Loyalist representatives today tabled an Easter peace initiative in a new bid to prevent months of violence across Belfast's sectarian flashpoints.
The Ulster Political Research Group urged all sides to ensure calm amid fears of a repeat of the rioting which erupted a year ago and did not relent until after the Protestant marching season.
Members of the grouping, which is linked to the Ulster Defence Association, warned tensions remain dangerously high at the city's peacelines.
A statement issued today said: "Interface areas remain volatile and it would not take much irresponsible and selfish action on anyone's behalf to lead us into another summer of mindless violence.
"The UPRG will be taking the necessary steps to ensure as much as possible that no trouble will flare up in loyalist areas and would hope republicans will reciprocate.
"We call on all those involved in peace work in interface areas to double their efforts to help create a peaceful Easter."
Last year 1,161 members of the public and security forces were injured during sectarian clashes in Northern Ireland, according to police figures.
A total of 340 baton rounds were fired during the disorder by police and the Army.
But Frankie Gallagher, the UPRG's east Belfast spokesman, said a network of activists have been deployed in areas ravaged by violence to try to avoid a re-run of the violence.
"If you look back at last year when trouble flared at Easter it didn't stop until October," he added.
"If we can get people to step back and think about it now maybe we can prevent that from happening, but republicans need to play their part."
Eoin O'Broin, a Sinn Fein councillor for the Ardoyne district in north Belfast, insisted his party has been working hard for months to defuse tensions.
He said: "There is obvious nervousness as the marching season approaches.
PA