The UDA said tonight it had no intention of causing or getting involved in violence at Drumcree this weekend.
The pledge came after the mediator tasked with trying to find an agreement between Portadown Orangemen and nationalist residents of the Garvaghy Road pleaded with loyalist paramilitaries not to cause trouble and to stay away from the controversial parade.
His call was supported by Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop Robin Eames who urged paramilitaries to "in God's name keep out of this dispute and allow reason and discussion to find a way forward".
The Ulster Defence Association and associated Ulster Freedom Fighters announced they had "no intention to cause or engage in violent activity at Drumcree".
However, they said they reaffirmed their support for the Orange Order in Portadown to parade down the Garvaghy Road.
And they did not call on their members to stay away from the annual parade on Sunday.
"The decision whether or not to attend Drumcree rests with our members as individuals," they added.
Mr Gary McMichael, leader of the Ulster Democratic Party which is associated with the UDA/UFF, said he believed their statement was "quite positive".
He said: "There has been all this talk in recent days of paramilitaries getting involved. What they are saying is everyone has a right to associate themselves with the issue of Drumcree and show solidarity, but that they are not intending to cause any trouble."
PA