It follows the recent street confrontation involving rival loyalist gangs in Carrickfergus during which a police officer was shot in the back.

In the battle inside the paramilitary organisation a number of loyalists were also forced out of their homes.

Two representatives from each side were involved in a three-hour meeting in Belfast yesterday, arranged through an intermediary.

One of the UDA's so-called "brigadiers" was present, but not its south Belfast leader Jackie McDonald.

A statement issued by Davy Nicholl of the UPRG - the political wing of the UDA - read: "We welcome the commitment given to us by Beyond Conflict in south east Antrim that those who had left their homes in south east Antrim are not under threat and are free to return to their homes."

Both sides involved in yesterday's talks said they also wanted to end speculation that a feud is looming inside the UDA.

This is the first significant move aimed at ending the paramilitary infighting.

Loyalists in south east Antrim have said an "initial period of non-aggression has held, which has allowed a line of communication to be opened".

In March, the UDA leadership - its inner council - expelled the paramilitary brigadier in that area, Gary Fisher, as well as political adviser Tommy Kirkham.

They have also made clear that an end to the current feud depends on the breakaway UDA brigade distancing itself from Ihab Shoukri and his associate Alan McClean.

The UDA forced both men out of north Belfast, and the two are now living in south east Antrim.

More talks are planned between representatives of the rival UDA groups aimed at making an agreement that will bring south east Antrim back into the mainstream organisation.