Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble had talks with loyalist paramilitary representatives tonight in a new move to end the violence in north Belfast.
Mr Trimble also held discussions at Castle Buildings, Stormont with Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy as efforts to restore calm to the flashpoint streets were intensified. After the two-and-a-half-hour meeting the UUP chief said: "It's a difficult situation but we do believe it's possible to resolve some of the tensions that are there."
Representatives of the Ulster Defence Association ad the Ulster Volunteer Force took part in the crucial talks which followed two months of tension and violence linked to the stand-off by Protestant residents picketing Catholic children walking to Holy Cross primary school.
Mr Trimble had earlier sanctioned leading members of his party to open up the negotiating process with the two paramilitary factions in a bid to prevent further loyalist violence.
North Belfast Assembly member Fred Cobain was heavily involved in behind-the-scenes moves to set up a loyalist Commission to bring an end to the bloody feuding.
One of Mr Trimble's closest party colleagues, councillor David McNarry, has also played a role.
But the involvement of their party leader at today's talks signalled a dramatic escalation in attempts to clear the streets of any further trouble.
Mr Trimble confirmed to PA News: "I have had contact with them (loyalist paramilitaries). They are part of the commission."
Protestant clergymen and civic leaders have also been involved in the peace talks.
Asked if loyalist paramilitary disarmament in response to the IRA weapons move was part of the negotiations, he said: "There are wider issues that in time will be dealt with.
"The commission came into existence to try and address the problems that are being experienced in the loyalist community generally.
"But at the present time with the North Belfast situation on the boil then crucially that's the one they have to look at."
During the discussions with Ms Kennedy, the Ulster Unionist team were joined by Presbyterian minister the Rev Mervyn Gibson and the Rev William Murphy, the former Church of Ireland chaplain in the Maze Prison near Lisburn, County Antrim which, until recently housed many of the Province's most notorious paramilitary inmates.
The security minister left after today's meeting without making any comment.
PA