    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 26, 1998]
    [Page 840]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Cyprus
    May 26, 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 February 1, 1998, to March 31, 1998.
    The previous submission covered events during December 1997 to January
    1998.
        U.S. efforts on the Cyprus issue intensified following the February
    15 completion of the Cypriot Presidential elections. In my letter of
    congratulations to President Clerides on
    his reelection, I reiterated U.S. support for the U.N. process to
    achieve a settlement based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation and
    expressed the hope that both parties would bring new ideas and
    creativity to the table. A parallel message was sent to Turkish Cypriot
    leader Denktash. Special Cyprus Coordinator
    Thomas J. Miller visited the region March
    7-13 to consult with the leaders of both Cypriot communities, as well as
    Turkish and Greek officials, on how best to address the core issues of
    the dispute. The Greek Cypriot decision to purchase S-300 anti-aircraft
    missiles and the Turkish Cypriot suspension of bicommunal contacts
    continued to be of concern.
        It is also important to note that U.S. investigators recovered
    remains from northern Cyprus that were identified as those of Andrew
    Kassapis, a Cypriot-American who
    disappeared during the 1974 conflict. Under separate cover, as required
    by law, I have transmitted a full accounting of the investigation
    conducted by the U.S. Government on the fate of Mr. Kassapis and four
    other U.S. citizens missing from Cyprus. I hope that this report will
    serve as a catalyst for progress on other cases of Greek and Turkish
    Cypriot persons missing as a result of intercommunal violence.
        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.