[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[January 24, 1994]
[Pages 124-125]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Cyprus Conflict
January 24, 1994

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. Chairman:)
    In accordance with Public Law 95-384 (22 U.S.C. 2373(c)), I am 
submitting to you this report on progress toward a negotiated settlement 
of the Cyprus question. The previous report covered progress through 
September 15, 1993. The current report covers the remainder of September 
through November 15, 1993.
    On September 20, 1993, the United Nations Security Council responded 
to the September 14 Report of the Secretary General on his good offices 
in Cyprus. The reply was contained in a Presidential letter and conveyed 
the Security Council's continued support for the Secretary General's 
efforts. In the letter, the Security Council reiterated the obligation 
of both parties

[[Page 125]]

to cooperate fully and without delay in reaching an overall framework on 
the package of proposals. It also expressed the Council's recognition of 
the important role that Turkey could play in this effort.
    On October 4, Under Secretary of State Peter Tarnoff met with Cyprus 
Foreign Minister Michaelides in New York City. Mr. Tarnoff stressed that 
the moment is ripe for pushing toward a resolution of the Cyprus 
conflict. They discussed proposals for an island-wide census as 
requested by the United Nations and the demilitarization of certain 
areas of the island. Mr. Tarnoff welcomed all ideas that might stimulate 
discussion and said that he appreciated the Cypriot's willingness to 
discuss new initiatives.
    Ambassador John Maresca, U.S. Special Cyprus Coordinator, met with 
British Under Secretary Greenstock in London on October 7. Mr. 
Greenstock briefed the Ambassador on his September 16-18 visit to 
Cyprus. They discussed benefits for both communities in the Secretary 
General's confidence-building measures (CBMs), and agreed to the need to 
resume the intercommunal dialogue quickly after the Turkish Cypriot 
elections. He also stated that it was important to keep a dialogue open 
with both sides.
    On October 12, Turkey dispatched former Deputy Prime Minister Inonu 
to northern Cyprus to help resolve the dispute among the Turkish Cypriot 
leadership about the election issue. Turkey's intercession was helpful 
in bringing about a compromise that enabled the Turkish Cypriots to hold 
their elections December 12.
    On October 15, I met with Prime Minister Ciller of Turkey and 
expressed my personal interest in a just and permanent solution being 
quickly achieved on Cyprus. I also reiterated our position that Turkey 
must use its influence and good offices with the Turkish Cypriots. She 
assured me that Turkey fully supports the goal of a resolution of the 
Cyprus problem and would further explain the benefits of the CBMs to the 
Turkish Cypriots.
    The first U.N. teams of experts began their review of the Varosha/
Nicosia Airport CBMs in Cyprus on October 17. The teams established at 
the request of the Secretary General and endorsed by the Security 
Council, had the mandate to examine the various aspects of the package 
of CBMs related to the re-opening of the fenced area of Varosha and 
Nicosia International Airport.
    United Nations Special Cyprus Negotiator Clark visited Cyprus 
November 7-10 where he met with the U.N. ``experts teams'' and with 
President Clerides and Mr. Denktash. He said that preliminary results 
from the teams showed tremendous benefits for the two communities. Mr. 
Clark also stated that progress on the CBMs must be seen by the end of 
January. A delay in implementing the CBMs, he added, could cause serious 
difficulty, and might result in the Security Council considering 
possible ``alternative measures.'' Mr. Clark again stressed the need for 
Turkey to use its good offices in ensuring a quick resumption of the 
negotiating process.
    Although there has been little movement during this period because 
of the elections in northern Cyprus, I am pleased to note that all 
involved have indicated a willingness to return to the negotiating 
table. Our position is well known--we expect both sides to return to the 
negotiations soon after the December 12 elections. As I noted several 
times, I firmly believe that the Secetary General's package of 
confidence-building measures is fair and balanced, and that its 
acceptance by both sides will hasten a final overall framework 
agreement. I hope that in my next report, I will be able to state that 
negotiations have resumed and that progress is being made.
    Sincerely,

                                                      William J. Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Claiborne Pell, Chairman of the Senate 
Foreign Relations Committee.