Northern Ireland

Here’s a local news item of interest:

There are British soldiers returning to Belfast from their tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, and residents of Northern Ireland are planning a large celebration to welcome them home. They have lined the streets with yellow ribbons and they have placed greeting signs all along the parade route.

The Sinn Fein organization is opposing this celebration of the British army, who in the past has been their enemy. Many have had family members die at the hand of the British army during previous conflicts. Sinn Fein has staged a protest rally to take place during the victory parade for the soldiers. They are carrying signs saying, "There is no glory; it's a dirty story."

The news is reporting that this may be the first major public disagreement between these opposing groups since the new peace agreements in Northern Ireland. Everyone is watching closely and hoping that the two sides will be able to express their opposition and protest in ways that still keep the peace.