The Curia said this afternoon that it considered its agreement with the Band Clubs Association as still valid.

The Association said late yesterday that it was suspending the agreement pending fresh talks. The agreement was signed in December and was meant to come into force on Easter Sunday. The association did not give reasons other than to say that external festivities should be subject to permits and control only from the civil authorities.

In its statement, the Curia said agreements were reached and signed in order to be respected by both sides. The agreement had been reached between two parties and therefore could only be substituted in agreement by the same parties. Until a new agreement was reached, the original agreement continued to stand. 

As to the statement that permits should be regulated only by the civil authorities,   the Curia said the agreement said nothing against this.

Nonetheless, the Curia said it was prepared to hold talks on the difficulties which the association may have. A meeting had been scheduled even before the association issued its statement.