Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has said more talks with PUP leader Mr David Ervine were "essential".
Mr Adams and Mr Ervine, held talks today to discuss the crisis facing the peace process.
Speaking after the meeting with Mr Ervine today, the republican leader stressed: "If there’s a sense of crisis within one section, that will affect the overall process.
"The onus is on all of the pro-Agreement parties and all of the leaders of the pro-Agreement parties to build confidence in the process.
"Out of today`s meeting I think we have to intensify dialogue."
Mr Ervine said progress had been made and he looked forward to further encounters.
"I have got what I hope is a step which says we might genuinely get to the point where we talk turkey," he said.
"Where we really address the issues which our society suffers under and that we come up with answers.
``I have been heartened by the fact that we are joined in that commitment, irrespective of whether they believe there’s the crisis or not, by Sinn Féin."
Mr Ervine, who sought the meeting said the crisis was caused by allegations of continuing IRA activity and the continued violence between rival communities at interface areas, especially in Belfast.