Shows
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 59: Geneva done. What’s now for Cyprus and where is the EU in this? (25/3/2025)On 17 and 18 March, the Cypriot leaders and the guarantor powers met with the UN Secretary General in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was named as informal and nobody was sure what the expected outcome would be as the positions of the sides were clearly not bridgable. In the end, a number of confidence building measures were announced. Appointment of a new envoy was also agreed. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli discuss the result of the informal meeting, the new format of the Cyprus talks, geopolitical setting, strained relations on both sides of the Atlantic...2025-03-2544 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 58: Cyprus problem in Geneva again: What should we expect? (22/2/2025)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli host Fiona Mullen, Director of Sapienta Economics. A 5 party conference on Cyprus is scheduled to take place on 17/18 March 2025 at the UN in Geneva. Apart from the two Cypriot sides, the Guarantor powers, Turkey, Greece and the UK will be represented. […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 58: Cyprus problem in Geneva again: What should we expect? (22/2/2025) first appeared on Island Talks.2025-02-2248 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 57: InPeace project elaborates on the bicommunal technical committees in Cyprus (20/1/2025)In this first Nicosia Uncut episode of 2025, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli host Dr.Nasia Hadjigeorgiou and Fezile Osum to discuss the bicommunal technical committees that have been established within the framework of Cyprus problem. Both Fezile and Nasia are running the EU funded InPeace Project (Inclusive Peacebuilding: The Technical Committees in Cyprus ) that studies […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 57: InPeace project elaborates on the bicommunal technical committees in Cyprus (20/1/2025) first appeared on Island Talks.2025-01-2047 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 56: Multiparty meeting: each side sees it differently (18/11/2024)Following Guterres’ dinner with the Cypriot leaders in New York, an agreement has been reached to continue informal meetings with the participation of the Guarantor powers. The participation of the UK might not be at the same level as the other two, as the official position of the Turkish/Turkish Cypriot side has been for the […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 56: Multiparty meeting: each side sees it differently (18/11/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.2024-11-1835 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 55: A dinner, but hardly a date (7/10/2024)The two Cypriot leaders have agreed to meet for a “social dinner” at the presence of the UN Secretary General. The expectations are low as sides have shown no signs of departure from their respective positions. While the Turkish Cypriot side is adamant on their so called “two states” position, which is vocally and openly […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 55: A dinner, but hardly a date (7/10/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.2024-10-0738 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 54: July is the month of Cyprob (1/7/2024)After a short break, Nicosia Uncut is back with Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli discussing the recent attempts of UN envoy Maria Angela Holguin with the Cypriot leaders. There isn’t a lot of hope for a breakthrough for ther resumption of talks but are we going to see any result at all? A confidence building […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 54: July is the month of Cyprob (1/7/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.2024-07-0152 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 53: Special guest Fiona Mullen: How can we revitalize the solution process ? (6/3/2023)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut; Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli host Fiona Mullen, Director of Sapienta Economics and the producer of Figure It podcast. Fiona has been studying, advising and in the past working on the Cyprus settlement process for more than two decades now. In this episode, they discuss what needs to be […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 53: Special guest Fiona Mullen: How can we revitalize the solution process ? (6/3/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.2024-03-0641 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 52: Million dollar question: What is Holguin’s endgame? (1/2/2024)UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar has arrived on the island and started her work by paying a visit to the Cypriot leaders. This new initiative to revive the talks, which collapsed in Crans Montana conference in 2017, is defined as an attempt to find a “common ground” for the […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 52: Million dollar question: What is Holguin’s endgame? (1/2/2024) first appeared on Island Talks.2024-02-0144 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 51: Is there light at the end of the tunnel? (10/12/2023)Turkish-Greek reapproachment, appointment of a new envoy for Cyprus talks, ongoing failure of the international community to address burning issues in the world and establishment of a new political party in Cyprus. In this last episode of the year, Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli look back to 2023 with a critical eye. […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 51: Is there light at the end of the tunnel? (10/12/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.2023-12-1038 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 50: Frozen! (14/11/2023)Is Cyprus a “frozen” conflict? What are the risk of it getting melted? As the so called frozen and fluid conflicts turning into active conflicts everywhere in the world, shouldn’t Cypriots be worried? What are the lessons the Cypriots and the international community take from the ongoing conflics in Ukraine, Nogorno Karabakh and Israel/Palestine? In […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 50: Frozen! (14/11/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.2023-11-1425 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 49: Status-quo in Cyprus is an illusion (21/8/2023)The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus has been attacked by the Turkish Cypriot police in the buffer zone close to Pyla village during an ongoing work of fixing a road to connect the bicommunal village to the Turkish Cypriot controlled areas. While the Turkish & Turkish Cypriot side citing humanitarian reasons, the international community as […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 49: Status-quo in Cyprus is an illusion (21/8/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.2023-08-2145 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 49: Status-quo in Cyprus is an illusion (21/8/2023)The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus has been attacked by the Turkish Cypriot police in the buffer zone close to Pyla village during an ongoing work of fixing a road to connect the bicommunal village to the Turkish Cypriot controlled areas. While the Turkish & Turkish Cypriot side citing humanitarian reasons, the international community as well as the permanent members of the Security Councils, barring Russia, condemned the attack. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the developments and underline that there is no-such thing as status-quo without a settlement. Against the background, the annual G...2023-08-2145 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 48: Drowning in elections – CyProb anyone? (31/5/2023)We are drowned in elections. Elections in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. Do we have any time or window of opportunity to discuss politics - Cyprus problem in particular? In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı evaluate the results of elections in Turkey and Greece as well as the upcoming by-elections in the north. CBMs, local politics, and DISY's and AKEL's initiatives in the Cyprob.2023-05-3045 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 48: Drowning in elections – CyProb anyone? (31/5/2023)We are drowned in elections. Elections in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. Do we have any time or window of opportunity to discuss politics – Cyprus problem in particular? In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı evaluate the results of elections in Turkey and Greece as well as the upcoming by-elections in […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 48: Drowning in elections – CyProb anyone? (31/5/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.2023-05-3045 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 47: Age of apolitical & discussion on unilateral CBMs in CY (30/4/2023)It has been 20 years since the crossings across the division line in Cyprus started. It is clear that the existing crossings are not enough. Should we expect unilareral initiatives by the Greek Cypriot side on this? While the elections in Turkey are underway, is it possible to talk about a new era for the […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 47: Age of apolitical & discussion on unilateral CBMs in CY (30/4/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.2023-04-3040 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 46: Turkish opposition chooses the candidate to challenge Erdoğan (19/3/2023)Election in Cyprus is over as Turkey is now on the eve of the historical election that will take place on 14 May 2023. