The loyalists paramilitary group the Ulster Defence Association was tonight under pressure to prove it was genuine over its declaration of a 12-month ceasefire to boost the political process.

Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy today welcomed the announcement from the loyalist Ulster Defence Association to declare a 12-month ceasefire but urged them to work towards the ending of all paramilitary activity.

Nationalist SDLP Assembly member Alban Maginness has given a cautious welcome to the UDA's announcement that they have begun a 12-month ceasefire.

The UDA's statement has been received positively in the Unionist community.

The UDA said that the drugs problem in Northern Ireland would have to be ``contested in every way possible'' and advised all its members to steer clear of any involvement.

The UDA has described its ceasefire proposal as the "John Gregg Initiative", in memory of the UDA's South Antrim Brigadier who was killed earlier this month in a bitter feud with supporters of Johnny Adair.

The Ulster Freedom Fighters and Ulster Defence Association today announced a 12-month ceasefire.

The UDA has called for a 12-month ceasefire, in a critical move for the paramilitary organisation.

The loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, was today due to reject drug dealing and other criminal activity in a statement which was being billed as the most important for the organisation in 30 years.