Published Monday, 09 January 2012
Owen Paterson is hoping the talks can help reach an agreement on an issue which has proved difficult for the Stormont administration.
He said: "Ultimately this has got to be a local solution agreed by local politicians assisted possibly by us."
How to deal with the past has already aroused deep feelings, as seen in the anger surrounding the Eames-Bradley report published in 2009.
Its recommendations included a reconciliation payment to families of those killed in the Troubles, including relatives of dead paramilitaries.
Since then the Government has ruled out any future costly Bloody Sunday style inquiries.
Ulster Unionist Mike Nesbitt, who served as Victims' Commissioner, says politicians can deal with victims matters such as health and employment.
But he has other concerns.
"It depends on what you mean by dealing with the past," Mr Nesbitt told UTV.
"If it is just peace and justice it is going to be incredibly difficult, because those who are calling for the truth are not prepared to tell the truth about themselves."
Sinn Féin's Mitchel McLaughlin said the party has not been contacted by the Secretary of State, but they want an international truth commission to be set up.
"We think the British can't be the honest broker on this issue," Mr McLaughlin said.
"They were part of the conflict and we want to hear from them an openness, first of all divulging their share of the truth which everyone is entitled to as well as other participants and that includes republicans."
The DUP says there can be no amnesty for terrorists.
Strangford MLA Jonathan Bell said: "It is time for terrorists now to step up to the plate acknowledging the serious human rights abuses and murder and torture and everything else that they committed.
"It is time for them to step up to the plate."
Meanwhile the SDLP says it welcomes moves to deal with the issue but has concerns.
Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood said: "The bottom line on this all is this will be sorted if people don't come to the table openly and honestly.
"People in paramilitary organisations, people in state organisations don't come prepared to tell the whole truth this will not be enough for victims."
Mr Paterson said he hopes to hold the meetings over the coming weeks.