[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 10 (Monday, March 11, 1996)]
[Pages 445-446]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders Transmitting a Report on Cyprus

March 7, 1996

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 
November 30, 1995. The current submission covers the period December 1, 
1995, through January 31, 1996.
    The continuing lack of a solution on Cyprus is in marked contrast to 
the recent advances achieved in Bosnia and the Middle East. My 
Administration remains committed to pursuing a settlement in 1996. We 
are confident that if the parties to the dispute are prepared to engage 
seriously and with flexibility, we can move to active negotiations and 
to a final settlement, which creates a bizonal, bicommunal federation. 
We will need the full support of Greece and Turkey for our efforts. My 
Special Emissary, Richard Beattie, travelled to Cyprus in December for 
further discussions with the two Cypriot leaders. The progress he made, 
although modest, gives us

[[Page 446]]

a basis to pursue our initiative once circumstances in the region are 
more favorable.
    It is becoming increasingly clear that the U.N.-sponsored settlement 
process and Cyprus' course toward accession to the European Union (EU) 
affect each other. For that reason, my Administration will strive to 
ensure the closest possible coordination among efforts by the United 
Nations, the EU, and ourselves to address the question of Cyprus.
    Sincerely,
                                            William J. Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House 
of Representatives, and Jesse Helms, Chairman of the Senate Committee on 
Foreign Relations.