[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 39 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Pages 1888-1889]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

September 27, 1996

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. Chairman:)

    In accordance with Public Law 95-384 (22 U.S.C. 2373(c)), I submit 
this report on progress toward a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus 
question. The previous submission covered progress through May 31, 1996. 
The current submission covers the period June 1, 1996, through July 31, 
1996.
    I was pleased to welcome President Clerides to the White House on 
June 17. His visit capped a series of personal consultations on Cyprus I 
have had with regional leaders, beginning with Turkish President Demirel 
this March. During the reporting period, I dispatched U.N. Ambassador 
Albright and my Cyprus emissary, Richard Beattie, to the region to 
explore opportunities for progress toward a comprehensive solution. 
Following their trip, Ambassador Albright and Mr. Beattie confirmed to 
me that, notwithstanding the many disagreements between the parties, the 
United States should stay actively engaged on Cyprus. I remain committed 
to doing all we can to support the parties' efforts to bring about a 
settlement.
    Based on consultations with the U.N. force commander in Cyprus, 
Ambassador Albright and Mr. Beattie proposed during their trip that the 
military commanders on the island meet to discuss implementation of 
practical measures to reduce tensions along the U.N. Buffer Zone. We 
hope that the parties will overcome their disagreement over whom should 
participate in the meeting, which has prevented it from taking place. We 
believe the tragic events of August underscore the urgent need to move 
immediately to reduce the potential for violence along the Buffer Zone.
    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.

[[Page 1889]]