    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [September 27, 1996]
    [Page 1710]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1710]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Cyprus
    September 27, 1996

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. Chairman:)
        In accordance with Public Law 95-384 (22 U.S.C. 2373(c)), I submit
    this report on progress toward a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus
    question. The previous submission covered progress through May 31, 1996.
    The current submission covers the period June 1, 1996, through July 31,
    1996.
        I was pleased to welcome President Clerides to the White House on
    June 17. His visit capped a series of personal consultations on Cyprus I
    have had with regional leaders, beginning with Turkish President Demirel
    this March. During the reporting period, I dispatched U.N. Ambassador
    Albright and my Cyprus emissary, Richard Beattie, to the region to
    explore opportunities for progress toward a comprehensive solution.
    Following their trip, Ambassador Albright and Mr. Beattie confirmed to
    me that, notwithstanding the many disagreements between the parties, the
    United States should stay actively engaged on Cyprus. I remain committed
    to doing all we can to support the parties' efforts to bring about a
    settlement.
        Based on consultations with the U.N. force commander in Cyprus,
    Ambassador Albright and Mr. Beattie proposed during their trip that the
    military commanders on the island meet to discuss implementation of
    practical measures to reduce tensions along the U.N. Buffer Zone. We
    hope that the parties will overcome their disagreement over whom should
    participate in the meeting, which has prevented it from taking place. We
    believe the tragic events of August underscore the urgent need to move
    immediately to reduce the potential for violence along the Buffer Zone.
            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.