Dear Colleague,

Much has been said about the recent referenda in Cyprus of April 24, in which the Turkish Cypriot approved the U.N. plan for a settlement (the Annan Plan) by a clear majority of 65%, but the Greek Cypriots rejected it by even a larger majority of 76%. European Union diplomats most closely associated with the reconciliation effort were so disappointed by this rejection that they used the most undiplomatic language, publicly saying they had been “lied to” by the Greek Cypriot government.

The Turkish Cypriots were internationally and rightly praised for their “courageous vote in favor of the proposals”. The Greek Cypriot side has since been trying to justify its rejection by claiming, among other things, that the plan “did not meet the interests of the country” and that “it did not provide for guarantees”.

Let us not forget that the plan did not meet all of the demands of either side, not could it do so. This was a carefully balanced compromise text that represented immense sacrifices on the part of the Turkish Cypriot side, on such key issues as land, resettlement and property. It also tackled the issue of security, it was thought to the satisfaction of both parties. It was balanced enough that the current Greek government and several former Greek government leaders fully supported the plan.

The steadfast leadership of the Turkish government was also pivotal in encouraging the Turkish Cypriots to approve the plan. It required statesmanship and sacrifice worthy of recognition of the part of the Turkish government.

The task before the international community now is to see to it that, as U. N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said on April 28, 2004, “ the Turkish Cypriots… are not penalized for the way the vote went in the other part of the island”; and, as State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said on April 25, 2004 “the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots” is ended. This would also motivate the Greek Cypriots towards reaching a settlement with their Turkish Cypriot co-islanders, and thus facilitates a settlement.

A review of U.S. policy towards Cyprus in coordination with out European partners is now under way, which also includes the removal of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots. U.S. leadership in achieving this aim is essential, and the U.S. Congress should do all it can to help achieve this aim.

Sincerely,