The minister reiterated her stance following face-to-face talks with UDA leader Jackie McDonald and political representatives, which lasted around 50 minutes last night.

She also warned she would withdraw funding for a £1.2m project aimed at helping the UDA abandon violence.

"There must be meaningful engagement with General John de Chastelain and a start to decommissioning," Ms Ritchie said.

"That, of course, has to be verified by de Chastelain and by his commission, which are the standard procedures in place."

Stormont sources said both sides had a useful engagement and it was likely that further meetings would take place.

Frankie Gallagher of the UDA-aligned Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) said: "We had a progressive and positive engagement with the minister," he said. "There will be more meetings to come."

However, Ms Ritchie said her position - made clear in August - has not changed.

The minister reiterated that the UDA must start decommissioning weapons and end criminal activity by October 9.

The ultimatum followed disturbances in Bangor and Carrickfergus which the police have attributed to the UDA.

Ms Ritchie warned the UDA last month: "It is time for all those who subject their communities to thuggery, extortion and violence, under the pretence of defending them, to get off the stage."

Mr McDonald and the UPRG have said the money is not going directly to the UDA, but to help people in working class loyalist areas affected by the Troubles.