Nicosia Uncut

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 65: Will negotiations resume in 2026? (Part 2) (23/12/2025)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:06:42 +0000

In the last month of 2025, Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli produced two consecutive and special episodes. Recorded a few days after the first part, the second part focuses on the outcome of the first meeting of leaders with the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar. What are the positions of sides when it comes to resuming the negotations? Are we going to see new confidence building measures being implemented? How does the international developments impact the talks? Should we expect to see any progress during Cyprus’ EU Presidency? What role the international community […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 64: What does the election of Tufan Erhürman mean? (Part 1) (9/12/2025)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 15:54:10 +0000

In the last month of 2025, Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli produced two consecutive and special episodes. The first episode focused on the election of Tufan Erhürman in the first round with 63% vote as well as the internal and external dynamics leading to the replacement of previous Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar. What role the Turkish government played in the Turkish Cypriot elections? How did the voters respond? Does 63% mean Turkish Cypriots overwhelmingly endorsed a federal agenda? Will Turkey agree to the resumption of talks? How is Erhürman being regarded in the Greek Cypriot community? […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 63: One week before the critical Turkish Cypriot election: What to expect? (13/10/2025)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:10:42 +0000

The Turkish Cypriots will go to the ballots to elect a Turkish Cypriot leader on 19 October 2025. The main contenders are the incumbent Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, who has been adovcating a two-state solution for the solution of the Cyprus problem and Tufan Erhürman, leader of the opposition, who advocates returning to the talks for a bicommunal, bizonal, federation based on political equality. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli discuss the campaigns, positions and talking points of this election as well as possible outcomes locally and internationally. Are the Greek Cypriots ready for […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 62: UNSG Special Representative Colin Stewart answered your questions (7/8/2025)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 13:19:27 +0000

In this special episode of Nicosia Uncut, UN Secretary General’s outgoing Special Representative and Head of UNFICYP Colin Stewart responded questions by Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli, as well by the podcast audience. Is UN part of the status-quo in Cyprus? What is his assessment for the future? Do we need to revise the job-description of the UN in Cyprus? What is his biggest legacy? Is UN biased? His views about civil society in Cyprus? Should we set up citizens’ assemblies? What about the international players? A future where opposing politicians are working together under the same roof? What is […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 61: The Divided Island - "The generational trauma is real and profound" (16/7/2025)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:02:04 +0000

On the 51st anniversary of 1974 events, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli host Cey Sesigüzel and Andreas Tokkallos, co-producers of "The Divided Island" documentary at Nicosia Uncut podcast. These two British-Cypriot filmmakers of Two Fresh Productions are hailing from both communities and they featured real stories of Cypriots from various generations. The work is a striking contrast to the official narratives and propaganda of sides and provides humanitarian stories from the past in the first part, and a vision for the future in the second. The documentary that won the Best Documentary Feature at South London Film Festival, features James Ker-Lindsay, Andrekos Varnava, Sylvia Zacharia, Yaşar Ismailoǧlu, Tom Fortis-Mayer, Christina Pavlou, Suleyman Camgoz, Nick Yiannoullou, Sevgül Uludaǧ, Serife Gül, Ipek Özerim, and Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli. It can be watched at: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thedividedisland

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 60: Special guest Nilgün Arısan Eralp - Will Turkey and Greece finally solve their differences ? (10/7/2025)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:02:33 +0000

In this epsiode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı host Nilgün Arısan Eralp, Director of European Union Institute of TEPAV, a leading policy and research centre in Türkiye. Latest state of affairs in Turkish-Greek political dialogue; how will this affect the Cyprus problem? Is it possible to talk about repositioning of the EU towards Turkey? Should we expect Turkey to play an upgraded role in a possible new defence architecture in Europe? Is the EU turning a blind eye to the democratic backsliding in Turkey? What is Turkey's vision towards Cyprus? Is Israel against a power-sharing mechanism in Cyprus? What should we expect from the upcoming Turkish Cypriot elections?

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 59: Geneva done. What's now for Cyprus and where is the EU in this? (25/3/2025)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:48:59 +0000

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, and what's next for Cyprus!

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 58: Cyprus problem in Geneva again: What should we expect? (22/2/2025)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 13:56:45 +0000

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. What should we expect from this meeting? What are the local, regional and international dynamics leading to this meeting. What is the UN’s roadmap? What about the EU? How will the Greco-Turkish relations affect the talks? Is the Cypriot political elite ready for a possible […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 57: InPeace project elaborates on the bicommunal technical committees in Cyprus (20/1/2025)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:09:27 +0000

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 technical committees. In 2008, six bicommunal Technical Committees were established by the Greek Cypriot (GC) and Turkish Cypriot (TC) community leaders to ‘address issues that affect the day-to-day life of people, through encouraging and facilitating greater interaction and understanding between the two communities’; since […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 56: Multiparty meeting: each side sees it differently (18/11/2024)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 09:11:08 +0000

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 four-party meeting rather than five. The sides have also committed to work on opening new crossing points. So the upcoming multi-party meeting is being regarded differently by the sides. While the Greek/Greek Cypriot side declares that they are interested in resuming talks on bi-communal, bi-zonal […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 55: A dinner, but hardly a date (7/10/2024)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:48:12 +0000

