As published in Phileleftheros and Kibris Newspapers...

New Year’s Message from Ambassador Michael Klosson
to the people of Cyprus

January 1, 2004

On behalf of the United States Embassy, I wish a very happy New Year to all Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike. 

During the sixteen months I have been in Cyprus, I have been fortunate to witness the concluding phase of Cyprus’s accession to the European Union (EU), a concrete manifestation of hope, expectation and opportunity for all across this island.   It is the profound hope of the United States that it is a united Cyprus which will enter the EU next May so everyone on the island will enjoy the benefits of its membership.

Reaching this goal remains a daunting but not impossible task.  Events of 2003 showed a mixture of hope and discouragement.  After hopes for a settlement did not materialize in The Hague, the peaceful opening of the Green Line brought about well over two million crossings and demonstrated that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can get along despite nearly 30 years of separation.

It is not too late to overcome obstacles standing in the way of a solution. A secure and prosperous future in Europe for all on this island is within reach.  If the two sides demonstrate the necessary political will, negotiations on UN Secretary General Annan’s plan can resume this winter as part of the UN Secretary General’s Good Offices mission, and the finalized plan can be put to simultaneous referenda in both communities before May.   The United States firmly supports the UN Secretary General’s effort and will continue to work hard for an honorable and sustainable solution.

My New Year’s wish for Cyprus is that all parties make every effort to achieve a settlement that will allow the entire island to enter the European Union (EU) this May.  A Cyprus solution coupled with EU accession will mark a tremendous achievement for peace, prosperity and security for Cyprus, the entire Eastern Mediterranean region and Europe as a whole.

As the New Year dawns, Cyprus has the opportunity to realize a lasting and durable peace. This is an historic moment, one that calls for courage and vision on the part of all leaders.   I hope 2004 will be a year of lasting peace, security and growing prosperity for all Cypriots.  I extend to everyone our sincere wishes for happiness, success, health and peace.