28 January 2003
Grossman Says Cyprus Settlement Can Be Reached by February 28
(Video conference with journalists on U.N. resolution) (6420) Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Marc Grossman has reiterated U.S. support for a plan to resolve the Cyprus dispute offered by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which calls for agreement by both sides no later than February 28. "I believe that the proposal that the Secretary-General has put out is a fair one, that there is enough time to get this job done before the 28th of February, that the agreement is balanced and protects the interests of both sides, and that the rewards for the courage that it will take to achieve this settlement -- that a unified Cyprus could enter the European Union in 2004 -- would be a remarkable achievement for everyone on the island," he said. Ambassador Grossman was speaking with Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot journalists via video link from the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia January 24. Asked why a Cyprus settlement is so important to Washington, Grossman said it is in America's interest to see a peaceful Cyprus that it also a member of the European Union. "I believe that if Cyprus were in the European Union, the path for Turkey's integration towards the European Union would be that much easier, and perhaps that much faster," he said. "I also believe that if there were a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, as the Secretary-General has proposed, that relations between Greece and Turkey would be able to get better faster." Grossman acknowledged the difficulties in reaching a comprehensive settlement to such a long-standing dispute and said he expects negotiators to seek changes and concessions in the proposed agreement. "But, in the end," he said, "I believe that the people on Cyprus will take a look at the totality and say I've gained some things here, I've given up some things here, but for the benefit of all of us I'm prepared to move forward." Several journalists asked the under secretary if the United States was pressuring the parties to accept the Annan plan, and he replied: "One of the things that I'm always asked whether I'm in Greece or whether I'm in Turkey, is what are we demanding? And what pressure are we putting on? I think that misses the point. It misses the point that we are dealing here with democratic societies. Only they can judge their strategic interests." He added that the United States "would not support a solution to this problem that would in any way make it more challenging for the people in Cyprus to live their lives in freedom and with economic vitality." Following is a transcript of the video conference: (begin transcript) TRANSCRIPT OF UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS MARC GROSSMAN'S QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION WITH GREEK CYPRIOT AND TURKISH CYPRIOT JOURNALISTS VIA A DIGITAL VIDEO CONFERENCE U.S. EMBASSY, NICOSIA FRIDAY JANUARY 24, 2003 UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: Thank you for taking time for this important conversation. I welcome Ambassador Klosson [U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Michael Klosson]. Since our time is so limited, I think that the best thing I might do is to just give you a short introduction because I'm sure that all of the issues you are interested in will come up in questions and answers and that's more interesting for you and more interesting for me as well. From our perspective in the United States, we believe that there is an historic opportunity available to all of the people in Cyprus between now and February 28. I, as you know, have been working either on or around this challenge for many years and I believe in my heart that the period between now and the 28th of February is one of the best opportunities that you will have, that we will have, that other countries which are interested in this problem will have to get the settlement that Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots want, and that a whole new future can be opened up for all of the people of Cyprus. We support the efforts of the UN Secretary General [Kofi Annan], of Ambassador de Soto [UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto], of our great representatives in Cyprus, Ambassador Weston [U.S. Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas G. Weston] and all of the people who are working so hard to try to make this dream a reality. It really is a dream of peace, it's a dream of reconciliation, it's a dream about the future, it's about a dream of the future of Cyprus in the European Union. Not a moment goes by when I don't recognize that for Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots there are big challenges here, that this is not easy - if it was easy, it would have been done years and years ago. So, I don't make my introductory points to you to have you think that I'm a naïve person or that I don't understand all the challenges. But, I believe that the proposal that the Secretary-General has put out is a fair one, that there is enough time to get this job done before the 28th of February, that the agreement is balanced and protects the interests of both sides, and that the rewards for the courage that it will take to achieve this settlement -- that a unified Cyprus could enter the European Union in 2004 -- would be a remarkable achievement for everyone on the island. And we fervently hope that you all will take the opportunity, will grab this chance to make the kind of progress that we are convinced is available to you. I hope that you won't consider that a statement that does not take into account all of the details. But, you all are on the island every single day and I think sometimes people are focused in what's wrong rather than what's right. And I hope that we might just step back for a moment and remind ourselves of the opportunities that exist for us over the next few weeks. And again I wish to just thank you all very much for taking time to visit with me today. I appreciate it. MR. PAVLOS XANTHOULIS, POLITIS NEWSPAPER: Good morning Mr. Under Secretary. First, I would like to say that by referring to Turkish Cyprus and Greek Cyprus you meant the north and the south because I think there is only one Cyprus for the American government. The second thing I would like to ask you is about the referendum that Mr. Denktash said will take place in the north so that the Turkish Cypriots will reach a decision for a solution or not based on Mr. Annan's plan. How do you comment on this and do you think that the [Turkish] settlers should also vote or only the Turkish Cypriots? