US concerned over delays to Finucane inquiry
Sunday, 4 April 2004 09:24The US State Department has said it shares the concerns that criminal investigations into the 1989 murder of the Belfast solicitor, Pat Finucane, will further delay the start of a full public inquiry.
An official said it was the State Department's view that prosecutions be concluded as quickly as possible.
The official said that, as Judge Cory noted, there is a tension between the need for society to seek justice and the desire to get at the broader truth.
However, the official added that the State Department welcomes the release of the reports and the British government's pledge to fulfill its commitments in relation to the inquiries.
The British government was criticised on Thursday when it published the reports of retired Canadian judge, Peter Cory, for indicating there will be no inquiry into the Finucane death until matters before the courts are resolved.
In his report, Judge Cory had come down in favour of holding an inquiry now rather than wait for prosecutions. His comments were welcomed by the Finnucane family.
The Irish government is understood to share Mr Cory's view and is at odds with London on the matter.
