Loyalist paramilitaries have been condemned for their threatened withdrawal from peaceline talks over criticism levelled at them by the Independent Monitoring Commission.
The Ulster Volunteer Force, Red Hand Commando and Ulster Defence Association said they would withdraw from negotiations at Belfast's sectarian flashpoints saying their attempts to prevent the escalation of tensions are being ignored.
In its response to the IMC report, the Ulster Political Research Group which has links to the UDA, claimed it had put the peace process back a year.
The UPRG stated: "We believe that it is totally wrong to sanction those in the political arena for the actions of the paramilitary organisation they may give political analysis to."
Sinn Féin's Joe O'Donnell described the UPRG statement as "a very worrying development".
"While Sinn Fein believe that the IMC has no credibility and are also deeply concerned about the implied threat to the community sector in particular, we will continue to work towards a peaceful summer."
Belfast Lord Mayor Martin Morgan today also expressed concern about the IMC's attitude to some community groups in flashpoint areas but said all sides needed to do everything in their power to ensure a peaceful summer.
"Whatever the annoyance the IMC might be, there is a deeper requirement not to allow any opportunity for interface tensions, street disturbances or marching problems.
"This is the standard and the only standard that should be used by the UVF, the IRA or any other paramilitary grouping.
"The IMC report confirmed that loyalists are responsible for most violence. Instead of sabre rattling and making threats they need to face up their responsibility to end their paramilitary activity."