Loyalist paramilitaries have urged the British government to end the "suppression" of Protestants in Northern Ireland.
After a week of rioting that brought mayhem to Belfast and surrounding towns, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the related Ulster Freedom Fighters issued a statement which also backed a campaign of peaceful roadblocks by women angered at how the authorities have dealt with their community.
It said: "We deplore the political use of the police and army against the majority population in Northern Ireland.
"We understand how the loyalist community have reacted to severe provocation. We can also relate to the underlying issues that have brought the loyalist community on to the streets to protest.
"We too cannot stand idly by and allow injustice and inequality to run rife through our community.
"We demand a clear and unequivocal announcement from the British government that the Protestant community deserves the right to live in peace without the fear of suppression and containment."
Along with the Ulster Volunteer Force, which has already had its ceasefire declared over by Northern Secretary Peter Hain, the UDA has been blamed for orchestrating the trouble which flared over a re-routed Orange Order parade in West Belfast nine days ago.
Paramilitary gunmen opened fire on police and soldiers as petrol and blast bombers went on the rampage throughout the city and on into Co Antrim and Co Down. At least 60 officers were injured during the disorder, which also led to scores of arrests.
Business and tourism chiefs have warned that Northern Ireland's economy could be dealt a major blow because of the severity of the violence.
But the UDA claimed unionists and Protestants were the victims of a black propaganda campaign. The statement said: "Over the past week people have been arrested, charged, processed through the courts, remanded in custody, appeared for a bail hearing and have received bail without ever having been questioned about the alleged offence. How can this be?"
Even though the violence has been brought to a halt, main routes out of Belfast were blocked during rush hour over the past few days by crowds involving women and children wanting to bring attention to their grievances.
The UDA applauded these moves, saying: "We support the setting up of the Loyalist Women's Network and would encourage them in their endeavours to highlight and lobby in a peaceful and non-violent way against the inequality and injustice for Protestants living in Northern Ireland."
The statement added: "Could we appeal to all those who have come forward claiming to want to help and listen to the issues affecting our community and not to leave them hanging on waiting for unfulfilled promises.
"Do not give succour to the belief that the Protestant, unionist, loyalist community are poor or stupid as to the reasons for last week's trouble.
"Frustration and alienation would seem to be the main instigators of civil unrest.
"We will to the utmost of our power provide leadership and direction during the days ahead. But governments, politicians, officials and all pragmatists within Northern Ireland must do likewise."