A controversial annual parade by the Orange Order was blocked by protesters in Portadown, Northern Ireland, as tensions rose over the decision to allow the march through a predominantly Catholic area in a mainly Protestant town. Police negotiators are trying to resolve the standoff, which began after the parade was permitted to proceed, despite long-standing objections from the local community. The Drumcree march had been banned for almost 30 years due to fears of sectarian violence. However, the Parades Commission recently ruled that the parade could take place without music and with no more than 35 participants. This decision has angered many nationalists and republicans, with leaders from Sinn Féin joining thousands in a counter-protest against the march. The dispute has created a tense situation, with the Orangemen unable to leave Drumcree Church and march through the town. Police negotiators have tried to speak with the protesters, urging them to disperse, but the demonstrators have refused to move. The disagreement has heightened political tensions between Unionist and Nationalist parties. First Secretary Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald joined protesters at Garvaghy Road, calling the approval of the march a "disgrace" given its history. Meanwhile, DUP politicians are supporting the Orangemen at Drumcree Church and have accused Sinn Féin of "inflaming opposition" by protesting against what they describe as "lawful decisions." Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant is returning to the region and has urged people to abide by the law. He said he wished the situation did not exist and that people were not "relitigating things" from the past. He emphasized the importance of cooperating with the police and ensuring the situation remains as calm as possible. Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with the Irish Prime Minister and called for calm on both sides, noting that Northern Ireland has made significant progress and should not see those efforts undone. The Irish government expressed concern about the situation in a statement, saying it is "very concerned about the situation" and emphasizing the need to avoid a return to the divisions of the past. It recalled the progress made in reconciliation under the Good Friday Agreement and urged continued efforts to maintain peace and unity.