LAWS protecting soldiers from prosecution for Troubles-related killings have been ruled out by Secretary of State Karen Bradley.
A consultation on how best to address the legacy of the north's past is due to end this week.
The British government launched it to find the best way to meet the needs of victims and survivors. It also aims to help people address the impact of the Troubles.
The current system, the government said, was not efficient in delivering quick outcomes for victims, survivors and their families and there were competing demands for the resources allocated to conducting investigations.
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Speaking ahead of the closing date, Mrs Bradley said she could "not support" a statute of limitations. Such a measure would prevent military veterans from being prosecuted.
Mrs Bradley made her comments in an article for eamonnmallie.com. Any statute of limitations, she said, would also have to be extended to former paramilitaries.
"I have been deeply moved by the personal stories of pain and suffering endured by the families of the victims and survivors. I firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard and have a say in how we best move forward," she said.
"It is clear that the hurt and anguish caused by decades-old events continue to cast a dark shadow over the present. There is broad agreement that the current system is not delivering enough for victims, survivors and for wider society."
Mrs Bradley said the consultation had rightly sparked debate across the whole of the UK. A range of views were being expressed across society and the political parties, both in Northern Ireland and Westminster, she said.
The Republic's government and nationalist politicians have opposed the inclusion of a statute of limitations proposal in any consultation.
However, some Conservative MPs, who object to former soldiers being pursued in relation to historical cases, have shown support for the idea.
"I am aware that some people wanted to see the option of a statute of limitations included in the consultation, while others were strongly opposed to the idea," Mrs Bradley added.
"We owe a debt of gratitude to the bravery of the soldiers and police officers who upheld the rule of law and were themselves accountable to it. I fully understand the concerns that have been raised, but a statute of limitations would not be possible under international law without extending it to terrorists. That is something I could not support."
Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson welcomed Mrs Bradley's comments said his party had long opposed a statute of limitations.
"In every case, the evidence should be followed, wherever it leads," he said.
"We have already previously seen the reaction to the discovery of the on-the-runs scheme, which only added to the hurt suffered by victims."
