Loyalist community leaders today faced calls from Belfast's Lord Mayor to remove flags from the lamp posts of mixed areas in the south of city.
Sinn Fein councillor, Mr Alex Maskey urged the Loyalist Commission - made up of members of the paramilitaries, politicians and clergy - to use their influence to have the flags taken down after constituents expressed concern.
The West Belfast MLA said he had been contacted by residents in the Ballynafeigh and Ravenhill areas in particular.
"These are mixed areas and the fact that loyalists from outside the area travel in to erect large numbers of flags with the aim of marking out territory and intimidating residents is causing some distress to local residents," he said.
"It is my opinion that we must all work together to try and bring about an end to the flying of all flags in interface areas and on main thoroughfares.
"I believe that the Loyalist Commission should brings its influence to bear on this matter."
Mr Maskey said the Upper Ormeau, in particular, was a mixed area. The flying of flags in the district was "offensive" to nationalists living there - many of whom felt intimidated.
PA