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)