June 25, 1997
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
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release June 25, 1997
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
June 25, 1997
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. The previous submission covered progress through January 31,
1997. The current submission covers the period February 1, 1997, through
March 31, 1997.
The highlight of this reporting period was the start of U.N.-sponsored
proximity talks on the island. The United States strongly supported
efforts by the United Nations to engage the two Cypriot leaders
productively in these talks in preparation for direct negotiations. We
have stated our support for the U.N.'s undertaking on several occasions
and have urged both leaders to seize the opportunity to demonstrate their
commitment to the reconciliation process.
Although his appointment fell outside the current reporting period, I am
very pleased that Richard Holbrooke will serve as my Special Presidential
Emissary for Cyprus. He assumes his duties at a time when tensions on
the island have eased due to the overflight moratorium recently agreed to
by the parties, as well as their agreement to begin the U.N.-sponsored
direct talks in early July. I have asked Ambassador Holbrooke to use his
proven negotiating skills and superb knowledge of the region to support
the U.N. efforts.
Sincerely,
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
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