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USIA - Text: Clinton Letter to Congress on Cyprus Question, 96-12-13
From: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at <gopher://gopher.usia.gov>
TEXT: CLINTON LETTER TO CONGRESS ON CYPRUS QUESTION
(Covers August and September 1996) (350)
Washington -- As required by law, President Clinton reported to the Speaker
of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee on his efforts during August and September to further a
negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question. The previous report covered
progress through July 31.
Following is the text of the president's December 13 letter.
(Begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office at the Press Secretary
December 13, 1996
TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Dear Mr. Speaker:
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 July 31, 1996. The current
submission covers the period August 1, 1996, through September 30,
1996.
I regret that intercommunal violence, including unprecedented killings of
civilians, dominated events in Cyprus during this reporting period. These
incidents raised intercommunal tensions to their worst level in many years
and complicated efforts aimed at achieving a lasting solution to the Cyprus
dispute. In meetings with the two Cypriot communities and the governments
of Greece and Turkey, my representatives noted that the violence underscored
the unsustainability of the status quo and the need for redoubled
efforts toward a negotiated settlement. They advised that provocative
rhetoric and actions be avoided to permit intercommunal relations to move
onto a more constructive track. Similar calls were made by the United
Nations and the European Union.
Notwithstanding the tragic events of August and September, my administration
remains committed to promoting a lasting peace on the island. Given the
urgency of the current situation, we are appealing again for the implementation
of practical measures to reduce the potential for conflict. We remain
hopeful that both sides will recognize the importance at such measures and
put them into immediate effect.
Sincerely,
William J. Clinton
(End text)
From the United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at gopher://gopher.usia.gov
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