By Ronald L. Schlicher
U.S. Ambassador in Cyprus
Two-hundred and thirty years ago, a small collection of farmers and merchants, fishermen and backwoods trappers and, yes, slaves declared independence in defiance of the superpower of the day -– appropriate apologies to High Commission Millett! The new nation embarked on an unprecedented experiment –- that a people so far-flung, having different origins, different languages, and different religions, could together chart a course of their own design and not that of a privileged few. The future our founding fathers charted was an uncertain one. There were no guarantees. Instead of repeating old history, they were forging new history. There were no prior historical models, though they knew that the system needed to be democratic and have appropriate safeguards to guarantee the rights of minorities.
By and large, I think our American forbearers would be pleased with what they wrought. But it is important to remember that the American experiment, while hugely successful, has also been bumpy and painful along the way to greatness – as witnessed by our civil war, by other wars, and by occasional economic depressions. Democracy must evolve to meet changing issues, changing needs, and changing demographics.
Our shared democratic traditions and values represent a strong bond between Cyprus and the United States. In the end, shared goals form the basis of our relationship. One of those goals – clear and constant – is our joint commitment to the reunification of Cyprus and the reconciliation of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. As you, the Cypriots, approach the task of defining how you will meet those goals of reunification and reconciliation, you are in essence being asked to write a new history, one which needs to respect history and tradition and culture, but one which also promises all residents of the island a better, more peaceful and stable future. This task is not easy, but it is certainly necessary. America’s support for this goal of reunification and reconciliation is unwavering, but the ultimate responsibility to accomplish it lies with you. Every day that passes without movement toward a solution is a missed opportunity, and I certainly hope that we can all seize the upcoming round of diplomatic activity to move forward toward a renewed process of negotiations.
We have had our differences, of course, but Cypriots and Americans continue to forge ahead in building strong and healthy friendships. Ties between this ancient island and the new world are long-standing. Just last year, ordinary Cypriots assisted Americans who lost their homes and livelihoods to the devastating Hurricane Katrina. In fact, Cyprus contributed more per capita to this effort than any other country in the world.
For 43 years, Cypriots have shared with us their talents and character through educational exchanges. Because of both countries’ support, including an almost $5 million annual investment by my government, nearly 2,400 Cypriots have studied in the United States. Despite the thousands of miles separating us, our commercial and trade relationships are strong, and American investment in Cyprus is growing. We should be proud of our cooperation in combating terrorism and our close working relationship on a wide array of law enforcement matters. Together, we have strengthened our ability to protect our borders and coastlines, deter terrorists, improve emergency preparedness, and combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Back home, in the United States, we still labor to perfect the experiment started two-hundred and thirty years ago. Here in Cyprus, we remain committed to supporting the efforts of all Cypriot citizens – Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot, left and right, young and old – to chart a new and better future for a united island. Our founding fathers proved 230 years ago that a new and better history can be written by people who choose to negotiate their differences and find their common interests. We pledge fully to support the people of Cyprus as they get down to the similar historical task of reunification and reconciliation.
Excerpts from remarks during the Independence Day reception at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, in the presence of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, government officials and other guests.
(http://cyprus.usembassy.gov)
