Politicians in the North have tentatively welcomed the UDA's announcement today of a 12-month ceasefire.
Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Paul Murphy said the UDA statement is a "positive move in the right direction" but one that must result in a permanent end to paramilitary activity in all of its aspects.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan gave a "qualified welcome" to the UDA's announcement. "If it means saving lives, then people will welcome it" Mr Durkan said.
"A qualified ceasefire from a dubious group can only get a qualified welcome from a sceptical community," he added.