Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said on Tuesday that he would issue an announcement later this week, hinting that the authorities may withdraw the recognition of a 1994 cease-fire after the recent riots.

"The evidence I have seen is absolutely clear-cut. If it wasn't clear-cut before, it's absolutely categorical now," Hain was quoted by Sky news as saying.

Earlier, the secretary and police commander Hugh Orde agreed that Protestant paramilitary groups were responsible for the worst riots in a decade.

The clash first broke out Saturday night between police and Protestant militants after the British authorities rerouted an Orange Order parade celebrating a battle victory of Protestants over Catholics.

A bombing caused minor damage to the gates of New Barnsley Police Station in west Belfast, while cars and vans were hijacked and set on fire throughout the city.

Fresh violence flared after police raided homes as part of their hunt for the men responsible for the riots. Some 18 officers were injured overnight after 32 others were wounded the day before.

A major investigation has been conducted into the hostilities. A 48-year-old man and a youth aged 16 are due in court Tuesday in connection with the riots.

Source: Xinhua