Cyprus Settlement

I support the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem that UN Secretary General Annan presented today in Switzerland. It is the culmination of decades of UN-hosted talks between Greek and Turkish Cypriots as well as Greece and Turkey. The text will go to referenda for approval by Greek and Turkish Cypriots April 24.

This is an historic moment and a powerful signal of reconciliation. After decades of strife and division, this settlement plan opens the door for a united Cyprus to secure its future in Europe on May 1. It offers the way for Greek and Turkish Cypriots to set aside the bitterness of the past, move forward in peace, prosperity and partnership, and share together in all the benefits of European Union membership.

The outcome was necessarily a compromise in which no party got everything it sought. However, the final text is fair to both sides. We share Secretary General Annan’s assessment that the final settlement meets the core interests of the people on both sides and provides a secure framework for a common future.

The choice is now in the hands of Cypriots. We know they will make this choice with the future of all Cypriots in mind. As they make their decision, they should know the United States is committed to support full implementation of this settlement. We will participate in and make a substantial contribution to the pre-donors conference being organized by the European Commission, and do all we can to help in other respects.

I want to salute the constructive contributions of the Cypriot leaders as well as Greece and Turkey. I also want to commend UN Secretary General Annan for his outstanding leadership in carrying out his Good Offices Mission, as well as the exceptional efforts of his Special Advisor Alvaro De Soto and the UN’s entire Cyprus team.

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