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: You are right. I think that is something obviously that will have to be decided by everybody there. What we are for is the Secretary General's plan being agreed by the 28th of February. I recognize that both for President Clerides and Mr. Denktash there are ways that people have to look for legitimacy and public support and how people choose to do that is not for me to say. MR. COSTAS YENNARIS, CYBC TV: Mr. Grossman, I would assume that you are aware of the difficulties that exist in coming to a satisfactory and positive conclusion at the talks over the UN proposal. And I assume that you are aware that one of the biggest obstacles is Mr. Denktash. We know that the Turkish Cypriots have discovered that very painfully. Everybody also knows that Mr. Denktash, he admitted so himself, cannot move his little finger without Ankara's permission. So, my question is, since you have been in Ankara, who are your interlocutors in Ankara? Are they the present government? Are they the generals? It is known that the generals depend on the United States for several of their visions. Is the United States prepared to use that power to convince them to tell Mr. Denktash to listen to the voice of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots and open the way for a solution or are you going to continue this policy of tolerance for Mr. Denktash and those who support him unlike what you do with Mr. Saddam Hussein? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: With all due respect, I really have to disagree with a number of the premises of your question and certainly with the way it was put. First of all, we are dealing in this area with democracies. That means that people, whether they are people in Cyprus, in Turkey, in Greece, have the right to express their opinion. And that is certainly true in Turkey. Turkey is a democracy. So, to get the idea somehow that the United States of America would in any country or with any group of people be able turn this switch, push this button and force people to do things, I think is wrong and not a policy that I would ever ascribe to. We have taken the opportunity, I can assure you, sir, in this past few months to be in the closest possible contact at the very highest level with the new Turkish government. That is our responsibility. And what we have said to the new Turkish government is precisely what I said to you in my opening statement, which is that the opportunity that the UN Secretary General has given to all Cypriots, to Greeks and to Turks to get this job done by the 28th of February is a historic one and we hope that it will be taken up. Turkey has interests, Greece has interests, Turkish Cypriots have interests, Greek Cypriots have interests and these interests all have to be brought together. That is the challenge of the negotiations. So with respect, I answer your question by saying that we are in the closest possible touch with the Turkish government, we have tried to be clear to the Turkish government, as I have said to you that there is a huge opportunity here. But, I have to disagree with the premise and tone of your question, sir. MR. SULEYMAN ERGUCLU, KIBRIS NEWSPAPER: Looking at the eastern Mediterranean and looking at the developments in Iraq, your contacts with Turkey on Iraq and the discussions going on in Turkey, it looks like the United States has a whole different agenda. But, now you are sparing your valuable time to talk to us on the Cyprus problem. How important it is for the United States to see a solution achieved in Cyrus and why? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: Sir, I believe it is extremely important for the United States to see a solution to the problem in Cyprus. And it has been so for many, many years. Although I'm here today with you, I'm only, as you know, in a long line of people who have tried their very best to work on this problem over the years. So, you can count, all of you, on the fact that this is an extremely important issue to the United States. And I should say that it is not just an important issue to the United States administration; it is also a very important issue in our Congress, it is important issue in our public. This is why we are a great democracy and this is an issue that people care about in the United States. When you ask me sir why is it that we are so interested, we are interested in it because it is in our strategic interest, in the interest of the United States, that Cyprus be an island that is at peace, and Cyprus be an island that is in the European Union. I believe that if Cyprus were in the European Union, the path for Turkey's integration towards the European Union would be that much easier, and perhaps that much faster. As you know, that's very much in the interest of the United States. I also believe that if there were a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, as the Secretary-General has proposed, that relations between Greece and Turkey would be able to get better faster. I think they are already wonderful compared to where they were some years ago and I give full credit to the leaders in Turkey and the leaders in Greece. But, think of the more things that could be done. So, at every single place I look in the eastern Mediterranean, sir, I believe that a settlement of the Cyprus problem would enhance your interests, would enhance the interests of the United States, would enhance the interests of all the Mediterranean people. MR. OZER KANLI, BRT TV: Mr. Ambassador, for the United States of America, Turkey is a strategic partner. You need Turkey for the Iraqi operations. Most of the parties in Turkey and the government say that Cyprus is a strategic island for us. So, are you going to put pressure on Turkey and will ask Turkey to put pressure on Mr. Denktash to accept the Annan plan? What are you going to say? