[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 22 (Monday, June 1, 1998)]
[Pages 966-967]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 967]]

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 form 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.