WikiLeaks: USA convinsero Sinn Fein a cambiare percorso di protesta contro parata RIR

WikiLeaks: US persuaded Sinn Fein to reroute protest over troops’ parade in Belfast

US diplomats played a key role in defusing tensions over a contentious military parade by persuading Sinn Fein to change the route of a protest march.

Leaked embassy cables detail how the United States stepped in to help hammer out a compromise over the 2008 Royal Irish homecoming parade through Belfast.

The intervention by then Consul General Susan Elliott came amid claims the Secretary of State had been “uncomfortable” about approaching Gerry Adams over the issue.

Around 250 soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan marched through Belfast in the first full military parade there since the Second World War.

But the procession sparked anger amongst republicans, with Sinn Fein branding it “totally unacceptable” and an “affront” to nationalists.

Tensions grew when republicans announced plans for a counter-demonstration, which would have passed within 40 metres of the main event.

However, on the eve of the parade, a compromise was agreed, which saw the demonstration rerouted after an RAF flypast was cancelled.

Now leaked embassy cables reveal that the decision to reroute the protest came after a direct approach to Sinn Fein from US officials.

A confidential embassy cable reports on a meeting between Mr Adams and Ms Elliott on October 30 — three days before the parade.

According to the cable, then Secretary of State Shaun Woodward had indicated he was uneasy about intervening over the protest.

“Woodward’s staff told Consulate that he did not feel comfortable asking SF to change their plans,” the document reports.

During the meeting, Ms Elliott raised concerns that the route of the march would intersect with dissident republicans and loyalist supporters.

Mr Adams admitted he had not considered the potential problems caused by the Sinn Fein march. According to the dispatch, Ms Elliott asked him to consider changing its route.

“He said he would recommend that SF modify the route because he did not want any violence,” the cable continues.

“SF officials contacted Consulate Belfast and Embassy Dublin on the morning of Oct 31 to advise that SF decided upon a new route.”

The cable — classified CONFIDENTIAL/NO FORN (no foreigners) — suggests the Ministry of Defence misjudged the situation and details the behind-the-scenes security fears of the PSNI.