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: Well, again sir, if I might, I would have to disagree with the premise of your question. One of the things that I'm always asked whether I'm in Greece or whether I'm in Turkey, is what are we demanding? And what pressure are we putting on? I think that misses the point. It misses the point that we are dealing here with democratic societies. Only they can judge their strategic interests. For example, I believe that only Turks can judge what they wish or they wish not to do with the United States in terms of Iraq. We hope that we are able to make our case to Turkey and to the Turkish people that an Iraq that is peaceful and multi-ethnic and without weapons of mass destruction and that it was at peace with its neighbors, would make Turkey a stronger place than it is today. I believe that we can make that case. But, only the Turkish government and only the Turkish people can decide what is in Turkey's interest. I would answer very much the same way in terms of Turkey's relationship with Cyprus. If I might say, I had the chance to be in Cyprus early in December and one of the questions I was asked there was about what kind of solution we supported. The United States of America would not support a solution to this problem that would in any way make it more challenging for the people in Cyprus to live their lives in freedom and with economic vitality. We believe that the Secretary General Annan's plan promotes that kind of solution. So, what the Turkish people in Ankara advise, consult or discuss with Turkish Cypriots is not for me to say. That's their business. But, what I'm saying is that I believe that is in the strategic interest of Turkey, it is in the strategic interest of Cyprus, and as I said to the previous questioner, it's in the strategic interest of the United States that this problem be solved fairly. That's why we support what the Secretary General is doing. MR. SELIM KUMBARACI, TAK NEWS AGENCY: Good morning Mr. Ambassador. First of all, I would like to emphasize the fact that you emphasized that it's a historic period in Cyprus from the aspect that the proposal made by the Secretary General paved the way for the Turkish Cypriots to express their feelings and thoughts on a solution very clearly. This has happened for the first time in Cyprus: on the radio, on the TV channels, in the press, everywhere. The public in the northern part of Cyprus talks, talks, talks. And they want a solution on an equal basis [with the Greek Cypriots]. On the other hand, Mr. Denktash says that he has to defend the rights of Turkey as well before signing the agreement. He has to balance the right of Turkey on the agreement in order to sign it. According to you, what should be done more to satisfy Turkey? Because, it's out of the EU at the moment and if after a solution we will have the European membership as well, the Turkish Cypriots will be there [in the EU] without Turkey. This is what Mr. Denktash is trying to say in the way of defending the rights of Turkey. What should be done to satisfy Turkey's rights? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: I'm not sure how to answer your question. Let me try to respond to it and if I have missed it, I'd be glad to have you talk to me more about it. First of all, I think on the question of, as you described, the feelings and thoughts of people in Cyprus, and particularly, as you say, in the northern part of Cyprus, we, as a country, are for democracy. We, as a country, favor the right of people to express themselves. As Ambassador Boucher said the other day from the podium here at the State Department, we are for democracy and we are for peace and it seems to me that that conversation that's going on is a very good thing. Second, it is really up to Mr. Denktash, who is the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, how he describes his relationship with Turkey and what he is doing for Turkey. That's really not for me to comment on. We have been trying to say to our Turkish allies that the strategic advantages of a unified Cyprus being in the EU are important for Turkey and would add to Turkey's security. But, as I said to the gentleman before, only Turkey can make that decision. That is a Turkish right and that is the right of a country to make it own decisions. One thing, perhaps, that may need to get more publicity and perhaps would be part of the debate in Cyprus, and would I think also go some way to making Turks feel more comfortable, is of course to recognize the vast amount of economic assistance that is available to people in Cyprus if there were to be a settlement. For example, I know that the European Union has already set aside a couple of hundred million Euros to invest in Cyprus. I was very pleased to see the announcement of the European Union yesterday -- Dr. Verheugen [European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen] -- where he talks about the convening of a donors conference after a solution. Perhaps, some of that money, as he said, could be applied to the cost of those people who will have to be moved or those people for whom there have to be property exchanged. So, I've heard many reasons to be opposed to the Secretary General's plan. But, I haven't yet heard a reason for which there is not a good answer. So, I believe