Belfast Flag Riots May Impact North Ireland Economy: Officials

Violent riots in Belfast continue to rage, sparked and driven by a dispute over the number of days the Union flag is allowed to fly from the city's city hall. The Irish Independent reports that local officials are appealing to the rioters to cease the violence, lest it begin to impact Northern Ireland's economy. Evidence of erosion in the Good Friday Agreement would have analytical consequences beyond the immediate region: the compromise has been used by diplomats as a model for resolving other territorial and sectarian disputes.