MEMBERS of a colour party dressed in combat-style clothing have led an Easter Rising commemoration through west Belfast.
Around 17 men and women, some carrying flags, took part in the parade organised by the National Republican Commemoration Committee (NRCC) on Saturday.
The NRCC organises events on behalf of anti-agreement republican party Saoradh.
There was a visible PSNI presence as the parade made its way from the International Wall along the Falls Road to Milltown Cemetery.
PSNI officers used sniffer dogs to carry out a sweep of the route before the parade while several Land Rovers fitted with CCTV cameras monitored those taking part.
A PSNI helicopter hovered overhead as the procession made its way to the cemetery's republican plot.
The annual “Unfinished Revolution” themed commemoration, which was last held in Belfast in 2018, took place just two days before the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
US President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Belfast on Tuesday to mark the occasion.
Trouble erupted after a similar parade in Derry last year.
On arrival at the republican plot at Milltown a statement was read out on behalf of prisoners at Maghaberry, Hydebank and Portlaoise prisons by Tyrone republican Tony Slevin.
The event was led by Saoradh chairman Stephen Murney while the main address was delivered by prominent Belfast member Dee Fennell.
In his speech Mr Fennell said republicans in general "cannot absolve" themselves from the position they are currently in.
"What we currently have is a plethora of small groups similar in ideology but different leaderships, strategy and popularity," he said.
"This popularity, lets face it, often depends on geographic location, rather than anything else.
"I anyone stands at any genuine republican commemoration this weekend and says that they and their organisation alone can deliver the republic then they are a liar.
"I am not a liar."
Mr Fennell appeared to suggest that republicans who share a similar analysis should consider closer co-operation.
"The only way through which the republic can be achieved is through comradely co-operation and collaboration based on mutual respect.
"Again anyone who says otherwise is a liar.
"And I am not a liar."
Mr Fennell later continued to press the theme of republican unity.
"But as we all know the fist is stronger than any individual finger and we have committed ourselves to making that fist a reality," he said.
"Others should be willing to do the same, following the example of the various organisations that coalesced in 1916.
"It is a radical departure such as this that I personally believe will reinvigorate and reenergise republicanism by increasing its appeal to you people and others who will drive it forward in the future."
Mr Fennell added that "republican objectives" can only be achieved when republicans "make themselves relevant again".
He said that Saoradh, "despite attempts by both states to strangle us at birth" are "still here".
He added that other republican organisations, who he does not speak for, like the 'IRA', "have also demonstrated through their own actions against crown forces and through their own words that they are here to stay as well".
The paramilitary group, which is also known as the New IRA, shot and seriously injured PSNI man John Caldwell near Omagh in February.