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the cabinet of the newly elected Greek Cypriot president. Turkish opposition finally agreed on their candidate: CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will be challenging Erdoğan. The mayors of Istanbul and Ankara will support his campaign together with the other opposition leaders. Back in Cyprus, DISY has elected Annita Demetriou, speaker of the House of Representatives, as the new party leader. 2023-03-1945 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 46: Turkish opposition chooses the candidate to challenge Erdoğan (19/3/2023)Election in Cyprus is over as Turkey is now on the eve of the historical election that will take place on 14 May 2023. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the cabinet of the newly elected Greek Cypriot president. Turkish opposition finally agreed on their candidate: CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu will be challenging Erdoğan. The mayors of Istanbul and Ankara will support his campaign together with the other opposition leaders. Back in Cyprus, DISY has elected Annita Demetriou, speaker of the House of Representatives, as the new party leader. 2023-03-1945 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 46: Turkish opposition chooses the candidate to challenge Erdoğan (19/3/2023)Election in Cyprus is over as Turkey is now on the eve of the historical election that will take place on 14 May 2023. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the cabinet of the newly elected Greek Cypriot president. Turkish opposition finally agreed on their candidate: CHP leader Kemal […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 46: Turkish opposition chooses the candidate to challenge Erdoğan (19/3/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.2023-03-1945 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 45: Nikos Christodoulides is the new president of RoC. What now? (17/2/2023)While the Turkish Cypriots are mourning for 49 members of their community, including the entire members of two junior volleyball school teams from Famagusta, who lost their lives in the major earthquake that hit Turkey; second round of presidential campaign has been concluded on the other side of the divide. Nikos Christodoulides has been elected […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 45: Nikos Christodoulides is the new president of RoC. What now? (17/2/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.2023-02-1748 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 44: 2023 – the year of elections! (26/1/2023)In this first episode of 2023, Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı analyze the upcoming elections in Cyprus, Turkey and Greece as well as the recent local elections in north. While the positions of presidential candidates in the Republic of Cyprus are more clear now, in the context of Cyprus problem not much are expected until the elections in Turkey which is scheduled to take place on 14 May 2023. Opposition candidates won Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia in north as a demonstration of opposition parties to mobilize votes despite ongoing interventions of Turkey in the Turkish Cypriot politics. Global and r...2023-01-2635 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 44: 2023 – the year of elections! (26/1/2023)In this first episode of 2023, Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı analyze the upcoming elections in Cyprus, Turkey and Greece as well as the recent local elections in north. While the positions of presidential candidates in the Republic of Cyprus are more clear now, in the context of Cyprus problem not much […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 44: 2023 – the year of elections! (26/1/2023) first appeared on Island Talks.2023-01-2635 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 43: Sleepwalking towards destruction – civil society is resisting (17/11/2022)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı criticize the political establishments on both sides of the divide and highlight the efforts of the civil society to resist partition. Political establishments on the both sides of the divide fail to address the division of the country while the forces of status quo are deepening the divide. Civil society and citizen initiatives are working tirelessly, albeit in limited capacity, to work to bring people together across the divide. The Turkish Cypriot leadership, now fully aligned with the Turkish government, is unpleasantly consistent in their rhetoric and actions i...2022-11-1734 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 43: Sleepwalking towards destruction – civil society is resisting (17/11/2022)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı criticize the political establishments on both sides of the divide and highlight the efforts of the civil society to resist partition. Political establishments on the both sides of the divide fail to address the division of the country while the forces of status quo […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 43: Sleepwalking towards destruction – civil society is resisting (17/11/2022) first appeared on Island Talks.2022-11-1734 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 42: Presidential race with no politics (3/10/2022)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli shed a critical light on the presidential race in Republic of Cyprus: seems like the political programs are not the main pillars of this elections. A rather superficial race on slogans, characters and personalities, the candidates, save for exceptions, do not offer tangible political programs to the voters. The US has lifted the arms embargo on Cyprus and this created further tensions in the area which is witnessing harsh exchanges between the politicians in Turkey and Greece. Turkey continues to exert pressure to design politics in the Turkish...2022-10-0347 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 41: Battle over the records of failed talks (14/8/2022)It is now crystal clear that solution of the Cyprus problem was actually within the reach during 2016 and 2017 summits, it took five years for the Greek Cypriot politics to question the Greek Cypriot leadership's share of responsibility in the failure. While the establishment is fighting the last ditch battle to save Anastasiades and his team from any responsibility by throwing leaked minutes one after another to support their line of interpretation, every new statement from the negotiation team members, every leaked document prove otherwise. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı question how the leading m...2022-08-1436 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 41: Battle over the records of failed talks (14/8/2022)It is now crystal clear that solution of the Cyprus problem was actually within the reach during 2016 and 2017 summits, it took five years for the Greek Cypriot politics to question the Greek Cypriot leadership's share of responsibility in the failure. While the establishment is fighting the last ditch battle to save Anastasiades and his team from any responsibility by throwing leaked minutes one after another to support their line of interpretation, every new statement from the negotiation team members, every leaked document prove otherwise. