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"Toward the Future: Cyprus, U.S. and Europe"

Remarks by Ambassador Michael Klosson
Limassol Rotary Club

May 28 , 2003

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.  Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today.  It is a pleasure to be with you in Limassol.

On a beautiful sunny day like this, the future looks bright and all things seem possible.  I’d like to look at the future from my vantage point here in Cyprus.  There are many directions to look, many issues to discuss.  I’d like to talk about the search for a Cyprus solution, Cyprus’ role as a new member of the European Union (EU), and events in the Middle East.

War on Terror

However, as Groucho Marx once said at an occasion like this, “Before I speak, I have something important to say.”  And that something relates to terrorism. 

Humor aside, it’s clear from recent attacks in Riyadh, Casablanca and elsewhere coupled with Al Qaida threats against many countries that we remain in a global war against terrorists.  Not just the United States, but the world.  And not just in those locations, but – unfortunately – everywhere.  Such attacks call for maximum effort by the international community to cut off terrorist finances, disrupt their planning, intercept their movement and just stop them in their tracks.  Attacks against so-called “soft targets” are disturbing.  The United States Embassy met with its wardens recently to discuss the situation.  Vigilance and prevention are the watchwords for citizens and authorities everywhere, including in Cyprus.

Where We’ve Been

Cyprus means different things to different people.  When I first learned that I would be coming to Cyprus, I naturally talked to my friends about my new assignment.  In those conversations, it became clear to me that the name “Cyprus” made them think of tensions, troubles and a divided island.

In fact, it seems to me that when I hear the name “Cyprus,” it’s most often followed by the word “problem.”  That’s been the case for almost a half a century.  And that’s far too long.

Some might also say that recently Cyprus has been a roller coaster ride, one with particularly steep hills and sharp drops. Over the past year, we have seen great hopes and great expectations on both sides of the “Green Line”. There has been anticipation and excitement, such as the unprecedented demonstrations in the north earlier this year, but also disappointment and frustration.  With the hundreds of thousands of Cypriots crossing the buffer zone in recent weeks, however, we’re in another period of hopefulness.

The Way Forward

So, what lies ahead? I think we have learned some lessons riding on the roller coaster these past months.  First and foremost, both sides need to be realistic about the situation and their expectations. 

The United States believes firmly that the Annan plan offers a unique basis for a comprehensive settlement that takes into account the interests and needs of the parties. Achieving a just and durable settlement is a top U.S. priority.  For decades we have worked to help both sides come to an agreement.  We were very disappointed that the UN efforts did not achieve success in March at The Hague.  Allowing Greek and Turkish Cypriots to vote in referenda would have been a truly democratic way to confirm the desire of many Cypriots for a comprehensive solution.

The United States, despite our disappointment, remains actively engaged in the search for a Cyprus solution. President Bush in recent days has encouraged Turkey’s leaders to move forward on the basis of the Annan plan.  Ambassador Weston, the U.S. Special Coordinator for Cyprus, came to the island in April and will return to the region in two weeks to project U.S. support for a settlement. 

For his part, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has said that he is prepared to reengage provided he receives concrete indications of political will from the parties.  His recommendations were reaffirmed by UN Security Council Resolution 1475 passed in April.  The U.S. agrees with Secretary General Annan.  The 14 other members of the Security Council also agree with the Secretary General.  The current status quo is not a substitute for a solution, and, in the continued search for a solution, the Annan plan remains the way forward. 

Realism and Expectations

Remember, the Annan Plan was carefully crafted in consultation with the parties to be balanced and fair, addressing the needs of both sides.  It is by far the most comprehensive attempt at a settlement, although not everyone can be satisfied.

True, the Plan was designed to be implemented before signature of the EU accession treaty, so some changes are necessary to take that into account.  It may also be modified through negotiation.  But expectations that drastic improvements may be achieved through negotiation must be tempered by realism.  Negotiation, by definition, is a process of give and take.  To get what you want, you must be willing to give up something the other side wants.   Major improvements won’t be possible without major concessions at the negotiating table. 

This realism must be applied even after five weeks of people-to-people contact have swept away old myths and dramatically improved the atmosphere on the island.  Whether such developments mean the Annan plan can be revamped won’t be known until the two sides meet each other across the negotiating table.  Given the past positions of the parties, it’s hard to envisage wholesale structural changes to the plan acceptable to both sides.

Another reality is that the choice Cypriots face isn’t between the Annan Plan and a hypothetical  “better plan” -- one that hasn’t been drafted yet. The choice is between the Annan Plan and no plan.  While the buffer zone may now be crossed, it still divides Cypriots from each other and limits the opportunities that would otherwise exist if a solution were achieved.

A third reality is that the absence of a solution is not cost free for either side. Restrictions certainly retard development in the north, but uncertainty about the future casts a shadow over the entire island, inhibiting Cypriots from achieving their full potential.  The lack of certainty engenders a sense of insecurity, which only a settlement can dispel definitively.  That lack of certainty does not benefit Cypriot businesses, industry or the tourist sector.

