Turk and Greek Cypriots to say the last word on April 24

Turkish parties said they had been ready to sign a deal drawn up by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan but Greeks said there were too many disputed areas for them to endorse it.

After a week of talks at the Swiss Alpine resort of Buergenstock, Annan put his best face on the result saying the east Mediterranean island’s future was now up to its people.

"The chance is between this settlement or no settlement," he said. "This plan is fair and is designed to work."