Northern Ireland faces a security crisis due to ongoing violence and political stalemate, the Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, said last night.
Her warning came after the break-up of talks to try to agree a route for Saturday's Apprentice Boys march in Derry heightened fears of violence.
"There is still violence going on," said Dr Mowlam. "This is unacceptable. Paramilitary assaults, pipe-bomb attacks and apparent arms procurements continue."
She said the murder of north Belfast man Charles Bennett was the "most recent act to disfigure the peace" and it was clear "extreme paramilitary groups" on both sides remained active.
"Those who have committed any act of violence must expect to face justice. If convicted they will not qualify for early release.
"With the continuing impasse over the implementation of the Good Friday agreement, we face a serious political and security situation."
She said violence could not be ignored but the British and Irish governments remained committed to making the peace accord work. She is to meet local politicians next week to hear their views.
Ms Mowlam will also meet the chief constable, the army's commander in the North and other security advisers on Monday to discuss the state of the ceasefires and the public order situation following the weekend's Apprentice Boys' marches.