Northern Ireland's politicians tonight agreed to continue meeting to find a way to end the misery of sectarian street violence.
After a two-hour meeting at Stormont the parties failed to agree on a set of principles to confront the problem of "interface" violence in areas where warring communities meet.
The meeting was chaired by Northern Ireland Office minister, Mr Des Browne.
However they said the fact that the meeting had taken place was itself a positive first step.
Sinn Féin's North Belfast Assembly member, Mr Gerry Kelly, said the meeting, which was held after last week's promise by the Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr John Reid, to address the problem of violence between rival communities, was long overdue.
"I regret we couldn't come out with a joint statement but certainly there was a communal view against sectarianism at the interfaces," he said.
UUP MLA Mr Fred Cobain said that the meeting showed some hope for the future in ending clashes between unionist and nationalist mobs in Belfast.
"Ninety five per cent of our problems in the interfaces are created by paramilitaries on both sides," he said. "They must face up to their responsibilities."
Mr Alex Attwood of the SDLP described the the meeting as a useful first step.
"But many more steps need to be taken before there is a leap forward in terms of the proper management of interface tensions," he added.
PA