The Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, has urged leading loyalists in a face-to-face meeting to put an end to public disorder in flashpoint areas across Belfast.
The 20-strong loyalist delegation included a senior Ulster Defence Association figure, Mr Johnny Adair, as well as other members of the Loyalist Commission, an umbrella group including paramilitaries, politicians and church leaders.
Arriving at the unprecedented encounter at east Belfast's Mission church hall, Dr Reid said he had a clear message for the paramilitaries. "If you want to work for a constructive political resolution to our problems and a better Northern Ireland, I will work with you. If you are wedded to the old ways and you are stuck to the path of violence, I will oppose you by every means at my disposal."
Following the 2½-hour question-and-answer session, Dr Reid said he hoped he had re-assured the Protestant working classes that their British identity was not in danger of being undermined. Violence in any case was detrimental to their goal of maintaining the link with Britain, he added.
Leaving the meeting, Mr Adair did not comment but one loyalist spokesman said the meeting was a positive development. "If people feel it's a good thing that John Reid is coming into the loyalist community to see people from all different backgrounds that can only be positive, whether you agree with him or not."
The Loyalist Commission recently announced a "no-first-strike policy", an initiative scorned by nationalist community leaders in flashpoint areas of north and east Belfast. With Orangemen again banned from walking down the nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown on Sunday, there are fears of more street disturbances in interface areas.
Meanwhile, the Sinn Féin president, Mr Gerry Adams, yesterday rejected allegations that republicans were engaged in a strategy of creating street violence. As he launched the West Belfast Féile 2002 programme, Mr Adams advised nationalists to stay clear of any activities that could be seized upon by opponents of the Belfast Agreement.
"Despite provocation and difficulties, despite the real threat encountered by nationalist communities at interfaces, nobody should do or say anything that plays into the hands of the anti-agreement agenda. Street disturbances should stop. Communities should not have to endure the nightly trauma that they have been going through."
Mr Adams appealed for violence "from whatever source" to stop. "I am also calling upon the leading elements throughout all sections of our people to stand up against sectarianism. Sectarianism is wrong," he insisted.
The PSNI commander of Belfast, Assistant Chief Constable Alan McQuillan, has withdrawn his threat to resign. It is understood Mr McQuillan made the decision after holding talks with the incoming Chief Constable, Mr Hugh Orde.
Mr McQuillan was one of three applicants for the position of Chief Constable but was considering his position after details of his performance in the interview for the post were leaked to the press.