NORTHERN Ireland’s political leaders have issued a joint statement over the ongoing flags dispute.
After the meeting at Stormont on Thursday, the leaders said they “deplored violence, attacks on the PSNI, as well as threats to elected representatives”.
The statement continued; “Recognising the importance of culture and identity within the community, and conscious of the impact on business, political leaders re-emphasised that their task was to find political solutions and to ensure peace and stability for the people of Northern Ireland.”
The meeting was adjourned and will reconvene in the New Year to further discuss these matters.
Meanwhile protestors are expected to take to the streets across many parts of the Province on Friday, in what are expected to be the last demonstrations before Christmas.
Dozens of protests are expected to he held in the greater Belfast area, including a protest outside the offices of the Alliance Party on the Upper Newtownards Road.
Further protests - expected to be held at 6pm - will also be held simultaneously in Bangor, Armagh, Londonderry, Carrickfergus and Portadown and many other towns, details of which have not yet been finalised.
The protests which have continued on a daily basis since the decision was taken to restrict the flying of the Union Flag at Belfast City Hall, are being co-ordinated on Facebook.
Reports that a protest was planned for City Hall on Saturday at 1pm, have not been confirmed.
In a message posted on Facebook one organiser even called on motorists stuck in traffic to join in the protest.
“Tomorrow [Friday] at 6pm Northern Ireland is going to come to a standstill,” the message began.
“The peaceful protests will last one hour and this will be the last province-wide protest until after Christmas.
“Even the mainland is taking part, so do your country proud grab a Union Flag and go to your community protest. People that are stuck in traffic instead of sitting in your car get out and join in.
“It shall quiet down after Friday until the 27th then we will take to our streets again, and to the people that’s saying its only a flag, try telling that to the people out giving there lives for it.”
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