Nationalist politicians are holding out hope of dialogue with loyalists in North Belfast in an attempt to end months of sectarian violence in the area.
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Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly and SDLP Assembly member Alban Maginness say they would be willing to facilitate any talks.
The North Belfast Brigade Staff of the UDA has already announced it will act against anyone in the loyalist community taking part in hooliganism on the Limestone Road which saw several incidents over Christmas.
In a statement issued to Belfast newspapers, it denied it had organised or taken part in directing any of the trouble, as alleged by some politicians and media.
"The people who are using the situation for their own political ends, and in some cases used the trouble as an election tool, have castigated us.
"The Brigade Staff of the North Belfast UDA/UFF now calls on everyone involved in this trouble to stop immediately.
"From 12 midnight on Friday January 4 2002, any act of hooliganism or unprovoked attacks on the Limestone Road will be dealt with in a severe manner."
The loyalist paramilitary group claimed their community was on the edge of an abyss.
The UDA/UFF were, the Brigade claimed, still committed to a cease-fire but members of its community had acted to "defend" their homes and families.