    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 7, 1997]
    [Pages 132-133]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Cyprus
    February 7, 1997

    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
    September 30, 1996. The current submission covers the period October 1
    through November 30, 1996.
        The tragic violence on Cyprus in August and September was detailed
    in my last report. Sadly, included in this report is an account of an
    additional killing on October 13.
        Nonetheless, these senseless acts need not be repeated. The United
    Nations has been working very hard to obtain agreement on a series of
    practical measures to reduce the prospects for further violence along
    the Island's cease-fire lines. My Administration fully supports the U.N.
    package. A U.S. interagency team that visited the region put the issue
    on its agenda and urged the parties to implement all the steps in the
    U.N. package.
        Given the events of the past summer and fall, we are disappointed
    that the United Nations attempts to obtain this agreement have not yet
    succeeded. We will continue to press the issue with the parties.
    Cooperation on these steps, although modest, could have a beneficial
    effect on larger settlement efforts.
        Although it is properly the subject of my next report, I should also
    note my concern about the recent decision of the Government of Cyprus to
    purchase SA-10 anti-aircraft missile systems and the resulting threats
    of a military strike from Ankara. We have forcefully made our concern
    known to both governments. At the same time, we remain committed to
    pursuing a comprehensive settlement on Cyprus. As Secretary Albright
    stated during her confirmation hearings: ``We are prepared to play a
    heightened role in promoting a resolution in Cyprus, but, for any
    initiative to bear fruit, the parties must agree to steps that will
    reduce tensions and make direct negotiations possible.''
            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.

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