[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 14 (Monday, April 6, 1998)]
[Page 555]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.