wfn.org | A glossary of terms for Northern Ireland

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Oct. 4, 2001  News media contact: Linda Bloom7(212)870-38037New York
10-21-71B{449}

NOTE: This is a sidebar to UMNS story #446.

BELFAST, Northern Ireland (UMNS) - Here is a glossary of terms for the
Northern Ireland conflict:

Sectarian - division and discrimination along religion lines. In Northern
Ireland this divide has occurred between Catholics and Protestants.

Nationalists (a.k.a. "Republicans") -- Traditionally Catholic; supporters of
a unified Republic of Ireland in which the North would no longer be part of
the United Kingdom. 

Unionists (a.k.a. "Loyalists") - Traditionally Protestant; supporters of a
Northern Ireland that remains under British Rule. 

Paramilitaries - Self-appointed military-styled Catholic and Protestant
groups that see themselves as the defenders of their communities, resorting
to violence and intimidation to promote their views. Often they direct this
violence toward members of their own community who speak out against them.
The groups vary in size and strength, and include the Catholic Irish
Republican Army (IRA) and the Protestant Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF)
 
Cross-community - Programs involving both Catholic and Protestant groups.

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