The deadline for convening a provincial government including parties from all sides of the political divide has been extended to April 2, Good Friday, because of disagreements about IRA disarmament. Tension has been growing in recent weeks and bombings, riots, and the assassination of a Catholic human rights lawyer have occurred. Protestant marching season, which is always a time of high tension, officially begins in July but some parades occur earlier beginning Easter Monday (April 5). Travelers here should closely follow local press reports and avoid areas of potential conflict.
