An unexpected election win by Greek Cypriot opposition leader Mr Tassos Papadopoulos has left the prospects of Cyprus reunification by the end of the month unclear.
Mr Papadopoulos (69) came to power on Sunday on the back of voter fears that a plan to reunify the island gave away too much to Turkish Cypriots.
His victory ended the era of veteran leader Mr Glafcos Clerides and raised questions of whether a tight UN target of February 28th could be met for a deal - not only for reasons of getting new negotiators in place but because he wants major improvements in the settlement plan.
Opponents of Mr Papadopoulos paint him as a hardliner, as opposed to Mr Clerides who was regarded as more accommodating to a settlement with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.
"The UN has made it clear that if one side opens up vast areas of substance in the plan, it would be open to the other side to do the same. Therein lies the danger," said one.
The UN deadline was set to give the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides enough time to prepare for March 30th referendums and sign an EU accession treaty as a united country on April 16th.
Whether a deal is signed or not, Cyprus is still ensured EU accession in May 2004.
The UN blueprint requires Greek Cypriots to share power with Turkish Cypriots as well as land and population exchanges between the two sides. But it has been criticised by many Greek Cypriots for imposing restrictions on refugee rights to return to their homes.