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı question how the leading m...2022-08-1436 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 40: Presidential race gearing up; yet another UN representative under attack (26/7/2022)After a summer brake, Nicosia Uncut is back with the latest political developments in Cyprus. Three leading presidential candidates participated in the first debate on PIK, Cyprus state channel, discussing their perspectives on the Cyprus problem. All three candidates, namely DISY leader Averof Neofytou, AKEL's candidate former negotiator Andreas Mavroyiannis and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Christodoulides, have been the main figures in current President Anastasides' administration. On the other hand, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres have sent out his 6-monthly report on UNFICYP and UN Good Offices in Cyprus to the UN Security Council. The content...2022-07-2631 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 39: RoC elections – three candidates of the establishment (16/5/2022)Legacy of Anastasiades seems to be dominating the political scene in Cyprus in the coming term as well. Early favorites of the Presidential race, DISY's Neophytou, currently independent Christodoules and AKEL's potential candidate Mavroyiannis have been the aces of Anastasiades' team during his rule. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı shed a critical light on the system that fails to generate strong alternative candidates backed by the leading political parties in Cyprus. The latest meltdown of institutions and the system in the Turkish Cypriot political was also discussed.2022-05-1441 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 39: RoC elections – three candidates of the establishment (16/5/2022)Legacy of Anastasiades seems to be dominating the political scene in Cyprus in the coming term as well. Early favorites of the Presidential race, DISY's Neophytou, currently independent Christodoules and AKEL's potential candidate Mavroyiannis have been the aces of Anastasiades' team during his rule. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı shed a critical light on the system that fails to generate strong alternative candidates backed by the leading political parties in Cyprus. The latest meltdown of institutions and the system in the Turkish Cypriot political was also discussed.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Epi...2022-05-1441 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 38: Turkey firms its grip on Turkish Cypriot politics (3/5/2022)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss how Turkey is firming its grip in the Turkish Cypriot politics as the right-wing coalition of UBP leader Dr Faiz Sucuoğlu collapses yet again due to his apparent fall-out with cabinet members supported by Turkey's AKP leadership. True, this is not the first time Turkey is interfering in the Turkish Cypriot politics but the extend in which Turkey's AKP leadership is involved in deciding the cabinet names is rather new. In the Greek Cypriot politics, opposition AKEL is still trying to decide on its candidate as th...2022-05-0236 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 38: Turkey firms its grip on Turkish Cypriot politics (3/5/2022)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss how Turkey is firming its grip in the Turkish Cypriot politics as the right-wing coalition of UBP leader Dr Faiz Sucuoğlu collapses yet again due to his apparent fall-out with cabinet members supported by Turkey’s AKP leadership. True, this is not the first […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 38: Turkey firms its grip on Turkish Cypriot politics (3/5/2022) first appeared on Island Talks.2022-05-0236 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 37: Discussing effectiveness of the UN in Cyprus with Dr.Alexandra Novosseloff (15/4/2022)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı host Dr.Alexandra Novosseloff, the author of the EPON (Effectiveness of Peace Operations Network) report titled "Assessing the Effectiveness of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) and the Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus (OSASG)". What does the report entail? What kind of work does the UN do behind the scenes to prevent crisis to occur? What are the relations between the conflict-prevention and peacemaking in the Cypriot context? How does the "fear of recognition" affect the work of the UN?
The l...2022-04-1535 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 37: Discussing effectiveness of the UN in Cyprus with Dr.Alexandra Novosseloff (15/4/2022)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı host Dr.Alexandra Novosseloff, the author of the EPON report titled "Assessing the Effectiveness of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) and the Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus (OSASG)". What does the report entail? What kind of work does the UN do behind the scenes to prevent crisis to occur? What are the relations between the conflict-prevention and peacemaking in the Cypriot context? How does the "fear of recognition" affect the work of the UN?
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 37: Discussing eff...2022-04-1535 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 36: War in Ukraine and the lessons for Cypriots (10/3/2022)Difficult times for Ukraine and for the world peace in general! While Russia's attack on Ukraine continues to create a humanitarian tragedy in the heart of Europe, there are lessons for Cypriots who are living in a frozen conflict on the island. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss how the war in Ukraine must teach the Cypriots the need to end their own conflict since they have been living on a powder keg for many decades. Harsh statements by the Russian Ambassador in Nicosia, upon the decision of the Republic of Cyprus to c...2022-03-0833 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 36: War in Ukraine and the lessons for Cypriots (10/3/2022)Difficult times for Ukraine and for the world peace in general! While Russia's attack on Ukraine continues to create a humanitarian tragedy in the heart of Europe, there are lessons for Cypriots who are living in frozen conflict on the island. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discusses how the war in Ukraine must teach the Cypriots the need to end their own conflict since they have been living on a powder keg for many decades. Harsh statements by the Russian Ambassador in Nicosia, upon the decision of the Republic of Cyprus to close i...2022-03-0833 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 35: RoC’s U-turn from sanctions to CBMs (17/2/2022)Since the collapse of the talks in Crans Montana, Anastasiades government has dedicated all its foreign policy capital in isolating Turkey through various diplomatic tools. Apart from a number of regional agreements (which were highlighted with tantamount ceremonies), the Republic of Cyprus has used its EU membership to push, unsuccessfully, for European sanctions against Turkey. […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 35: RoC’s U-turn from sanctions to CBMs (17/2/2022) first appeared on Island Talks.2022-02-1533 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 35: RoC’s U-turn from sanctions to CBMs (17/2/2022)Since the collapse of the talks in Crans Montana, Anastasiades government has dedicated all its foreign policy capital in isolating Turkey through various diplomatic tools. Apart from a number of regional agreements (which were highlighted with tantamount ceremonies), the Republic of Cyprus has used its EU membership to push, unsuccessfully, for European sanctions against Turkey. The Greek Cypriot mainstream media did not hesitate to portray such "glorious diplomatic victories" on their front pages, radio and TV stations were filled with strategic experts praising government's strategic steps in the international arena. It seems that all went down the drain after...2022-02-1533 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 34: Cyprus: The land of pipe dreams (14/1/2022)Cyprus is the land of impossible fantasies. One side thinks that the international community is now ready to accept a “two-state solution” in Cyprus, the other tries to play a global chess-game with a non-feasible, unrealistic “East Med Pipeline Project”, something which was doomed to fail from the beginning. