    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [April 25, 1995]
    [Page 605]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Cyprus
    April 25, 1995

    Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Chairman:)
        In accordance with Public Law 95-384 (22 U.S.C. 2373(c)), I submit
    to you this report on progress toward a negotiated settlement of the
    Cyprus question. The previous report covered progress through January
    31, 1995. The current report covers the period from February 1, 1995,
    through March 31, 1995.
        During this period my Special Emissary for Cyprus, Richard I.
    Beattie, and the State Department's Special Cyprus Coordinator, James A.
    Williams, visited Turkey and met with Turkish leaders. Constructive
    discussions were held on how best to move the process forward after the
    elections in northern Cyprus in April. Prime Minister Ciller expressed
    her willingness to assist in finding a solution during her recent visit
    and restated Ankara's commitment to work with the United Nations in
    producing an overall solution to the Cyprus problem.
        On March 6, the European Union agreed to begin accession
    negotiations with Cyprus after the conclusion of the 1996
    Intergovernmental Conference. On the same date, the European Union
    concluded a customs union agreement with Turkey. I believe talks on
    membership in the EU for the entire island of Cyprus, together with
    Turkey's integration into Europe, will serve as a catalyst to the search
    for an overall solution on Cyprus.
        Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on
    Foreign Relations.