    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [December 13, 1996]
    [Pages 2207-2208]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Cyprus
    December 13, 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 July 31,
    1996. The current submission covers the period August 1, 1996, through
    September 30, 1996.
        I regret that intercommunal violence, including unprecedented
    killings of civilians, dominated events in Cyprus during this reporting
    period. These incidents raised intercommunal tensions to their worst
    level in many years and complicated efforts aimed at achieving a lasting
    solution to the Cyprus dispute. In meetings with the two Cypriot
    communities and the governments of Greece and Turkey, my representatives
    noted that the violence underscored the unsustainability of the status
    quo and the need for redoubled efforts toward a negotiated settlement.
    They advised that provocative rhetoric and actions be avoided to permit
    intercommunal relations to move onto a more constructive track.

    [[Page 2208]]

    Similar calls were made by the United Nations and the European Union.
        Notwithstanding the tragic events of August and September, my
    Administration remains committed to promoting a lasting peace on the
    island. Given the urgency of the current situation, we are appealing
    again for the implementation of practical measures to reduce the
    potential for conflict. We remain hopeful that both sides will recognize
    the importance of such measures and put them into immediate effect.
            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.