    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [April 1, 1998]
    [Page 485]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Cyprus
    April 1, 1998

    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 covering the period December 1, 1997, to January 31,
    1998. The previous submission covered events during October to November
    1997.
        International efforts on the Cyprus issue slowed during this period
    in anticipation of the February 1998 Cypriot Presidential election,
    which President Clerides won. It was,
    however, an active period for developments that affect Cyprus, including
    those in the area of EU-Turkish relations. Turkey perceived the
    Luxembourg EU Summit as a setback to its goal of closer integration with
    Europe. When I met Prime Minister Yilmaz here
    in December, I urged him to remain focused on Turkey's long-term
    interest in Europe.
        There were negative developments on the island during this period.
    On December 27, the Turkish Cypriots indefinitely suspended bicommunal
    contacts between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In January, the Greek
    Cypriot National Guard assumed control of the Paphos airbase, which was
    upgraded to serve as a base for fighter aircraft. We reiterated to the
    Greek Cypriots our concerns about proceeding with the purchase of the S-
    300 antiaircraft missiles, which present a serious obstacle to achieving
    a settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
            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.