A Greek government official has indicated that chances for an agreed Cyprus peace deal on the last day of negotiations are poor.
"With today's developments, the chances of an agreed settlement seem poor," Greek government spokesman Theodoris Rousopoulos told reporters in the Swiss Alpine resort of Buergenstock where talks are taking place with Turkish parties.
Negotiations went on all night at the Swiss mountaintop resort of Buergenstock and were continuing today, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. But the Greek side expressed pessimism that a deal could be met by tonight's deadline.
Any issues in the UN reunification plan that the sides have failed to thrash out by the end of the day will be settled by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and his plan will then be put to referendums in the two communities in less than three weeks' time.
"Our only aim is to come out with a positive, win-win outcome," said Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He said negotiators have been working "hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, night and day" to find an acceptable solution.
Annan was expected to present the final version of his reunification plan to the parties and make it public shortly after.
His previous plan - presented on Monday - provoked joy from the Turkish media, who perceived that most of Turkey's demands had been met. But still, the Turkish side is demanding further limitations in the return of refugees, more time before they have to give up territory and protection from legal action by Greek Cypriots who couldn't use their homes in the north following the Turkish invasion in 1974.
The Greek side had more to complain about. The current Annan plan foresees further cuts in refugee returns and a possible permanent presence of Turkish troops on the island.
Agencies