There was confusion yesterday after one of the parties linked to feuding loyalist paramilitaries issued contradictory statements about a ceasefire.
Mr John White, chairman of the Ulster Democratic Party, which has links to the Ulster Defence Association, was reported as saying that both the UDA and their Ulster Volunteer Force rivals were operating "some form of cessation".
Mr White said this had to be welcomed. "There is a complete new atmosphere. Things are very encouraging. I think the bitter experience of the last four weeks will ensure that both sides will work hard to establish some system to ensure this does not happen again."
However, Mr White's party colleague, UDP leader Mr Gary McMichael, described the comments as erroneous and premature. "It's true that things have been quiet for the past few days but that is probably a coincidence," he said. Attempts by The Irish Times to contact Mr White yesterday failed.
Mr McMichael said it was his understanding that there was not a ceasefire. Talks were going on between the parties "but to suggest that there has been a massive progression at this time is erroneous and premature", he said.
Progressive Unionist Party councillor Mr Hugh Smyth said there was no ceasefire as far as he was aware but he welcomed "anything being done to prevent any loss of life".