Office of the Historian

168. Letter From Secretary of State Kissinger to Turkish Foreign Minister Esenbel1

Washington, December 13, 1974.

Dear Mr. Minister:

I have been informed by the Government of Greece that it fully supports the immediate continuation of the Clerides–Denktash negotiations and their expansion to encompass substantive political issues. I am further informed by the Government of Greece that it considers that the initial agenda of these expanded negotiations should include the reopening of the Nicosia International Airport, matters relative to the port of Famagusta, and such other questions, the prompt resolution of which would contribute to the timely achievement of a settlement. The powers of the Central Government in the future federated state will also be included as an early agenda.

The Government of Greece has also informed me that it will make every effort to promote a successful outcome to the Clerides–Denktash negotiations and that it will do all it appropriately can to assure that if an agreement is reached it will be fully implemented.

The United States Government for its part makes a parallel commitment to the Clerides–Denktash negotiations as the proper forum for the resolution of outstanding issues and for the conclusion as soon as possible of a peace of conciliation between the parties directly concerned. The United States Government undertakes to use its full influence to the end that agreements reached in these negotiations are fairly and fully implemented.

Warm regards,

Henry A. Kissinger 2
  1. Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 239, Geopolitical File, Turkey, October 1974 to July 1975. No classification marking.↩
  2. Printed from a copy that bears this typed signature.↩