[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 13 (Monday, April 5, 1999)]
[Pages 538-539]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

March 30, 1999

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, 1998, to January 31, 
1999.
    In an important step toward easing tensions on Cyprus, the 
Government of Cyprus announced on December 29 that the S-300 anti-
aircraft missiles that it had ordered from Russia would not be delivered 
to the island. This positive and welcome decision gave important new 
impetus to efforts to reduce tensions and promote a just and lasting 
settlement of the Cyprus dispute.
    The United Nations remained active during the reporting period in 
the effort to resolve the Cyprus dispute. In addition to renewing the 
mandate for the U.N. Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP), the U.N. Security 
Council adopted Resolution 1218 that endorsed the Secretary General's 
September 30 initiative to reduce tensions and promote a just and 
lasting peace on Cyprus. In a December 23 statement, I wholeheartedly 
endorsed Resolution 1218 and directed that the United States take all 
necessary steps to support a sustained effort to implement it. As I said 
then and wish to emphasize now, the United States remains deeply 
committed to finding a viable solution to the Cyprus problem.
    Sincerely,
                                            William J. Clinton

Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives,

[[Page 539]]

and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.