As prepared for delivery...

Remarks by Ambassador Michael Klosson at
"Contemporary Dentistry - Ten Years of the Dental Society of Cyprus" Conference

Minister Klerides, Minister Savvides, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to speak to you today.  I also want to welcome several of my fellow countrymen to Cyprus.

 I don’t often have the opportunity to speak to dentists, certainly not when I’m standing and it’s the dentists who are sitting.  Usually it’s the other way around.   And when I’m sitting and you are standing, you have your “instruments” in hand.  Today, however, there’s no intimidation factor:  no one is trying to extract anything!  So, thank you for this unique, painless opportunity to be with dentists when I’m able to speak clearly with no obstructions in my mouth.

 I want to salute the organizers and all the participants for holding this bicommunal event.  It is very heartening to see professionals gathered together as you are today, especially when such a gathering bridges a division which has separated professionals in dentistry, other fields, in fact, in all walks of life on this beautiful island.   For Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots in the dental and medical fields, the benefits of your conference are at least two-fold.  First, you are conducting a professional seminar.  This will increase the level of professional understanding among all participants, to be sure.  In the process, however, you also lay the groundwork for vital links that will be necessary to make any settlement of the Cyprus problem work. Successful implementation of any agreement will hinge upon the goodwill and mutual understanding fostered by such contacts. The United States has long believed in such exchanges.  We have supported them in many fields for many decades and with many millions of dollars.  Mutual understanding at the individual level cannot but help promote mutual understanding across the political divide.

In my book, conferences such as today’s put you in the camp of those who believe that on a small island such as this, the future must somehow be shared.  So, I want to assure you that Peace is Possible.  I truly believe that.  All of my country’s efforts in support of a solution to the “Cyprus problem” are energized by that core belief.

Although there are many other issues on the United States agenda of cooperation with Cyprus – the war on terrorism, nonproliferation, law enforcement, business development – the one I am asked about most often is the “Cyprus problem.”  So let me offer a few more comments.

I returned last week from consultations in Washington and participated in the recent visit by the United States Special Coordinator for Cyprus, Ambassador Tom Weston, who met both Greek Cypriot leaders and Turkish Cypriot leaders.   The United States vigorously supports the United Nations Secretary General in his Good Offices mission to bring about a settlement by the end of February.  The talks among leaders restarted last week and technical committees have been meeting for two weeks.  Although time is limited, a unique, if not historic, opportunity is at hand.  A solution is still possible if both sides demonstrate the willingness to find common ground and the courage to make difficult decisions.

A Cyprus settlement would benefit Cypriots from one end of the island to the other, economically, politically and culturally.  It would make a vital contribution to regional peace and stability as well as free all Cypriots to realize their full potential as they join the European Union (EU).  A solution coupled with EU accession brings into the European mainstream and opens up the prospect of peace, security and economic growth for all.  If both sides choose to take advantage of this opportunity, then Cyprus’ full economic potential can and will be unleashed.

We believe that the UN’s settlement proposal is the way forward to a solution.  It is well crafted to balance the concerns of both sides, and provides the basis for a negotiated settlement addressing the legitimate interests of all parties, including Greece and Turkey.  As the negotiations proceed, progress will depend on the parties being willing to give as well as get in order to maintain that overall balance. The U.S. believes agreement can be achieved as long as all sides intensify their efforts towards reaching a solution.   

Why February 28th?  Because meeting that date will allow both sides to hold referenda to ratify the agreement in time for Cyprus to sign its European Union accession treaty in April as a united entity.

Certainly, there will be difficulties as we continue efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement.  Both sides have to make tough but necessary compromises if the negotiations are to succeed.  The U.S. strongly encourages all sides to focus creatively and squarely on the greater, long-term good that a solution will bring.  There is a role for the international community as well.  The United States takes seriously its international responsibilities and commitment to the Secretary General’s Good Offices mission.  We also recognize a settlement will involve costs, which the international community must help address.  Turkish Cypriots, for example, have expressed concern over those affected by the territorial adjustment, those who will have to reestablish their homes and livelihood in a new location. We are undertaking, both within the American government and in concert with others, especially our European partners, an effort to make sure that when there is a settlement, the international community will do its part.  In particular, we welcome Thursday’s announcement that the European Commission is ready to organize an international donors conference to provide financial support for a comprehensive settlement. The United States is prepared to participate and to contribute financially. We further stand ready to support a "needs assessment" effort in Cyprus as the first step in preparing for a donors' conference.

Cyprus is located in a region that needs more stability, not less.  A settlement would remove a source of regional tension, and increase the European Union’s effectiveness as a positive and unifying force.  This is especially important as the international community fights the war against terrorism and combats the looming threat of proliferation.  A solution would enable Cyprus to play a larger regional role in this crucial time.  But most of all – a solution would give Cypriots what they have sought for decades – a just, durable and honorable peace that secures the futures of their children and grandchildren.