David Ford said: “It is essential that the whole community stands united to show that there will be no return to violence.
“The peaceful silent protests tomorrow give everyone the perfect opportunity to show that we are all speaking as one to condemn the recent atrocities.
“What greater way is there to show these elements that they will never succeed than peaceful rallies across Northern Ireland. Peace works, politics works and unity works.
“Peace in Northern Ireland was hard won, it will not be lost because of a small minority of evil individuals. The will of the people will always prevail – People want peace and they will have it.”
ENDS