[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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