MS Martha Pope has welcomed apologies from the Mail on Sunday and the Sunday World for the "ludicrous accusations" that she was romantically involved with a Sinn Fein member, Mr Gerry Kelly.
The two newspapers have agreed to pay substantial damages to Ms Pope, who is the chief of staff of former US senator George Mitchell, chairman of the multi party talks at Castle Buildings, Stormont. They have also agreed to pay her legal costs.
Ms Pope is considering her legal options about other newspapers which carried the allegations, a spokesman said.
