    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [March 7, 1996]
    [Page 394]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Cyprus
    March 7, 1996

    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 submission covered progress through
    November 30, 1995. The current submission covers the period December 1,
    1995, through January 31, 1996.
        The continuing lack of a solution on Cyprus is in marked contrast to
    the recent advances achieved in Bosnia and the Middle East. My
    Administration remains committed to pursuing a settlement in 1996. We
    are confident that if the parties to the dispute are prepared to engage
    seriously and with flexibility, we can move to active negotiations and
    to a final settlement, which creates a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
    We will need the full support of Greece and Turkey for our efforts. My
    Special Emissary, Richard Beattie, travelled to Cyprus in December for
    further discussions with the two Cypriot leaders. The progress he made,
    although modest, gives us a basis to pursue our initiative once
    circumstances in the region are more favorable.
        It is becoming increasingly clear that the U.N.-sponsored settlement
    process and Cyprus' course toward accession to the European Union (EU)
    affect each other. For that reason, my Administration will strive to
    ensure the closest possible coordination among efforts by the United
    Nations, the EU, and ourselves to address the question of Cyprus.
        Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

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