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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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