English text of Ambassador Klosson's Q&A...
"Platinum" Magazine, July 2003

Ambassador Klosson's Q&A with Loizos Antoniou, PLATINUM Magazine

July 2003 Issue

Q: To which degree do you believe that the opening of the Green Line creates a new situation with regards to the Cyprus problem?

Ambassador Klosson: We believe that both the relaxation on restrictions of free movement in Cyprus as well as the April 30 Greek Cypriot measures are positive, and promote greater contact between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. In turn, this contact fosters  greater understanding between the two communities and improves the atmosphere for a settlement.   Confidence-building measures are not a substitute for a comprehensive settlement, however.  The way to a comprehensive settlement that supported by UN Security Council Resolution 1475.  Both sides should  resume talks as soon as possible under UN auspices on the basis of the Secretary-General's plan with a commitment to finalize negotiations and put the plan to decision by the people of Cyprus.

Q: Your country has been following a discreet stance following recent developments.  Should we expect a more active intervention and under what circumstances?

Ambassador Klosson: The United States remains strongly committed to seeking a just and durable settlement to the Cyprus problem in the context of the UN Good Offices Mission.  It is clear from the hundreds of thousands of Cypriots who have crossed the "Buffer Zone" since April 23 that they too desire the benefits that would come with a settlement.  The best way to secure those benefits is  a settlement on the basis of the Annan plan.

Q:  The EU is intervening in a dynamic way -- through the announcement of measures for the occupied areas.  What will be your [U.S.] contribution?

Ambassador Klosson: As I have already said, the U.S. remains strongly committed to seeking a just and durable settlement to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UNSYG's comprehensive plan.  Both President Bush and Secretary Powell have promoted such a settlement.  U.S. Special Coordinator for Cyprus Weston's mid-June visit to Cyprus and the region is another indication of our commitment. 

The U.S. has been a steadfast contributor to projects in support of mutual understanding.  Such projects help Cypriots visualize a common future together, ensuring an eventual settlement will have a strong foundation.  As the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development Mr. Andrew Natsios indicated during his May 29-31 visit to Cyprus, the United States has already contributed over $300 million dollars through our bicommunal programs over a period of 20 years.  Mr. Natsios also reaffirmed our commitment to contribute financially to a donors conference organized by the EU in the event  of a settlement.

Q:  It has been said repeatedly that Cyprus' accession to the EU will constitute a catalyst for a Cyprus settlement.  This has not yet happened.  Do you believe that things are changing?

Ambassador Klosson: Clearly, the outcome of the talks at The Hague was very disappointing.  However, we believe that there is still time ahead of us before Cyprus formally accedes  to the EU next year to pursue  a settlement.  The window of opportunity is still open for the parties to seize.  Indeed, Cyprus' formal accession in May of next year only provides more urgency to the search for a settlement.

Q:  The T/C leader has rejected the Annan plan.  The President of the Republic notes that important changes are needed on several aspects of the plan.  Which are your assessments, taking into account the accession of Cyprus to the EU?

Ambassador Klosson: The Annan plan was designed to be implemented before Cyprus signed the EU accession treaty, so some changes are required to take that into account.  However, that does not mean that the Annan plan is open for major substantive or drastic changes.  As Secretary General Annan and his Special Representative Alvaro de Soto have repeatedly noted, major changes to the plan will have to be mutually accepted by the two sides. Given past positions of the two parties, that is hard to envisage.

Q:  In the past, your country had supported, sometimes to the point that it created some friction, the setting of a date for the start of accession negotiations between the EU and Turkey.  Do you believe that if the Cyprus issue is not resolved by 2004 Ankara should still start accession negotiations?  

Ambassador Klosson: Although the US is not a member of the EU, we have long believed Turkey's accession to the EU would advance our common interests.  We have therefore advocated the earliest date possible for Turkey's  accession negotiations with the EU based on EU criteria.  We have also encouraged Turkey to understand that its move into the EU would be hastened by a Cyprus settlement.  Obviously, the decision on when to begin these negotiations rests with the EU.