As prepeared for delivery...

Remarks of Ambassador Ronald L. Schlicher
on the Occasion of his Presentation of Credentials
to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Mr. President,

It is my great pleasure to be here in Cyprus and I am grateful to you for receiving me so soon after my arrival. In assuming my new duties, I am cognizant of the strength and enduring nature of the bonds between our two nations. Cyprus is a friend to the United States and an ally in the Global War on Terrorism. Our relationship is based on mutual respect, common values and shared goals.

Cyprus’ accession to the European Union has deepened our already strong relationship. In joining the EU, Cyprus has also joined the transatlantic partnership and an ongoing dialogue covering the full range of issues on the global agenda. Cyprus was the first EU member state to sign a shipboarding agreement with the United States under the auspices of the Proliferation Security Initiative, paving the way for future agreements with other member states.

We are aware, Mr. President, that this would not have been possible without your personal commitment to this agreement and the broader goals of combating proliferation and terrorism. We are pleased to be working with you in advancing U.S.-European cooperation and ensuring a stable and prosperous 21st century.

At the same time, one of my highest priorities will be advancing the prospects for a settlement to Cyprus’ long-standing and unacceptable division. Our support for a just and lasting settlement establishing a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation remains steadfast.

While UN leadership is irreplaceable and must remain central to any new effort to reach agreement on a settlement plan, the responsibility for finding a way forward ultimately rests with Cypriots on both sides of the buffer zone. The United States stands ready to do everything we can to facilitate agreement on a plan that clear majorities on both sides can endorse and embrace as their own.

I hope to work closely with you, as well as with the Turkish Cypriot leadership and representatives of the UN Secretary-General in pursuit of this goal.

Thank you again, Mr. President.