THE Ulster Freedom Fighters has warned that there must be no distortion of the peace process to the advantage of republicans. And in a threat of a potential escalation of loyalist violence, it warned that if the IRA did not call a ceasefire it ran the "risk of pulling our society back into bloody conflict".
The UFF is a cover-name for the UDA, whose thinking is reflected by the Ulster Democratic Party led by Mr Gary McMichael.
The UFF stated yesterday it remained fully and totally committed to a purely peaceful and democratic resolution of the Northern conflict and to the search for an agreement through dialogue.
"Any such agreement must command widespread support throughout the community," its statement added. "The principle of consent of the people of Northern Ireland must be the sole basis for any settlement."
It continued: "In this respect we welcome Prime Minister Blair's recent reaffirmation that the entire peace process hinges on this principle. However, we must counsel against any attempt by the new government to distort the process to the advantage of republicans.
"Republicans ... can have no role to play if their campaign of terrorism continues. Further, they must recognise the probable consequences of their present strategy. If the IRA fails to bring their campaign to an end they run the risk of pulling our society back into bloody conflict. The responsibility for such an eventuality lies with them alone."