Greece: Cyprus peace deal unlikely
(CNN) -- Prospects for peace between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots appear unlikely, according to the Greek government, as a deadline looms for agreement on a reunification plan for the divided island.
Greek and Turkish Cypriots -- along with the prime ministers of Turkey and Greece -- are in marathon talks in Switzerland, under the supervision of U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
They are attempting to reach an agreement that can be presented to Turkish and Greek Cypriots in a referendum on April 20.
If both sides fail to finalize a peace plan by midnight Wedensday, then Annan will finalize the plan.
One of the main sticking points is the issue of resettlement.
Greek Cypriots want the ability to reclaim some of the homes they lost in the 1974 Turkish invasion. Turkish Cypriots, who predominantly live in northern Cyprus, want to ensure they retain the rights to that territory.
The two sides also disagree on other issues, such as how many Turkish troops should remain on the island.
At stake is membership in the European Union.
Currently only the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot half of the island will join the EU on May 1.
If a peace plan is accepted by the islanders during the referendum, Cyprus will join the EU as one entity.
Cyprus has been divided into a Greek south and a Turkish-held north since the invasion, which was sparked by a short-lived coup by supporters of union with Greece.
Turkey maintains about 40,000 troops in Turkish Cyprus, which is recognized only by Ankara.
EU enlargement is seen as the best chance to find a solution to the Cyprus problem after three decades of division.
There is a fear that if both sides do not agree now, then the island will be divided forever.
CNN's Penny Manis in London contributed to this report