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 34: Cyprus: The land of pipe dreams (14/1/2022) first appeared on Island Talks.2022-01-1434 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 33: TCs hit by currency, RoC’s illusions on EU sanctions collapsed (20/12/2021)The Turkish Cypriot economy is badly hit following the meltdown of the Turkish lira. Being an import oriented economy based on services, economy in the north was already fragile due to the pandemic. The depreciation of the Turkish lira affected northern part of the island even more than Turkey since the slider at the volume […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 33: TCs hit by currency, RoC’s illusions on EU sanctions collapsed (20/12/2021) first appeared on Island Talks.2021-12-1734 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 33: TCs hit by currency, RoC’s illusions on EU sanctions collapsed (20/12/2021)The Turkish Cypriot economy is badly hit following the meltdown of the Turkish lira. Being an import oriented economy based on services, economy in the north was already fragile due to the pandemic. The depreciation of the Turkish lira affected northern part of the island even more than Turkey since the slider at the volume of trade is almost maxed on the import side, whereas the Turkish Cypriot exports are almost non-existent. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı also talk about the EU's Green Line Regulation which regulates the crossing of people, goods and s...2021-12-1734 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 32: Cyprus problem: What do the leaked UN minutes tell us? (3/12/2021)In this special episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss and analyse the content, context and the implications of the leaked UN minutes with the delegations on the last day (6 July 2017) of the Cyprus conference in Crans Montana which ended without any agreement. Also known as "Crash Montana", the failure effectively ended the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, leading to a blame game between the sides since then. The leaked UN minutes, as collected on this episode page - www.islandtalks.fm , demonstrated how the chapter on security and guarantees was the m...2021-12-0137 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 32: Cyprus problem: What do the leaked UN minutes tell us? (3/12/2021)In this special episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss and analyse the content, context and the implications of the leaked UN minutes with the delegations on the last day (6 July 2017) of the Cyprus conference in Crans Montana which ended without any agreement. Also known as "Crash Montana", the failure effectively ended the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem, leading to a blame game between the sides since then. The leaked UN minutes, as collected on this episode page - www.islandtalks.fm , demonstrated how the chapter on security and guarantees was the m...2021-12-0137 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 31: Rivalries in UBP & DISY; Erdoğan’s deteriorating popularity (3/11/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı explore the reconciliation initiatives in Cyprus - Home for Cooperation, Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage in Cyprus, Cyprus Dialogue Forum, Famagusta Avenue Garage and The Base by Cyprusinno are few to name. In the local politics, Turkish Cypriot right wing UBP party had a leadership race, electing Dr.Faiz Sucuoğlu as the new leader of the party and the new PM until the early elections which is expected to take place in early 2022. 2023 presidential elections of RoC enhanced the rivalries within the Greek Cypriot right wing DISY pa...2021-11-0238 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 31: Rivalries in UBP & DISY; Erdoğan’s deteriorating popularity (3/11/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı explore the reconciliation initiatives in Cyprus - Home for Cooperation, Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage in Cyprus, Cyprus Dialogue Forum, Famagusta Avenue Garage and The Base by Cyprusinno are few to name. In the local politics, Turkish Cypriot right wing UBP party had a leadership race, electing Dr.Faiz Sucuoğlu as the new leader of the party and the new PM until the early elections which is expected to take place in early 2022. 2023 presidential elections of RoC enhanced the rivalries within the Greek Cypriot right wing DISY pa...2021-11-0238 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 30: More elections, more tensions (14/10/2021)Summer is over and all sides are now focused on upcoming elections on both parts of the divide in Cyprus and in Turkey. Turkish Cypriot minority coalition finally collapsed the day after this episode was recorded. Both Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus have presidential elections in 2023 and the tension around the waters of Cyprus is likely to rise again. Turkey put its diplomatic skills at test on multiple fronts but the prospects for Turkish-American and Turkish-Russian relations do not look very promising. In the meantime, both communities are feeling the economic effects of the pandemic, Turkish Cypriots more...2021-10-1231 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 30: More elections, more tensions (14/10/2021)Summer is over and all sides are now focused on upcoming elections on both parts of the divide in Cyprus and in Turkey. Turkish Cypriot minority coalition finally collapsed the day after this episode was recorded. Both Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus have presidential elections in 2023 and the tension around the waters of […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 30: More elections, more tensions (14/10/2021) first appeared on Island Talks.2021-10-1231 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 29: Back to the 1960 constitutional order? Really? (2/9/2021)Anastasiades invited the Turkish Cypriots back to the 1960 constitutional order as a response to Tatar’s statements in a never-ending tit-for-tat blame game. This caught everybody by surprise, including his own cabinet members. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the latest in Cyprus politics with a particular focus on […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 29: Back to the 1960 constitutional order? Really? (2/9/2021) first appeared on Island Talks.2021-08-3140 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 29: Back to the 1960 constitutional order? Really? (2/9/2021)Anastasiades invited the Turkish Cypriots back to the 1960 constitutional order as a response to Tatar's statements in a never-ending tit-for-tat blame game. This caught everybody by surprise, including his own cabinet members. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the latest in Cyprus politics with a particular focus on the upcoming elections on both sides of the divide.2021-08-3140 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 29: Back to the 1960 constitutional order? Really? (2/9/2021)Anastasiades invited the Turkish Cypriots back to the 1960 constitutional order as a response to Tatar's statements in a never-ending tit-for-tat blame game. This caught everybody by surprise, including his own cabinet members. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the latest in Cyprus politics with a particular focus on the upcoming elections on both sides of the divide.2021-08-3140 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 28: Divided over vaccination registries and what’s going on in Turkey? (14/8/2021)In the heat of August, Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı explain how the Cyprus problem continues to pose problems in all walks of life: This time on the registry of vaccinated Turkish Cypriots and non-recognition of their documentation. To the north of the island, in Turkey, AKP government which has been in power since 2002, faces multiple domestic and international challenges before the presidential election in 2023. Varosha continues to be on the top of the agenda and the top UNFICYP diplomat Elizabeth Speahar will soon say goodbye to Cyprus, since her term on the island is coming t...2021-08-1238 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 28: Divided over vaccination registries and what’s going on in Turkey? (14/8/2021)In the heat of August, Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı explain how the Cyprus problem continues to pose problems in all walks of life: This time on the registry of vaccinated Turkish Cypriots and non-recognition of their documentation. To the north of the island, in Turkey, AKP government which has been in […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 28: Divided over vaccination registries and what’s going on in Turkey? (14/8/2021) first appeared on Island Talks.2021-08-1238 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 27: ‘Two-state solution’ and opening of Varosha? What now? (22/7/2021)On 19-20 July 2021, during his visit in Cyprus, Turkey's President has reiterated their position that they now support a two-state solution for the solution of the Cyprus problem and announced partial opening of Varosha in violation of the UN Security Council resolutions. A wave of international reactions started to pour in. In this episode Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı analyse the latest developments, Erdoğan's visit and positions of the parties from a broader angle. 