The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) has said it will ensure loyalists living in a sectarian flashpoint area of north Belfast behave responsibly over the coming days, it was claimed today.
The Ulster Political Research Group claimed in a statement issued by members Mr John White, Mr Davy Mahood and Tiger's Bay community activist Mr Eddie McClean that they had been given an assurance by the loyalist paramilitary group it would play a constructive role in calming the situation.
They said: "We shall be implementing a new initiative in a genuine attempt to give the people of this area a normal sense of life which they have been denied for far too long.
"We have sought and been given assurances by the UDA that they will play a constructive role in ensuring people from within their community will act responsibly to create a normal environment within their area.
"We appeal to the nationalist community to play their part and ensure that every attempt is made to encourage their people to play a constructive role also," the statement said.
It was issued after two days of rioting between loyalists and police in the Tiger's Bay and Limestone Road areas. Police accused the UDA of orchestrating the disturbances. Loyalists also hurled 23 pipe and blast bombs and more than 30 petrol bombs at security forces.
But Nationalists were sceptical. SDLP North Belfast Assembly member Mr Alban Maginness said the statement was similar to an earlier promise made this year.
"This is probably a cosmetic exercise by the UDA in circumstances where they have been unequivocally identified by the police as being the prime movers in the disturbances on the Limestone Road," he said. PA