President Mary McAleese today praised a cross-community initiative which has the aim of tackling sectarianism in Northern Ireland.
Mrs McAleese thanked those who, she said, give exemplary leadership and promote the principle of a shared future.
The president shared a platform with a number of leading loyalists and republicans at the launch of the project in south Belfast.
The Finaghy Crossroads Group is led by a 12-member committee made up of former paramilitaries from both sides.
Since the organisation was formed there has been a significant decrease in the number of sectarian incidents.
