UN 7-day deadline for Cyprus unification

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented his latest reunification plan for Cyprus to leaders of the Greek and Turkish sides yesterday, with a seven-day deadline for a deal.

Despite mounting odds against a swift deal, Mr Annan remained hopeful his latest effort to end the three-decade-old division of the island could bring a breakthrough.

"I pray the leaders in their wisdom will come to an agreement in the coming few days," Mr Annan said after arriving in Cyprus. Underscoring the importance the UN places on a deal, Mr Annan is set to spend three days on the east Mediterranean island despite mounting tensions over Iraq.