    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 35 (Monday, September 4, 2000)]
    [Page 1981]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

    August 30, 2000

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

        In accordance with section 13(b) of the International Security
    Assistance Act of 1978, 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 June 1-July 31, 2000. The previous
    submission covered events during April and May 2000.
        The United Nations resumed its efforts to bring about comprehensive
    negotiations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities
    in Geneva on July 5. These proximity talks, which began in December 1999
    in New York, are continuing. However, as my colleagues at the G-8 Summit
    in Okinawa and I agreed, the two parties need to intensify negotiations
    in order to bring about a just and lasting settlement. The United States
    remains committed to the United Nations process and efforts to bring
    about a solution based upon a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
        Sincerely,
                                                William J. Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives, and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on
    Foreign Relations. This letter was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on August 31.