.
"Equally, I emphasised the need for us to recognise that we do not have the undivided support of the wider community.""Equally, I emphasised the need for us to recognise that we do not have the undivided support of the wider community."
'Sensitivities''Sensitivities'
Major General Brown, who is General Officer Commanding for Northern Ireland, said the measures "further underpin our appreciation of the sensitivities surrounding this element of the parade".Major General Brown, who is General Officer Commanding for Northern Ireland, said the measures "further underpin our appreciation of the sensitivities surrounding this element of the parade".
SDLP spokesman Alex Attwood said the announcement was a step "in the right direction towards helping ease anxieties". SDLP spokesman Alex Attwood said the armed forces' announcement was a step "in the right direction towards helping ease anxieties".
However, Ian Paisley Jr of the DUP said: "I think people will feel slightly cheated that the celebration and thanksgiving event is to be diluted in any way at all."However, Ian Paisley Jr of the DUP said: "I think people will feel slightly cheated that the celebration and thanksgiving event is to be diluted in any way at all."
Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader Danny Kennedy said: "I feel the hands of the NIO or Whitehall simply trying to pander to elements that will never be satisfied - people who are opposed to this will always be opposed to this."Ulster Unionist Party deputy leader Danny Kennedy said: "I feel the hands of the NIO or Whitehall simply trying to pander to elements that will never be satisfied - people who are opposed to this will always be opposed to this."