that as people on Cyprus, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, people in Greece, people in Turkey, consider the plan, consider the answers, consider the future, that they will be very much in favor of making this arrangement by the 28th of February. And I don't bring up the money because this is how you are supposed to decide. People should not decide these things on the basis of money. But, the fact that this money is there would seem to me to mitigate some of the challenges that will be around after the settlement is done. MR. GEORGE STYLIANOU, PHILELEFTHEROS NEWSPAPER: You have been stressing, and the EU has been stressing and the UN has been stressing the need to reach a solution by February 28th and some have even warned what might happen if this scenario doesn't take place. Mr. de Soto, for instance, talked about darkness and uncertainties. In your opinion what can happen after the 28th and I want to know why is it so imperative, so urgent to reach a solution by the 28th? Why not in April, not in June, not in December of 2004? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: I suppose you could have that opinion. I would go back to November and December of last year. I was sorry that a solution was not reached by Copenhagen. So, in a sense, for me, and you can disagree with me sir, the 28th of February is already a fallback position. Because I would have hoped that this solution might have been reached at Copenhagen. I think the 28th of February is already three months too late. The second point that I would make to you sir, is that you can count me overly optimistic or naive, but I have not given a thought, not a thought, to what happens after the 28th of February because every part of my energy is going into doing everything that I can to achieve this solution by the 28th of February. I hope that this is what you all are doing as well. There are a hundred scenarios that you might be able to think of and write after the 28th of February. The only scenario that I would like to see is an agreement and then a unified Cyprus in the European Union. So, as I've said, you might not agree with either of those points, but I'm not spending my time worrying about after the 28th of February. I'm spending my time trying to get people, in my own modest way and as best as I can, to an agreement by the 28th of February. MR. XANTHOULIS: There are about 30 days left until the 28th of February. How will you support the UN Secretary General's efforts to find a solution? What will you do practically? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: We will support the UN Secretary General in any way that he or his negotiator Ambassador de Soto ask. That's why Ambassador Weston was in Cyprus last week and that's why he is traveling in Europe. He and I are meeting this afternoon. We will continue to be in touch with Turkey and to be in touch with Greece. I think it's a remarkable and wonderful coincidence that Greece is in the chair of the European Union at the moment. So, we'll do everything the Secretary General wants us to do. I think the phrase here is there is enough time, but there is no time to lose. I think that's one important way to think about it sir. MR. YENNARIS: I'm glad you referred to democracies, sir, because I think it is an important factor in the search for a solution to the Cyprus problem. It has become clear by now that the majority of the Turkish Cypriots, and I'm referring to the Turkish Cypriots as opposed to the imported settlers in the northern part of Cyprus, have manifested their will for the reunification of the island. And yet there is one man is the obstacle towards that in that process and it's Mr. Denktash. Now he is preparing ways of diluting the will of the Turkish Cypriots. On the other hand, among the Greek Cypriots, according to opinion polls that came out today, show a percentage of more that 80% are also in favor of the reunification of the island on the basis of a negotiated settlement on the [basis] of the Annan plan. Yet, we cannot move forward. Let's not talk about generalities. You know what is involved with the Cyprus problem; you know what the difficulties are. How can you help to overcome those difficulties if you are not prepared to use your muscles - I'm using this word diplomatically - to convince people, not to twist their arms or threaten them, 29 years after to give up their expansionist ambitions? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: Let me respond to the point you make about democracy. It's right to talk about democracy because I believe that one of the strategic values of the European Union is to have enhanced democracy all around Europe and that more and more countries will join this club I think is a very important thing. And in that sense, another reason to move forward with this solution. The other thing I would say to you, sir, is that if you believe in democracy, you have to believe in democracy. Mr. Denktash is the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community and it's not for you, with all due respect, and it's not for me to choose who leads this group of people. That's for them to decide. We have been, as I've said to one of your colleagues, very interested in this expression of will all over Cyprus in favor of a settlement, in favor of the Secretary General, in favor of the European Union. As I said to you, I think, the first time around, the United States, as a democracy, believes in the right of people to make their self-expression. We would support that right anywhere around the world. The second point I would make to you, sir, is that, although perhaps not satisfactory to you, I'd say clearly not satisfactory to you, we have been using all of the diplomatic tools of the United States of America to try to convince all sides in this dispute that now is the time to come to a solution. We are doing the very best that we can to support the Secretary General, to be in close