UDA statement refutes pipe bomb accusations
The UDA has issued a statement denying it has authorised the continuing sectarian pipe bomb campaign against Catholic families.
The statement from the loyalist paramilitary group's Inner Council said it was calling on those involved to stop and said the UDA's name was being used as "a flag of convenience". However, the statement also claimed the North is under threat from dissident republicans and the mainstream IRA.
It added most of the UDA is now opposed to the Good Friday Agreement but remains committed to peace and said it had reaffirmed its ceasefire in its latest contact with the decommissioning body.
The RUC has said that UDA members are responsible for the attacks.
