[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 41 Referred in House (RFH)]

  2d Session
S. CON. RES. 41


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 21, 1998

          Referred to the Committee on International Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
  Calling for a United States initiative seeking a just and peaceful 
                 resolution of the situation on Cyprus.

Whereas the Republic of Cyprus has been divided and occupied by foreign forces 
        since 1974 in violation of United Nations resolutions;
Whereas the international community, Congress, and successive United States 
        administrations have called for an end to the status quo on Cyprus, 
        considering that it perpetuates an unacceptable violation of 
        international law and fundamental human rights affecting all the people 
        of Cyprus, and undermines significant United States interests in the 
        Eastern Mediterranean region;
Whereas the international community and the United States Government have 
        repeatedly called for the speedy withdrawal of all foreign forces from 
        the territory of Cyprus;
Whereas there are internationally acceptable means to resolve the situation in 
        Cyprus, including the demilitarization of Cyprus and the establishment 
        of a multinational force to ensure the security of both communities in 
        Cyprus;
Whereas during the past year tensions in Cyprus have dramatically increased, 
        with violent incidents occurring along cease-fire lines at a level not 
        reached since 1974;
Whereas recent events in Cyprus have heightened the potential for armed conflict 
        in the region involving two North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 
        allies, Greece and Turkey, which would threaten vital United States 
        interests in the already volatile Eastern Mediterranean area and beyond;
Whereas a peaceful, just, and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem would 
        greatly benefit the security, and the political, economic, and social 
        well-being of all Cypriots, as well as contribute to improved relations 
        between Greece and Turkey;
Whereas a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem would also strengthen peace and 
        stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and serve important interests of 
        the United States;
Whereas the United Nations has repeatedly stated the parameters for such a 
        solution, most recently in United Nations Security Council Resolution 
        1092, adopted on December 23, 1996, with United States support;
Whereas the prospect of the accession by Cyprus to the European Union, which the 
        United States has actively supported, could serve as a catalyst for a 
        solution to the Cyprus problem;
Whereas President Bill Clinton has pledged that in 1997 the United States will 
        ``play a heightened role in promoting a resolution in Cyprus''; and
Whereas United States leadership will be a crucial factor in achieving a 
        solution to the Cyprus problem, and increased United States involvement 
        in the search for this solution will contribute to a reduction of 
        tension on Cyprus: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) reaffirms its view that the status quo on Cyprus is 
        unacceptable and detrimental to the interests of the United 
        States in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond;
            (2) considers that lasting peace and stability on Cyprus 
        could be best secured by--
                    (A) a process of complete demilitarization leading 
                to the withdrawal of all foreign occupation forces;
                    (B) the cessation of foreign arms transfers to 
                Cyprus; and
                    (C) the provision of alternative internationally 
                acceptable and effective security arrangements with 
                guaranteed rights for both communities as negotiated by 
                the parties;
            (3) welcomes and supports the commitment by President 
        Clinton to give increased attention to Cyprus and to make the 
        search for a solution a priority of United States foreign 
        policy, as witnessed by the appointment of Ambassador Richard 
        Holbrooke as Special Presidential Emissary for Cyprus; and
            (4) calls upon the parties to lend their full support and 
        cooperation to United States, United Nations, and other 
        international efforts to promote an equitable and speedy 
        resolution of the Cyprus problem--
                    (A) on the basis of international law, the 
                provisions of relevant United Nations Security Council 
                resolutions, and democratic principles, including 
                respect for human rights; and
                    (B) in accordance with the norms and requirements 
                for accession to the European Union.

            Passed the Senate July 23, 1997.

            Attest:

                                                    GARY SISCO,

                                                             Secretary.