The Ulster Defence Association has said it is prepared to continue with its ceasefire.

The loyalist paramilitary organisation confirmed on Tuesday that it was willing to maintain the ceasefire "indefinitely".

Despite the existing ceasefire, which was announced a year ago, critics have continued to link the organisation terrorist violence in Ulster.

A statement issued on the UDA's behalf highlighted the organisation's support for continuing political negotiations in Belfast.

"In order to provide the required space in which these objectives can be further pursued, the Ulster Freedom Fighters, the Ulster Defence Association and the Ulster Young Militants have agreed to the indefinite extension of their military inactivity," the statement continued.

The organisation said it would continue links with General John de Chastelain's international decommissioning body.

Responding to the statement, Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness said that "if this statement marks an end to sectarian violence by the UDA then I welcome this".

"Ultimately people will judge the UDA by their actions in the time ahead. The sectarian attacks which the UDA have been orchestrating must be brought to an immediate end," he added.