22 June 2007 Statement from Under Secretary of State and Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, Paula Dobriansky
"The U.S. Government welcomes the formation of a Consultative Group that will explore ways Northern Ireland can address the difficult legacy of the Troubles. The tremendous political progress made over this past year offers an opportunity to build a real consensus on how Northern Ireland deals with its past.
We are certain the Consultative Group will be well served by co-chairs Lord Eames and Denis Bradley who have both been such exemplary leaders for Northern Ireland. At the end of the day, however, it is the people of Northern Ireland who must determine how best to deal with the past – an issue that is so critical to Northern Ireland’s future. We offer our full support to the Consultative Group."