2021-07-2042 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 27: ‘Two-state solution’ and opening of Varosha? What now? (22/7/2021)On 19-20 July 2021, during his visit in Cyprus, Turkey’s President has reiterated their position that they now support a two-state solution for the solution of the Cyprus problem and announced partial opening of Varosha in violation of the UN Security Council resolutions. A wave of international reactions started to pour in. In this episode […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 27: ‘Two-state solution’ and opening of Varosha? What now? (22/7/2021) first appeared on Island Talks.2021-07-2042 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 26: Analysing Turkey’s motives and the Greek Cypriot response (5/7/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut; Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the internal and external political motives of Turkey when it comes to the Cyprus problem on the eve of Turkish President Erdoğan's visit to Varosha. They also elaborated on the rather ineffective response of the Greek Cypriot leadership to the developments; how Turkish Cypriots are now by-passed with the new Turkish Cypriot leadership and failing Turkish Cypriot minority coalition. 2021-07-0330 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 26: Analysing Turkey’s motives and the Greek Cypriot response (5/7/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut; Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the internal and external political motives of Turkey when it comes to the Cyprus problem on the eve of Turkish President Erdoğan's visit to Varosha. They also elaborated on the rather ineffective response of the Greek Cypriot leadership to the developments; how Turkish Cypriots are now by-passed with the new Turkish Cypriot leadership and failing Turkish Cypriot minority coalition.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 26: Analysing Turkey’s motives and the Greek Cypriot response (5/7/2021) first appeared on Island Talks.2021-07-0330 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 25: Election special episode (1/6/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı analyse the outcome of Republic of Cyprus parliamentary election result. A total of 366,608 out of 557,836 registered voters or 65.72% have voted. The abstention amounted to 191,228 votes or 34.28%. The parties that entered 56 seated parliament are Democratic Rally (DISY) 27.77% - 17 seats; Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) 22.34% - 15 seats, Democratic Party (DIKO) 11.29% - 9 seats, National Popular Front (ELAM) 6.78% - 4 seats; Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK) 6.72% - 4 seats; Democratic Front (DIPA) 6.10% - 4 seats; and Cyprus Green Party 4.41% - 3 seats.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 25: Election special episode (1/6/2021) first appeared on Isl...2021-05-3136 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 25: Election special episode (1/6/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı analyse the outcome of Republic of Cyprus parliamentary election result.
A total of 366,608 out of 557,836 registered voters or 65.72% have voted. The abstention amounted to 191,228 votes or 34.28%.
The parties that entered 56 seated parliament are Democratic Rally (DISY) 27.77% - 17 seats; Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) 22.34% - 15 seats, Democratic Party (DIKO) 11.29% - 9 seats, National Popular Front (ELAM) 6.78% - 4 seats; Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK) 6.72% - 4 seats; Democratic Front (DIPA) 6.10% - 4 seats; and Cyprus Green Party 4.41% - 3 seats.2021-05-3136 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 25: Election special episode (1/6/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı analyse the outcome of Republic of Cyprus parliamentary election result.
A total of 366,608 out of 557,836 registered voters or 65.72% have voted. The abstention amounted to 191,228 votes or 34.28%.
The parties that entered 56 seated parliament are Democratic Rally (DISY) 27.77% - 17 seats; Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL) 22.34% - 15 seats, Democratic Party (DIKO) 11.29% - 9 seats, National Popular Front (ELAM) 6.78% - 4 seats; Movement for Social Democracy (EDEK) 6.72% - 4 seats; Democratic Front (DIPA) 6.10% - 4 seats; and Cyprus Green Party 4.41% - 3 seats.2021-05-3136 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 24: Responding to our listeners’ feedback (15/5/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı respond to the feedback they have received to their recent episodes. The questions and feedback include the relations between corruption and division; role of the United Nations and the European Union in the Cyprus peace process; and what they needed to do in order to contribute to the peace process more positively.
On the lighter side, it is the Bayram episode, so Kemal talks about his favourite Cypriot Bayram desert: Tel kadeyifi
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 24: Responding to our listeners’ feedback (15/5/2021) first appeared on Is...2021-05-1426 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 24: Responding to our listeners’ feedback (15/5/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı respond to the feedback they have received to their recent episodes. The questions and feedback include the relations between corruption and division; role of the United Nations and the European Union in the Cyprus peace process; and what they needed to do in order to contribute to the peace process more positively.
On the lighter side, it is the Bayram episode, so Kemal talks about his favourite Cypriot Bayram desert: Tel kadeyifi
2021-05-1426 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 24: Responding to our listeners’ feedback (15/5/2021)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı respond to the feedback they have received to their recent episodes. The questions and feedback include the relations between corruption and division; role of the United Nations and the European Union in the Cyprus peace process; and what they needed to do in order to contribute to the peace process more positively.
On the lighter side, it is the Bayram episode, so Kemal talks about his favourite Cypriot Bayram desert: Tel kadeyifi
2021-05-1426 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 23: Discussing the 5+1 Geneva failure and next day scenarios for Cyprus (3/5/2021)Informal 5+1 conference on Cyprus, with the participation of two Cypriot sides and three guarantor powers as well as the UN, ended with failure at the UN headquarters in Geneva. Positions of the sides were not bridgeable and the UN Secretary General announced his intention to gather sides once more for another informal summit. Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı provides a critical analysis of the process and try to answer the quetion: "What's next?"
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 23: Discussing the 5+1 Geneva failure and next day scenarios for Cyprus (3/5/2021) first appeared on Island Talks.2021-05-0237 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 23: Discussing the 5+1 Geneva failure and next day scenarios for Cyprus (3/5/2021)Informal 5+1 conference on Cyprus, with the participation of two Cypriot sides and three guarantor powers as well as the UN, ended with failure at the UN headquarters in Geneva. Positions of the sides were not bridgeable and the UN Secretary General announced his intention to gather sides once more for another informal summit. Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı provide a critical analysis of the process and try to answer the question: "What's next?"2021-05-0237 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 22: Discussing CYprob, global politics with our special guest: Retired Ambassador Selim Kuneralp (23/4/2021)In this episode we have had a special guest. Retired Ambassador Selim Kuneralp served in the Turkish foreign ministry for more than 40 years at various high-level positions and in this episode he answered our questions regarding the latest developments in the Cyprus problem, regional & global politics and shared his personal assessments on the relevant topics.