In the Turkish Cypriot community, the continued lack of a solution has made many Turkish Cypriots even more dissatisfied with the status quo.  Cyprus’s signature of the EU accession treaty last month further emphasized the disparity between the two communities in opportunities available to them.  In such an environment, the number of Turkish Cypriots choosing to leave the island permanently may well increase, further complicating progress towards a solution.

Now, a solution cannot be imposed from the outside.  Both sides must conclude that it is in their best interest to seek an agreement now.  They must realize that the benefits of a balanced, comprehensive settlement are more compelling than clinging to the status quo in the vain hope of achieving unrealistic expectations. 

Cypriots Come Together

Looking at developments over recent weeks, one sees the people on both sides surprising political leaders with their eagerness to cross the dividing line and their positive attitudes toward one another.  The stream of stories and vignettes of contacts, to which I’m sure many here today can testify with personal experience, is striking and overwhelmingly positive, albeit at times  bitter.  The people have demonstrated a powerful commitment to reconciliation and so far bridged three decades of separation with striking maturity. 

Doors are opening all across the island.  The myth that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have to be kept apart to preserve peace has been exploded.  Gone too should be doubts about whether there is sufficient goodwill to make the Annan plan work. The clear message – indeed the clear mandate -- to political leaders is that the people want reconciliation and a solution.  The challenge for all is to mobilize these positive energies to advance toward a settlement based on the Annan plan.

While they are not a substitute for a settlement, these crossings and the April 30 confidence building measures improve the atmosphere for pursuing a just and durable settlement.  The United States welcomes these developments.  Indeed we have worked hard at bringing people together through our support for bicommunal programs with many millions of dollars over many years.  One of the things we do is bring ordinary Cypriots from both communities together in educational and professional programs – some off-island.  Some of you here this afternoon may have participated in one or more of these programs.  We believe that this person-to-person contact helps Greek and Turkish Cypriots visualize a common future together.  The U.S. Administrator for the Agency of International Development, Mr. Andrew Natsios, arrives this evening to observe and underscore our support for such bicommunal activities funded through that agency.

Cyprus Empowered

I’ve talked about the name  “Cyprus” and its association with the words “problem” and “solution” – a Cyprus that for so long has seen itself as a victim of conflict and tension.  Now let’s talk about Cyprus empowered – a Cyprus empowered by its recent signature of the EU accession treaty. 

That signature was significant in many respects.  One of the most important is this: accession gives Cyprus not only an opportunity but also the responsibility to step up to a broader role on a wider stage, the stage of Europe. With the signing of the accession treaty, Cyprus secured a voice in EU councils.  Soon, in May 2004, Cyprus will acquire its right to vote and help decide EU positions.

This voice and this vote enhance the status of Cyprus as an actor in both the European community and the international community.  Cyprus now has a seat at a new table.  It has to be informed and active on a great range of issues that fall under the competence of the European Union. 

With increased opportunities and benefits also come new responsibilities. Some of those involve bread and butter issues that used to be decided in Nicosia, but now will be decided in Brussels.  The EU, however, is increasingly an actor with significant clout on the world stage.   As a member of the EU, Cyprus joins in its aspirations to be a force for good in Europe and the world.  As a result, Cyprus is being called on to pay attention and contribute to issues both within its geographic neighborhood, but also on a much broader international stage wherever the EU is engaged.  As the easternmost corner of the EU, Cyprus clearly can be a critical bridge, geographically and metaphorically, between Europe and the Middle East.  

The United States, as you know, is not a member of the European Union.  So why is the U.S. Ambassador in Nicosia talking about Cyprus’ role in the EU?  The reason goes back to April 16.  As a result of Cyprus’ new seat at the EU table, the U.S. also has a much wider range of issues that we want to discuss with Cyprus – issues at the heart of our wide-ranging and deep dialogue with Europe.   

Ask any Foreign Ministry official:  we are already expanding our policy dialogue with Cyprus to include these new issues.  Earlier in May a senior U.S. Government delegation began in Nicosia visits to the 10 new EU member countries. The delegation wanted to talk to Cypriot officials about the broad relationship that the U.S. and the EU enjoy across shared economic, social, political, and international interests.  They wanted to ensure we had open channels for discussion with Nicosia on these issues.  As a result of those talks, both sides will be better able to use to our mutual benefit the dynamic, multifaceted relationship that comes with EU membership.

The U.S. - EU Relationship Today

I don’t want to give the impression that the U.S. – EU relationship is all synergy and cooperation.  Think back to the recent, highly publicized disagreement between the U.S. and some EU members over Iraq.  It is true that U.S. relations with some European governments went through a rough period.  As Winston Churchill once observed, “in working with allies, it sometimes happens that they develop opinions of their own.”  We had a major disagreement.  We cannot pretend otherwise, but that is in the past. We are prepared to move forward. We can come together to help the Iraqi people take their place in the world as a free and stable country.  We have seen positive developments on this score in recent weeks.    

