Pat's murder has become a very complex issue and has moved far beyond the death of the man himself

Geraldine Finucane

"I think it is most important because any pressure that has ever been levied from the US has been listened to by the British Government," she said.

"They have arrogantly dismissed calls from the United Nations but it seems that when the US makes a call it carries more weight."

Mrs Finucane said she did not expect to see any immediate change from the British Government.

But she added: "I do not expect anything any more. I still would be surprised by things when they do happen despite all that has come out in the past.

"I am hopeful that the truth will come out eventually."

'Human rights violations'

The committee's chairman, Bill Flynn, said the murder raised issues of human rights violations which had to be put to rest for the peace process in Northern Ireland to succeed.

Mr Finucane's death has been surrounded by claims that he died as a result of collusion between security forces and loyalist paramilitaries.

The murder and collusion allegations are being investigated by a team of police officers from different UK forces, headed by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens.

William Stobie: Accused of supplying guns for murder

One man, William Stobie, a former UDA quartermaster who worked as a Special Branch agent, currently awaits trial on charges of aiding and abetting the murder.

Mr Flynn said: "This murder involved alleged collusion between the RUC and the British Army and loyalist paramilitaries, as well as other British institutions.

"The National Committee on American Foreign Policy adds its voice to those calling for a public inquiry."

Mr Flynn said the group would be raising the profile of the issue with senior politicians in America and added: "It is important that the American public understand the connection between Pat Finucane and the Policing Bill and Decommissioning."

Mrs Finucane told the group the questions surrounding her husband's murder needed answers.

"Pat's murder has become a very complex issue and has moved far beyond the death of the man himself," she said.

"This is an issue of grave public importance and must be dealt with accordingly."

Peter Madden, a former legal partner of Mr Finucane's, added that the issue had to be resolved for Northern Ireland to "draw a line under the past".

"In order to learn from the past we need to know exactly what's happened," he said.

"We need to know what went on behind the scenes.

"We need to be sure that facts are not covered up to protect those who are trusted to uphold the law."