    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [April 25, 1997]
    [Pages 511-512]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Cyprus
    April 25, 1997

    Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Chairman:)
        In accordance with Public Law 95-384 (22 U.S.C. 23732(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, 1996. The current submission covers the period December 1,
    1996, through January 31, 1997.
        As I noted to you in my last report, we have been very concerned
    about the decision by the Government of Cyprus to purchase the SA-10
    anti-aircraft missile system and the resulting threats of a military
    strike by Turkey. The United States and its allies tried hard to
    persuade Cyprus that purchasing these missiles was a step leading away
    from negotiations, which remain the only way to solve the Cyprus
    problem. In the context of the already excessive levels of armaments on
    Cyprus and last summer's intercommunal violence, the government's
    decision to go forward with the purchases was doubly regrettable.
    Additionally, I remain disappointed that the parties have not
    implemented alternative measures to reduce tensions along the cease-fire
    lines. Despite these clear setbacks, I believe the decision by Cyprus,
    at our urging, to defer importation of components of the SA-10 system
    for 16 months is a step in the right direction and provides us with a
    window of opportunity to make progress in resolving the Cyprus issue.
        As Secretary Albright noted at her confirmation hearings, the
    parties need to take further steps to reduce tensions and improve the
    climate for negotiations. The United States remains committed to
    promoting a Cyprus settlement but needs the full cooperation of the
    parties, including Greece and Turkey, to achieve our mutual goals. We
    continue to see that the only way forward is direct, good faith
    negotiations between the parties themselves. The United States will
    continue to work toward bringing these negotiations about.
            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. This letter was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on April 29.

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