The representative of the Chamber of Commerce in Derry who chaired the talks which culminated in agreement between the Orange Order and the Bogside Residents Group in advance of the July 12th order parade, said yesterday that the deal was the best possible outcome for the entire city.
Businessman Garvan O'Doherty, who has been involved in mediations surrounding controversial parades in Derry since 1997, said the difficult negotiations involved church representatives, community groups, and business organisations as well as the order and the residents group.
Describing it as "a unique and historic agreement", he said the way was now clear for next month's parade to take place in Derry in an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding. It will be the first time in 13 years that up to 4,000 members of the City of Londonderry Grand Order Lodge will parade on both sides of the River Foyle on July 12th.
No member of the order was willing to comment on the agreement but, in a statement issued yesterday, it said it was "grateful to all those who have co-operated with us, especially the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, for their hard work and we look forward to celebrating our culture and tradition in Northern Ireland's second city.
"We, as citizens in a city rich with culture and diversity, look forward to a peaceful and dignified parade."
Mr O'Doherty said the fact that all involved wanted a mutually beneficial resolution was key to the success of the talks.