Our recent disagreement grabbed headlines, but obscured the enduring reality.  Americans and Europeans know what draws us together – common values, shared sacrifices and working together in many parts of the world.  Despite occasional disagreements and setbacks, the relationship between the U.S. and Europe is very close.  We are a transatlantic family.  The family has gone through a rough patch, but the family is still together.  Our strong cooperation and collaboration have continued in critical areas such as the reconstruction of Afghanistan, Balkans peacekeeping and our combined diplomatic efforts regarding North Korea and the Middle East Peace Process.  Our disagreement has not stopped NATO enlargement, the expansion of another family relationship between our nations. Our cooperative efforts are far more significant and impressive than our recent problems, just less prominently featured in headlines and sound bites.

Similarly, as Cyprus joins the European family, we cannot expect that our relationship with Cyprus as part of the EU will be free of disagreement. But we believe that the relationship between Europe and the U.S. is strong one, able to withstand disagreement, and this holds true for Cyprus as well.  Our relationship is built on solid foundations of common values and shared principles, agreement and cooperation.  That is a foundation not easily destroyed, certainly not by disagreement in one area.  We believe that Cyprus’s membership in the EU will open for the United States another avenue for dialogue with the EU and hence help strengthen one of our most important multilateral relationships.

 Looking East:  Peace in the Middle East

We’ve looked west – to Europe and the United States -- at new opportunities and new responsibilities.  Let’s now look eastward briefly where developments can have a significant impact not only in the eastern Mediterranean, but also in Europe and the world.   People in Limassol know this well – instability in the Middle East over the past three years cut cruise ship passenger arrivals from 1 million three years ago to 200,000 last year.  The United States and Europe have every reason to work together here to promote peace and stability. 

We see a new strategic situation emerging in the region where we can work together and which holds out the prospect of greater peace, prosperity and stability for the world. What are its elements?  First, the decades-long threat posed by Saddam Hussein’s regime is gone.  Second, there is a new Palestinian leader, Prime Minister Abu Mazen who has called for an end to terrorist attacks.  Third, the U.S. with its Quartet partners – the EU, Russia and the UN – has presented their road map for Middle East peace.  President Bush is committed fully to do all he can to help secure peace in the Middle East, as he reaffirmed in his phone calls last week to Prime Minister Sharon and Prime Minister Abu Mazen.

The United States and its coalition partners launched Operation Iraqi Freedom both to eliminate the threat posed by the Iraqi regime -- with its weapons of mass destruction and support for terrorism -- but also to help Iraqis live in peace and freedom.  We are working hard to help Iraqis rebuild their nation on democratic principles.  Fear and oppression are gone.  Power, water and sanitation systems are being put back on-line. Ministries are being reopened.  Bridges are being rebuilt.  Children are back in school.  Town councils and local politicians are starting to meet.  Life after decades of dictatorship is being restored.  Although the process will take time, Iraq is walking into a brighter future step by step. 

Last week the UN Security Council adopted unanimously by a vote of 14-0 a new resolution on Iraq.  This shows the international community has come back together again to help the Iraqi people.  The resolution provides a framework for the international community to support the creation of a stable and secure society and the establishment of an internationally recognized representative government. It also spells out the United Nations’ vital role in this effort.  Free people everywhere should welcome a democratic Iraq into the global community of nations. 

Looking to the future of the region, there is also a new way forward for Israelis and Palestinians.  The road map released on April 30 is the product of extensive talks with the UN, the EU, and Russia, a group known as the Quartet.  With this plan the Quartet is encouraging both sides to come back to the negotiating table to deal again with the issues standing in the way of peace.  Palestinian Prime Minister Abu Mazen accepted the road map earlier this month and this past weekend Prime Minister Sharon’s government did likewise.  The May 17 meeting between the two leaders was an important step forward.  We want to see the Israelis and the Palestinians work together in good faith and build a future in which two states, a Palestinian and an Israeli state, live side by side in peace. It is time, past time, for lasting peace in the region. 

Conclusion

Lying at the crossroads between two evolving regions, Cyprus has a unique vantage point.  Looking west toward Europe, I see increasing stability, opportunity and prosperity.  With EU expansion 10 new countries will begin to enjoy the benefits and opportunities of the Union.

Looking eastward I see, potentially, many new opportunities as well.  I see people standing up and starting to govern themselves in a country that used to be controlled by a vicious dictator.  I also hope for progress between Israelis and Palestinians.  The road map provides a way for them to travel together down the road to peace.

At this time of regional and global opportunities and challenges, the U.S. counts on our strong relationship with Cyprus to achieve success.  Success in our economies.  Success in the war on terrorism.  And now after April 16, success in Americans and Europeans concerting their efforts in the international arena.  Of course, the U.S. also hopes to see success in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.  These are our common responsibilities.

Thank you.