contact with President Clerides, to be in close contact with Mr. Denktash, to be in close contact with our allies in Greece and our allies in Turkey and, believe me, anyone else who can help us in this regard. I believe, as I said to the gentleman before, that if we take this philosophy that there's enough time, but that we need to move quickly, this can get done. When you say to avoid generalities -- fair enough. But, in the end it is not for Washington, it is not for the United States of America to go down 14, 15, 60, 80 pages of documents and agree to them. That can only be done by the people involved. It is our job to try to talk about what the advantages are to moving and to moving quickly. Finally, I think with the point you make about how long this problem has been going on is an extremely important one. I also think it's important to recognize the requirement that any solution that is signed, any solution that is agreed to by the parties, would guarantee that the situation before 1974 could never reoccur. That I think is a very important thing that everyone on the island needs to deal with. I can't conceive of such a situation coming around again. It's another good reason for Cyprus to be in the European Union. But, we have to take into account, I believe, the whole history of this issue and not just that since 1974. MR. ERGUCLU: You described the United Nations plan as fair. However, the two sides that are negotiating the plan seem to disagree with you because they are seeking amendments to this plan. Following the situation closely, do you think it will be possible to make certain amendments to satisfy the needs of the two parties? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: Well, of course as you say, sir, this is a negotiation. And you would expect the people who are negotiating to seek changes and to seek concessions and to seek their best interests. The proposition the Secretary General has made is a fair one. Is it my expectation that this negotiation will be difficult and detailed and energetic right up until the 28th of February? Of course I do. Because how else will the leaders who negotiated this agreement be able to turn around to their people and say I did the best that I could but in the end the interests of Cyprus meant that I had to make some compromises. That's what negotiation is all about. And so, yes I think it's fair, yes, I believe there is going to be a very tough negotiation. That's how it should be. But, in the end I believe that the people on Cyprus will take a look at the totality and say I've gained some things here, I've given up some things here, but for the benefit of all of us I'm prepared to move forward. That's how we do business all around the world and I certainly hope that is how business will be done on the island under the great leadership of Ambassador De Soto and the Secretary General. MR. KANLI: Mr. Grossman, as you know Mr. Denktash is the elected "President" of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus." According to vast opinion polls, most of the Turkish Cypriots are speaking like him. Also the Turkish Cypriots are saying that this Annan plan is not fair and dangerous for our people. As you know, according to this plan, more than 100,000 of our people will become refugees. What is your opinion about Mr. Denktash because some of the people in north Cyprus and most of people on the Greek side of the island are trying to get rid of him? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: Well, as I said to your colleague, if you believe in democracy then you have to believe in democracy. And I do. Mr. Denktash is the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. It is not my business who is the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community. That is the business of the Turkish Cypriots. It is not your business who is elected President of the United States. That's my business. So, I don't comment on this. My business, sir, is to say that I hope that Mr. Denktash, people in the northern part of Cyprus, President Clerides, the people in the Republic of Cyprus will recognize the great advantages to them of the United Nations plan. Look, as I said to the previous questioner, of course there is a debate about this plan. You'd be astonished, we would all be amazed, if someone came and said here's a plan to solve a problem that has been around for years and years and everyone said "That's perfect, where do I sign?" It's not realistic. It's not going to happen. And so, I think the realistic thing to do here is to take advantage of the time that we have, take advantage of the great historical expertise that we have on the island, and take advantage of the strategic opportunity that exists here and grab it. MR. KUMBARACI: Ambassador, General Myers was in Ankara a few days ago and he had some talks with the Turkish generals on the Iraqi issue. Did they talk about the Cyprus issue as well? And did they talk about the security issue of Turkey for the island? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: Yes, General Myers was in Turkey as you say. I can guarantee you that General Myers did talk about Cyprus in exactly the same way that I've talked about it in my introduction. I do not believe they got into any more detail than that, sir, but he did say that from our perspective the Secretary General's plan is an opportunity to be grabbed. I believe he used many of the same points that I used in my introduction. MR. STYLIANOU: You referred [to] the decision that the European Commission reached regarding the donors' conference and the announcement by Mr. Verheugen and you endorsed it. I'm wondering, though, apart from your verbal appreciation for what Mr. Verheugen said, practically how is the United States planning to assist this effort and how are you willing to contribute to help him out with this? