Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast Mr Gerry Kelly has responded cautiously to yesterday's statement from the Loyalist Commission.
The statement by the commission - which includes members of the illegal Ulster volunteer Force, Red Hand Commando and the UDA - called for republicans to work with it to end violence in interface areas.
Responding cautiously to the statement, Mr Kelly said: "We have had statements from the Loyalist Commission in the past such as the so-called 'no first strike' policy which was almost immediately found to be worthless".
He said that unfortunately nationalists would greet this latest statement with great scepticism based on the actions of loyalist paramilitary groups over the summer.
"Word and deed are equally important. What we must have is calm within which dialogue can take place, said Mr Kelly.
He said despite the fact that the overwhelming number of attacks have emanated from loyalists, community representatives and republican political leaders have instigated dialogue to achieve a solution to the violence.
The summer has been marked by almost daily violent street clashes between nationalists and loyalists at flash point areas in north and east Belfast.
The commission's call was described as a "significant step" by the Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames. He added that nationalist and republican leaders should take it seriously.