It was a real pleasure to host such a refined diplomat in our podcast and we feel obligated to remind our listeners that, needless to say, Mr.Kuneralp addressed our discussion topics on his personal behalf, and not on behalf of any...2021-04-2243 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 21: Special guest – Dr.Sertaç Sonan on their survey on political culture in northern Cyprus (6/4/2021)Today’s episode is special as Nicosia Uncut produers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı are hosting Dr. Sertaç Sonan, one of the academics behind a survey titled: “Politics and Society in North Cyprus” and published by Friedrich Ebert Foundation. The report focused on the differences and similarities between native Turkish Cypriots and Turkish immigrants who came […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 21: Special guest – Dr.Sertaç Sonan on their survey on political culture in northern Cyprus (6/4/2021) first appeared on Island Talks.2021-04-0235 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 21: Special guest – Dr.Sertaç Sonan on their survey on political culture in northern Cyprus (6/4/2021)Today's episode is special as Nicosia Uncut produers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı are hosting Dr. Sertaç Sonan, one of the academics behind a survey titled: “Politics and Society in North Cyprus” and published by Friedrich Ebert Foundation. The report focused on the differences and similarities between native Turkish Cypriots and Turkish immigrants who came to the island after 1974, on issues such as identity perception, attitudes towards religion, democratic values, relations with Turkey and the Cyprus problem. Particularly the findings on tendencies towards a federal solution, unitary state and annexation sparked a wide range of reactions in both communities. Click...2021-04-0235 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 20: EU Council conclusions, US-TR relations, carrots & sticks (27/3/2021)Podcasting from both sides of the divide in Nicosia-Cyprus, Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı are producing the popular politics podcast - Nicosia Uncut. In this episode, they discuss the conclusions of the latest EU Council meeting and provide a background in the global and regional framework with a particular focus on Turkey. While the new US Administration is trying to restore the American foreign policy around containing Russia, Turkish-American relations are likely to face various tests including the one in the East Med. Europeans are still lacking a coherent and unified foreign policy, a gap that might be filled by p...2021-03-2627 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 20: EU Council conclusions, US-TR relations, carrots & sticks (27/3/2021)Podcasting from both sides of the divide in Nicosia-Cyprus, Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı are producing the popular politics podcast - Nicosia Uncut. In this episode, they discuss the conclusions of the latest EU Council meeting and provide a background in the global and regional framework with a particular focus on Turkey. While the new US Administration is trying to restore the American foreign policy around containing Russia, Turkish-American relations are likely to face various tests including the one in the East Med. Europeans are still lacking a coherent and unified foreign policy, a gap that might be filled by p...2021-03-2627 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 20: EU Council conclusions, US-TR relations, carrots & sticks (27/3/2021)Podcasting from both sides of the divide in Nicosia-Cyprus, Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı are producing the popular politics podcast - Nicosia Uncut. In this episode, they discuss the conclusions of the latest EU Council meeting and provide a background in the global and regional politics. While the new US Administration is trying to restore the American foreign policy around containing Russia, Turkish-American relations are likely to face various tests including the one in the East Med. Europeans are still lacking a coherent and unified foreign policy, a gap that might be filled by post-Trump USA. Cyprus, however, is still a...2021-03-2627 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 19: Internationals lead the way in CYprob amidst protests in domestic politics (11/3/2021)In this slightly extended and longer version of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı explain how the internationals are now in the driving seat of the Cyprus solution process. Strategic power games in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as corruption scandals, mass protests, mismanagement and decreasing legitimacy of administrations on both sides of the divide are unfolding in parallel with the attempts to put the Cyprus solution process back on its track with the upcoming 5+1 conference that will take place in Geneva between 27-29 April 2021.
In the meantime, #UniteCyprusNow produced 10 suggestions for the virus cooperation and t...2021-03-1038 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 19: Internationals lead the way in CYprob amidst protests in domestic politics (11/3/2021)In this slightly extended and longer version of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı explain how the internationals are now in the driving seat of the Cyprus solution process. Strategic power games in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as corruption scandals, mass protests, mismanagement and decreasing legitimacy of administrations on both sides of the divide are unfolding in parallel with the attempts to put the Cyprus solution process back on its track with the upcoming 5+1 conference that will take place in Geneva between 27-29 April 2021.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 19: Internationals lead the way in CYprob ami...2021-03-1038 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 18: Could constructive ambiguity save or ruin the day? (9/2/2021)Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss Cyprus problem ahead of the informal 5+1 conference: expected strategy, basic assumptions, diplomatic leaks, involvement of the internationals, and how corruption is affecting the course of the peace process in Cyprus. Before 2004, the Cyprus solution process was mainly driven by the international community. Following the rejection of the […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 18: Could constructive ambiguity save or ruin the day? (9/2/2021) first appeared on Island Talks.2021-02-0830 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 18: Could constructive ambiguity save or ruin the day? (9/2/2021)Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss Cyprus problem ahead of the informal 5+1 conference: expected strategy, basic assumptions, diplomatic leaks, involvement of the internationals, and how corruption is affecting the course of the peace process in Cyprus.
Before 2004, the Cyprus solution process was mainly driven by the international community. Following the rejection of the Annan Plan, so-called "Cypriot-led process" was the name the game. Failure in Crans Montana effectively ended this period. Now, the international community and non-Cypriot actors are once more the main actors in the solution process. In order to converge positions, "constructive ambiguity" is employed a...2021-02-0830 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 17: Fed up with the CYprob yet? (12/1/2021)The first episode of 2021. Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı talk about their favorite topic: The Cyprus problem!.What is the UN's strategy to revitalize the solution process? What should we expect from the informal 5+1 conference which is expected to take place soon? How should we read the latest Cyprus report of the UN Secretary General to the UN Security Council? Which are the elephants in the room? Will Turkey's new foreign policy attempts work? Latest statements from Greek Cypriot politicians, party feuds in the Turkish Cypriot politics. All in this episode of Nicosia Uncut.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Epi...2021-01-1129 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 17: Fed up with the CYprob yet? (12/1/2021)The first episode of 2021. Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı talk about their favorite topic: The Cyprus problem! What is the UN's strategy to revitalize the solution process? What should we expect from the informal 5+1 conference which is expected to take place soon? How should we read the latest Cyprus report of the UN Secretary General to the UN Security Council? Which are the elephants in the room? Will Turkey's new foreign policy attempts work? Latest statements from Greek Cypriot politicians, party feuds in the Turkish Cypriot politics. All in this episode of Nicosia Uncut.2021-01-1129 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 17: Fed up with the CYprob yet? (12/1/2021)The first episode of 2021. Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı talk about their favorite topic: The Cyprus problem! What is the UN's strategy to revitalize the solution process? What should we expect from the informal 5+1 conference which is expected to take place soon? How should we read the latest Cyprus report of the UN Secretary General to the UN Security Council? Which are the elephants in the room? Will Turkey's new foreign policy attempts work? Latest statements from Greek Cypriot politicians, party feuds in the Turkish Cypriot politics. All in this episode of Nicosia Uncut.2021-01-1129 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 16: A sneak preview to 2021 through Cypriot lens (26/12/2020)In this last episode of 2020, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss what 2021 is likely to bring under four themes: Cyprus problem, local politics, normalization (pandemic, crossings, economy) and regional&global international politics. Nicosia Uncut continue to provide an insight from an independent Cypriot perspective free from official narratives.
