Talks to try to bring an end to sectarian violence at interfaces have ended in general agreement but without a definitive action plan, however the main political parties are expected to continue discussions at a later date.

Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne met representatives of most of the assembly parties on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the widespread violence in flashpoint areas in north and east Belfast over several months.

After the meeting Mr Browne said there had been "universal condemnation of sectarianism in all its forms and of paramilitary violence in particular".

"It was agreed that both central and devolved administrations have a role to play and a number of practical approaches to problems at the interfaces will be explored," he said.

Sinn Fein's North Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly said the meeting was long overdue.

"I regret we couldn't come out with a joint statement but certainly there was a communal view against sectarianism at the interfaces," he said.

Ulster Unionist assembly member Fred Cobain said that the meeting signalled "some hope for the future" in ending clashes between unionists and nationalists in Belfast.

But he said that community dialogue would not take place until the paramilitaries took a step back from the violence.

SDLP Councillor Martin Morgan stated: "We impressed upon the Minister that affirmative and decisive action needs to be taken in regard to the community initiatives. There is a need for vulnerable communities to be properly protected."

The Democratic Unionist Party did not attend the talks.

(GB)