THE Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign hoped there would be US participation in a new inquiry into the massacre, a spokesman said here yesterday. The group has arrived in Washington to brief members of Congress on the issue.
Mr Don Mullan, editor of the book Eyewitness Bloody Sunday. The Truth, told reporters at the National Press Club there should be an open, independent inquiry with full judicial powers and the full support of the British and Irish governments. The inquiry should also have an international dimension.
He said "very serious information" had come to light in the Sunday Business Post report on a statement by a paratrooper on duty in Derry on Bloody Sunday.
"We are calling upon our politicians to stop playing games," Mr Mullan said. They very much welcomed the support the Irish Government was giving to the families' of the victims. Members of the group had met Senator Edward Kennedy last Friday.
Commenting on the refusal of the Northern Ireland Secretary to apologise for Bloody Sunday, Mr Mullan said: "Sir Patrick has severely compounded the situation by his comments."
Asked if they were confident an incoming Labour government under Mr Tony Blair would grant an inquiry, Mr Mullan said they hoped this would be the case.