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: First of all, let me say that it wasn't just my verbal joy at what Mr. Verheugen had to say. You will know that we issued a written statement here yesterday from the Department spokesman. So, if you don't take me as an official word I hope that you will take Ambassador Boucher as official word. We think that what the European Union has done here is a very good thing. In terms of what we are prepared to do, I think again it's very important to step back and recognize that for as many years as I can recall, the United States of America has been giving aid to Cyprus, I believe $15 million a year for many years in the past. Only our President can decide, obviously, where he proposes to spend the money of the United States and Congress must act. But, it would be my guess, if you would allow me, my personal guess, that we will continue to try to support this effort. I can't give you a figure, but we are prepared to play our role. And we are prepared to play our role not just on the political side, but on the economic side as well. So, you will find us to be not just enthusiastic supporters, as you say, orally of what the European Union has said, but to continue the long history of assistance that we have given to Cyprus I think in the future. MR. XANTHOULIS: Sir, I will go back to my first question. You referred twice to Turkish Cyprus. Would you like to insist on that or would you like to make another point? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: Well, I think all through my conversation I have said that there is a Republic of Cyprus which we recognize and there is a Turkish Cypriot community. Our job here is not to debate all these things. Our job here is to raise our sights and look at the opportunities that exist for the Annan plan. MR. YENNARIS: Sir, the one thing that comes across as a message is what we've known all along; that there is a definite resolution on the part of Washington to assist and promote a solution to the Cyprus problem. You don't seem to be willing to go into details which may be important. But, I would ask you this: What are foundations on which a settlement should be based on in your opinion given that there are principles involved that have special importance for Washington as well? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: I believed before Copenhagen that if people on Cyprus would have been prepared to sign the first two pages of the Kofi Annan plan as it existed at that time that would have dealt not only with the important principles which we support, but would have also shown a way ahead. So, for me anyway, and I'm not a negotiator here, and I know that you keep pressing me for details, but it is not my job to negotiate this arrangement. That is the Secretary General's job and Mr. De Soto's job -- ably assisted by Ambassador Klosson and Ambassador Weston. But, If you would like to know what I believe, what the United States believes, I'd say you read the first two pages of Kofi Annan's plan. That's what we believe. MR. ERGUCLU: In December, in Copenhagen a chance was lost. But, the European Union Council, unexpectedly for some, gave the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots another chance to negotiate a settlement. They included paragraphs encouraging a solution by the end of February. Now, if we missed the second chance, will it be possible for the European Council to give another chance to Cypriots in April 16? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: I'm going to stick exactly with the answer I gave to your colleague. I'm spending no time, none, worrying what will happen after the 28th of February. All of my time that I devote to this is in an attempt to convince as many people as I can that this is an opportunity that ought to be taken on the 28th of February. With all due respect, sir, I think that if you start planning, considering, and speculating about what happens on the 28th of February, you will create a self-fulfilling prophesy; and that the job of everybody right now is to try to get this job done on the 28th of February. I should also say, from my perspective just to tie back to the answer that I gave to your predecessor, of course the 28th of February is a date in the first two pages of the Annan plan. So, it isn't a date out of the blue. But let's take that date, the date that was embedded in the Annan plan in the first place in the first two pages and let's stick to that date. Believe me, if we spend the next 45 minutes speculating about what will happen if there is no solution, it will only allow energy to be sapped away from the requirement to solve this problem now. I'll take one more question. MR. KANLI: Mr. Ambassador, the Iraqi operation shows us once more that an army is so important for a country. The Chief of the Turkish army, Mr. Ozkok, said that the island of Cyprus is so important for us strategically that we can't accept this plan. Are you going to take this into consideration and are you going to help Turkey and put pressure on Greece and the Greek Cypriots? UNDER SECRETARY GROSSMAN: Again, I do have to say that this idea that it is the job of the United States to go around putting pressure over this is not a premise that I will accept, with all due respect to you, sir. Second, of course we take into account the views of the leaders in Ankara. That's our job. Turkey is a democracy. But, I would say, perhaps I could leave this and make this my closing statement. In my view, the strategic importance of Cyprus for Turkey today is as a stepping stone to the European Union. And the strategic interest of Turkey, as I understand it, is to become a member of the European Union. That could happen more quickly, I believe, and more easily, I believe, if we were all to come to an agreement that you could all sign this arrangement proposed by the Secretary General on the 28th of February. Thank you very much. (end transcript) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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