    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [July 8, 1997]
    [Page 925]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Cyprus
    July 8, 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 March
    31, 1997. The current submission covers the period April 1, 1997,
    through May 31, 1997.
        During this reporting period, I was particularly pleased by the
    decisions taken by the Governments of Cyprus and Turkey to observe
    moratoriums on flights over Cyprus. In April, the Government of Cyprus
    announced that it would not invite Greek aircraft to overfly Cyprus
    during a joint military exercise in May. It also indicated no other
    overflights are planned at this time. Turkey, later, decided to refrain
    from overflying Cyprus as long as Greece does not. As I noted in my last
    letter to you, these actions should help lessen regional tensions and
    contribute to a proper climate for negotiations.
        I was also encouraged by the effective action taken against
    extremists on both sides of the island when they attempted to disrupt a
    concert in May. The event proceeded without incident and the two
    communities mixed freely together in a very positive atmosphere.
        Finally, although it did not occur during this reporting period, the
    appointment June 4 of Richard Holbrooke as my Special Presidential
    Emissary for Cyprus reflects our strong and continued commitment to
    promoting Cyprus reconciliation efforts. The Special Presidential
    Emissary will lead our Cyprus diplomacy and I will inform you of his
    activities in upcoming reports.
            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 July 9.