The British government could announce an inquiry into the 1989 murder of Catholic solicitor Pat Finucane within a matter of days, Sinn Fein has claimed.
Party leader, Mr Gerry Adams said assurances had been given by the British government prior to the start of talks at Leeds Castle.
Mr Adams added: "On Thursday we were given a written note saying they were going to have an inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane."
Two major inquiries concluded that the loyalist killers who shot the lawyer were aided by police and military intelligence.
It is also understood that talks took place yesterday between the prime minister's chief of staff, Mr Jonathan Powell, and Mr Finucane's widow Geraldine.
Last week the loyalist Ken Barrett pleaded guilty to the murder of Finucane and was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court to life. The British government proposal was handed to Sinn Fein on the same day.
The Irish and British governments appointed Judge Peter Cory to examine allegations of collusion surrounding some of the most controversial killings of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He recommended a public inquiry into Mr Finucane's death.
