Thousands of republicans are expected to converge on Belfast City Hall today for a rally against collusion between the British security forces and loaylist paramilitaries.
The crowd will be addressed by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Adams claimed the security forces' policy ofcolluding with loyalists remained intact.
"Collusion involves the sharing of information, weapons and membershipbetween the British military and intelligence networks and unionistparamilitaries.
"To improve efficiency, British military intelligence reorganised and rearmedunionist murder gangs in the 1980s. Hundreds were killed and many more injuredand maimed in a campaign of state sponsored murder," he added.
The Sinn Féin President added the truth about the role of the British government andits agencies in colluding with loyalists was long overdue.
"The families of those who died as a result of a collusion policy have aright to the truth and in their pursuit of the truth deserve the support of thewider community."
A few hours before the rally was due to begin a small group of loyalists helda token protest outside Belfast City Hall.
They were led by David Ervine leader of the Progressive Unionist Party whichhas links with the Ulster Volunteer Force, and his colleague former MLA BillyHutchinson.
The group held placards depicting Gerry Adams with his hand held over his earspleading not to be asked about IRA atrocities such as the bombing of Enniskillenand the La Mon Hotel on the outskirts of Belfast.
Mr Ervine branded Sinn Fein as hypocrites for ignoring the murders carried outby republicans.
"Here we have a quiet summer and they are bringing people onto the streets.This is about justifying their war while giving no other combatants any respector dignity."
The PUP leader said that Sinn Féin demanded enquiries into allegations ofcollusion by the British forces but ignored claims that the Irish government andthe Catholic church colluded in the formation of the Provisional IRA.
The protesters planned to leave before hundreds of republicans arrived at theCity Hall.
"It is not about wanting to fight or having a row it is about saying howhypocritical these people are," said Mr Ervine.