00:00 Introduction
02:17 Cyprus problem
06:55 Local Cyprus politics on both sides of the divide
17:35 Normalization (pandemic)
20:00 Normalization (crossings)
22:40 Normalization (economy)
25:10 Regional and global international politics2020-12-2534 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 16: A sneak preview to 2021 through Cypriot lens (26/12/2020)In this last episode of 2020, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss what 2021 is likely to bring under four themes: Cyprus problem, local politics, normalization (pandemic, crossings, economy) and regional&global international politics. Nicosia Uncut continue to provide an insight from an independent Cypriot perspective free from official narratives.
00:00 Introduction
02:17 Cyprus problem
06:55 Local Cyprus politics on both sides of the divide
17:35 Normalization (pandemic)
20:00 Normalization (crossings)
22:40 Normalization (economy)
25:10 Regional and global international politics2020-12-2534 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 16: A sneak preview to 2021 through Cypriot lens (26/12/2020)In this last episode of 2020, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss what 2021 is likely to bring under four themes: Cyprus problem, local politics, normalization (pandemic, crossings, economy) and regional&global international politics. Nicosia Uncut continue to provide an insight from an independent Cypriot perspective free from official narratives.
00:00 Introduction
02:17 Cyprus problem
06:55 Local Cyprus politics on both sides of the divide
17:35 Normalization (pandemic)
20:00 Normalization (crossings)
22:40 Normalization (economy)
25:10 Regional and global international politics
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 16: A sneak preview to 2021 through Cypriot lens (26/12/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-12-2534 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 15: Conservative agendas on both sides of the divide…and abroad (19/12/2020)Governing party right-wing DISY flirts with ultra right ELAM but the budget was rejected in the parliament. A fragile minority coalition on the other side of the divide. Turkey and Turkish Cypriots are now back to singing the old two-state solution tune, while UN official Lute is visiting capitals for a possible informal five-party conference. 2020 is almost over and this episode does not portray a rosy picture. #Cyprus
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 15: Conservative agendas on both sides of the divide…and abroad (19/12/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-12-1821 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 14: Politics as usual before the EU summit (9/12/2020)Tension grows before the EU summit where possible sanctions against Turkey are on the agenda. Stormy waters in domestic politics on both sides of the divide. Despite all, the Turkish Cypriot youth continue to be a glimmer of hope for peace in Cyprus. Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the latest local and international developments affecting the divided island of Cyprus.
00:00 Introduction
01:15 EU Council and decisions about Turkey
13:15 Latest in the Greek Cypriot politics
17:20 Latest in the Turkish Cypriot politics
21:30 Turkish Cypriot youth marching for peace #BarışÇünkü2020-12-0827 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 14: Politics as usual before the EU summit (9/12/2020)Tension grows before the EU summit where possible sanctions against Turkey is on the agenda. Stormy waters in domestic politics on both sides of the divide. Despite all, the Turkish Cypriot youth continue to be a glimmer of hope for peace in Cyprus. Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı discuss the latest local and international developments affecting the divided island of Cyprus.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 14: Politics as usual before the EU summit (9/12/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-12-0827 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 13: “No picnic over pain”, Turkish Cypriots protested (18/112020)Turkish Cypriots marched again! This time against the picnic in Varosha..and Turkey's intervention in their affairs. On the other side of the divide, Covid measures created resentment.
In a parallel universe, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli, producers of Nicosia Uncut and peace activists at #UniteCyprusNow were hosted by bilingual Μαζί/Birlikte program at CyBC/PIK. You can watch the show here: https://youtu.be/SyKtXWo4bCA
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 13: “No picnic over pain”, Turkish Cypriots protested (18/112020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-11-1725 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 12: Cypriots are marching on both sides of the divide (9/11/2020)"Isn't it amazing that you are marching against the corruption and we are marching against Turkey's intervention into Turkish Cypriot politics, in fact, the Cyprus problem is the source of all.."
Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı continue to bring you the latest update from the divided capital, providing you a Cypriot perspective from the island of Cypriots.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 12: Cypriots are marching on both sides of the divide (9/11/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-11-0824 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 12: Cypriots are marching on both sides of the divide (9/11/2020)"Isn't it amazing that you are marching against the corruption and we are marching against Turkey's intervention into Turkish Cypriot politics, in fact, the Cyprus problem is the source of all.."
Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı continue to bring you the latest update from the divided capital, providing you a Cypriot perspective from the island of Cypriots.
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Should we expect a new policy towards Cyprus after the US elections?
04:55 Biggest right-wing TC political party could not choose a leader
14:20 Turkish Cypriots are organizing a protest, what do they w...2020-11-0824 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 11: Turkish Cypriots have decided: Evaluating the results in 30 mins (21/10/2020)Right wing nationalist UBP's Ersin Tatar finished the race as winner with 51.7% against 48.3% after a difficult and polarized second round. Pro-federal solution and outgoing leader Mustafa Akinci lost his seat and announced ending his political career after Turkey's open and direct involvement in favour of winning Tatar. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Kemal Baykallı and Andromachi Sophocleous provide a detailed analysis on the reasons of Tatar's win and the immediate outcomes of this election.
00.00 Introduction and presentation of results
01.43 Presenting the candidates' positions
Five reasons why Akinci lost and Tatar won
02:51 Reason 1: Failure o...2020-10-2031 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 11: Turkish Cypriots have decided: Evaluating the results in 30 mins (21/10/2020)Right wing nationalist UBP's Ersin Tatar finished the race as winner with 51.7% against 48.3% after a difficult and polarized second round. Pro-federal solution and outgoing leader Mustafa Akinci lost his seat and announced ending his political career after Turkey's open and direct involvement in favour of winning Tatar. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Kemal Baykallı and Andromachi Sophocleous provide a detailed analysis on the reasons of Tatar's win and the immediate outcomes of this election.
