FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Embassy
Wednesday, April 13, 2004

Press Statements by U.S. Ambassador Michael Klosson following a Congressional Delegation Meeting with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos

Ambassador Klosson:  Our members of Congress had a very good meeting with the President.  They’re pressed for time, so they’ve gone on to another meeting.  It was a very broad discussion of the Cyprus situation; it was a strong affirmation of good relations between the United States and Cyprus and there was also strong reaffirmation of our common effort together on the war on terrorism.

Question:  Did you discuss the issue of the referenda as well?

Ambassador Klosson: That’s all I have to say on their meeting with the President.  Let me just on my behalf say that as you know the United States supports strongly this settlement plan.  We believe it’s a plan that will work and it will bring Cypriots a more secure and a more stable and a more prosperous future.  I know that a lot of questions have been brought up as to whether the provisions of the plan will in fact be implemented.  Let me tell you very clearly where the United States stands on that issue: Number one, it’s U.S. policy to support full implementation of the plan – full stop; Two, it’s U.S. policy to ensure that all parties to the settlement fulfill their obligations.  We see a settlement not simply being a question of a piece of paper.  A settlement means that words on paper have to become realities on the ground.  It means that Greek Cypriots have to be able to return to their homes that they left in ’74, it means that territory has to be returned, it means that you have to have a functioning system so that the Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots together can live in peace and security.

Question: What was the reaction of the President though?

Ambassador Klosson: I’m not talking about the meeting with the President.  I’m just telling you U.S. policy on these issues.

Question:  Have you discussed with the President though?  Have you repeated these…

Ambassador Klosson:  The President and I have had meetings over the last couple of weeks.  I think he understands quite clearly that the United States stands in full support of the implementation of the settlement if that’s what Cypriots choose when they go to the referenda a week from…

Question: But they are heading towards a no.

Ambassador Klosson:  This is a choice for Cypriots to make.

Question:  Is it true that Secretary Powell phoned Mr. Vassiliou last night?

Ambassador Klosson: I don’t have any comment on what the Secretary may or may not have done.  I have to go get caught up on a couple of these things.  I wouldn’t exclude it for sure.  Thank you.