    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [November 7, 1997]
    [Page 1512]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1512]]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Cyprus
    November 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 May
    31, 1997. The current submission covers the period June 1, 1997, through
    July 31, 1997.
        The reporting period was marked by two important developments. The
    first was my appointment on June 4 of Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke as
    the new Special Presidential Emissary for Cyprus. This appointment of
    one of our most capable negotiators demonstrates our commitment to help
    promote a final political settlement for Cyprus.
        The second key development was U.N. Secretary General Annan's June 9
    invitation to the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus, President
    Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, to engage in
    direct talks under U.N. auspices. These were the first face-to-face
    meetings of the two leaders since October 1994. Two rounds of direct
    talks were held, the first from July 9 to July 13 in Troutbeck, New York
    (which is treated in this report), and the second from August 11 to
    August 15 in Switzerland (which will be covered in the next report).
    United Nations Special Advisor for Cyprus Cordovez noted that the
    cordial atmosphere between the parties at Troutbeck was a good beginning
    for subsequent negotiating sessions. A U.S. diplomatic effort for the
    U.N. settlement process was led by Ambassador Holbrooke, who met with
    Messrs. Clerides and Denktash before and after the talks.
        Sincerely,

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    November 7, 1997

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on
    Foreign Relations. The letter referred to United Nations Special Advisor
    for Cyprus Diego Cordovez.