éirígí to Oppose British Army in Belfast

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Friday August 29, 2008 10:49 by éirígí press at eirigi dot org

éirígí chairperson Brian Leeson has warned Belfast City Council that any attempt to parade British soldiers through the streets of the city
would not go unopposed.

The Council is set to meet on Monday (September 1) to discuss proposals to have a homecoming ceremony for the Royal Irish Regiment when they return from the war in Afghanistan in November.

The Royal Irish Regiment, and their predecessors in the Ulster Defence Regiment, were notorious for terrorising nationalist communities and working hand-in-hand with their colleagues in the unionist death squads.

Leeson said: "This attempt to glorify the role of the RIR in the occupation of Afghanistan is part of a well-choreographed effort to normalise Britain's other occupation in Ireland.

"In the last few weeks this has taken the form of a massive advertising campaign for the Territorial Army and, now, moves to parade troops through the streets of the Six Counties.

"All the parades in the world can't hide the fact that the British Army in Ireland is a force of occupation – the fact that the RIR are locally recruited mercenaries in no way lessens their role in that occupation.

"Whether it's in Ireland, Afghanistan or anywhere else, the RIR has played a shameful part in Britain's wars."

Brian continued: "While the politicians advocating this parade are currently pontificating about peace in Ireland, the soldiers they want to honour are waging a brutal campaign against the people of Afghanistan. Just the other day, the United Nations revealed that the so-called coalition forces had massacred 90 civilians in a single attack – among them 60 children. Against this backdrop, these politicians can only be described as hypocrites of the highest order.

"Before they pass this motion, Belfast City Council should be aware that éirígí intends to organise opposition to any British militarist stunt in the city and will be calling on all republicans, socialists and democrats to do likewise."