00.00 Introduction and presentation of results
01.43 Presenting the candidates' positions
Five reasons why Akinci lost and Tatar won
2020-10-2031 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 10: Two Cypriots discussing Varosha and the elections (10/10/2020)It was a very emotional day for many Cypriots, particularly for Famagustians. Allowing access to the coastal part of fenced town Varosha opened old wounds and created mixed reactions. This was done right before the elections in the north. The development further stirred the elections atmosphere which had already been tense due to the interference […]
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 10: Two Cypriots discussing Varosha and the elections (10/10/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-10-0927 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 10: Two Cypriots discussing Varosha and the elections (10/10/2020)It was a very emotional day for many Cypriots, particularly for Famagustians. Allowing access to the coastal part of fenced town Varosha opened old wounds and created mixed reactions. This was done right before the elections in the north. The development further stirred the elections atmosphere which had already been tense due to the interference of Turkey on behalf of one of the candidates. Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı share their opinions and observations and convey reflections from both communities.
00.00 Varosha
20.15 Elections2020-10-0927 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 9: Discussing peacebuilding through the CMP with Dr. Nasia Hadjigeorgiou (9/10/2020)This week we have a special guest. Dr.Nasia Hadjigeorgiou has carried out an extensive research on the work of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus and discuss with us her findings and observations regarding the work of the committee and what needs to be done to finally heal an open wound.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 9: Discussing peacebuilding through the CMP with Dr. Nasia Hadjigeorgiou (9/10/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-10-0729 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 8: Behind the headlines: EU summit and the elections (5/10/2020)Podcast from the divided capital of Cyprus. In this episode, Andromachi Sophocleous provides an insight on the latest EU Council Meeting, expectations of the Republic of Cyprus, use of veto to block sanctions against Belarus, reference of the resumption of Cyprus problem talks and how whole saga was reflected on the Greek Cypriot press. First round of elections will take place on the 11th of October in the north, Kemal Baykallı discusses the campaigns, leading candidates, main issues and the role of Turkey in the elections. Listen it from the locals!
00.00 Introduction
01.40 What was Republic of Cyprus' s...2020-10-0431 minIsland TalksNicosia Uncut – Episode 8: Behind the headlines: EU summit and the elections (5/10/2020)Podcast from the divided capital of Cyprus. In this episode, Andromachi Sophocleous provides an insight on the latest EU Council Meeting, expectations of the Republic of Cyprus, use of veto to block sanctions against Belarus, reference of the resumption of Cyprus problem talks and how whole saga was reflected on the Greek Cypriot press. First round of elections will take place on the 11th of October in the north, Kemal Baykallı discusses the campaigns, leading candidates, main issues and the role of Turkey in the elections. Listen it from the locals!
2020-10-0431 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 7: What a mess! (12/9/2020)What a mess! Cyprus found itself it the heart of a diplomatic mess in the area of international relations, multiple interests are at stake. Turkish Cypriots experienced panic with the rise of number of new Covid-19 cases eventually cancelling all commercial flights. And how will this affect the elections? Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli are trying to make sense in the middle of a chaotic mess!
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 7: What a mess! (12/9/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-09-1124 min
Island TalksNicosia Uncut – Epiosode 6: Discussing politics in the heat of summer: East Med, elections, Varosha (22/8/2020)Despite all odds, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı continue to discuss the recent political developments from Cyprus. Turkish-Greek relations, tension in Eastern Mediterranean, elections in north and Varosha. Can buffer-zone buffer the heat? And the best place to swim on the East.
00.00 - Intro and Covid-19 update from both sides
03.35 - Turkish-Greek confrontation and developments in East Med
08.25 - Why Cyprus is sidelined and Cyprob is now part of a bigger deal
14.15 - Turkey's power game in Varosha
19.40 - Latest on the Turkish Cypriot elections 2020-08-2124 minNicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Epiosode 6: Discussing politics in the heat of summer: East Med, elections, Varosha (22/8/2020)Despite all odds, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı continue to discuss the recent political developments from Cyprus. Turkish-Greek relations, tension in Eastern Mediterranean, elections in north and Varosha. Can buffer zone buffer the heat? And the best place to swim on the East.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Epiosode 6: Discussing politics in the heat of summer: East Med, elections, Varosha (22/8/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-08-2124 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 5: Is Cyprus being sidelined? (31/7/2020)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli discuss about bayram celebrations in old Cyprus, interesting developments in elections on both parts of the divide and get into the details regarding the latest attempts of de-escalation of crisis in Greco-Turkish relations. Is Cyprus being sidelined?
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 5: Is Cyprus being sidelined? (31/7/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-07-3132 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 4: Questions to EU/ambassadors on Borrell’s visit & news for you: No, the crossings are not open & critical thinking is not for our students (3/7/2020)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli discuss EU Foreign Affairs Minister Josep Borrel's visit to Cyprus and how he had to call Akinci to fix the sour taste after his departure. How could he make this mistake? Had he not been informed properly? Also, in theory, crossings points are open but no, in reality they are not. As a demonstration of the conservative nature of the society, a high school girl was targeted by institutions for her article on school gazette. Maybe we should also start writing in school publications?
The post...2020-07-0329 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 3: The paradox of Cyprus: Criticising racism internationally, but being xenophobic locally (5/6/2020)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli discuss the mainstream xenophobic rhetoric in Cyprus within the framework of global movements against extremism.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 3: The paradox of Cyprus: Criticising racism internationally, but being xenophobic locally (5/6/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-06-0524 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 2: The black hole of Cyprus, lira’s downfall and curse of hydrocarbons (13/5/2020)In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli share their views on perceptions on the island, the Turkish Cypriot economy and the energy sector with a view to the future.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 2: The black hole of Cyprus, lira’s downfall and curse of hydrocarbons (13/5/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-05-1323 min
Nicosia UncutNicosia Uncut – Episode 1: Cold, hard truth from the divided capital (21/2/2020)In this first episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andeomachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli explain the motivation for this podcast and evaluate the developments on both sides of the divide with a particular emphasis on Varosha and Turkish Cypriot elections.
The post Nicosia Uncut – Episode 1: Cold, hard truth from the divided capital (21/2/2020) first appeared on Island Talks.2020-02-2132 min