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 supported by the Turkish government, the Greek Cypriot side has been consistent expressing their commirment to a bicommunal, bizonal federation as stipulated by the numerous UN resoutions. The negative developments in the Middle East is regarded as a distracting factor for the attempts to put […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 54: July is the month of Cyprob (1/7/2024)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:54:53 +0000

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 measure maybe? In the meantime, the UN bureaucracts and diplomats involved in the Cyprus problem are busy putting the last marks on the UN Secretary General’s reports, for good offices and the UNFICYP, to the Security Council. Regional politics, NATO prospects for Cyprus, EU Parliament […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 53: Special guest Fiona Mullen: How can we revitalize the solution process ? (6/3/2023)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 13:31:29 +0000

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 done to revitalize the Cyprus peace process, the challenges of new envoy Maria Holguin Cuellar is facing and why the international community needs to get involved to support the process. Fiona suggests that existing structures and parameters of the process have certain challenges which needed […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 52: Million dollar question: What is Holguin's endgame? (1/2/2024)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:49:45 +0000

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 formal talks to start. In this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli question the endgame of this new initiative as there is no sign for the sides to shift their diametrically opposed positions. Supported by Turkey, Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar has […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 51: Is there light at the end of the tunnel? (10/12/2023)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 11:20:03 +0000

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 year is ending with new developments, so they can’t help but ask if there is light at the end of the tunnel for Cyprus.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 50: Frozen! (14/11/2023)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:50:48 +0000

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 this episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli discuss the lessons we should be getting from the latest crisis in Israel/Palestine; the failure of collective security mechanisms of international community and the erosion of international principles with the recent developments. What can we […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 49: Status-quo in Cyprus is an illusion (21/8/2023)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:06:23 +0000

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 […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 48: Drowning in elections - CyProb anyone? (31/5/2023)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Wed, 31 May 2023 09:59:34 +0000

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 […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 47: Age of apolitical & discussion on unilateral CBMs in CY (30/4/2023)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 21:01:38 +0000

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 […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 46: Turkish opposition chooses the candidate to challenge Erdoğan (19/3/2023)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 08:38:39 +0000

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 […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 45: Nikos Christodoulides is the new president of RoC. What now? (17/2/2023)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 13:06:15 +0000

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 […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 44: 2023 - the year of elections! (26/1/2023)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:30:23 +0000

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 […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 43: Sleepwalking towards destruction - civil society is resisting (17/11/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 10:10:57 +0000

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 […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 42: Presidential race with no politics (3/10/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 09:27:01 +0000

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 Cypriot political life and this creates further reactions among the opposition circles.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 41: Battle over the records of failed talks (14/8/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sun, 14 Aug 2022 06:58:50 +0000

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 mainstream media organ is acting like a mouthpiece and a shield instead of carrying out their journalistic duties. While the battle over the records of failed talks is far from over, no presidential candidate seem to offer a realistic strategy on how to resume the talks to solve the Cyprus problem. On the other side of the divide Tatar is under fire, once more, for attending the ceremony of the fifth Islamic Games, taking place in Turkey, while the Turkish Cypriot athletes were not allowed to compete.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 40: Presidential race gearing up; yet another UN representative under attack (26/7/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 14:22:15 +0000

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 triggered attacks on Colin Stewart, UN chief in Cyprus, by pro-government media. Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli discuss the political developments on both sides of the divide on the island.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 39: RoC elections - three candidates of the establishment (16/5/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 16 May 2022 07:56:07 +0000

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.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 38: Turkey firms its grip on Turkish Cypriot politics (3/5/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:07:14 +0000

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 […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 37: Discussing effectiveness of the UN in Cyprus with Dr.Alexandra Novosseloff (15/4/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 10:03:20 +0000

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?

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 36: War in Ukraine and the lessons for Cypriots (10/3/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 14:17:56 +0000

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 its airspace as this is also a common decision of the EU, created a resentment among various circles. Anastasiades government, however, is trying to go below the radar instead of taking a determined position against the Russian invasion.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 35: RoC's U-turn from sanctions to CBMs (17/2/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:21:59 +0000

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. […]

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 34: Cyprus: The land of pipe dreams (14/1/2022)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 14:06:00 +0000

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, Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykalli discuss how the East Med Pipeline Project has falsely been promoted as a diplomatic success story for the internal consumption by the Greek Cypriot politicians. In the local scene, we have the elections mood in the air: The Turkish Cypriots will go to the ballots on 23 January 2022 to choose their representatives, while the the Republic of Cyprus Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides has quit his post, another sign that he will be running in the presidential campaign that will take place early 2023. Highlight of the week was the celebrations by the supporters of the new UBP leader, Dr. Faiz Sucuoğlu, for finally getting that appointment from the Turkish President, R. T. Erdoğan!

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 33: TCs hit by currency, RoC's illusions on EU sanctions collapsed (20/12/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:53:00 +0000

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 services across the division line and the EU-aid to the Turkish Cypriots. Long queues at the crossing points continue and sides fail to develop effective remedies to allow easy crossing across the line. In the meantime, RoC’s unrealistic expectations to implement EU sanctions on Turkey collapsed in Brussels.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 32: Cyprus problem: What do the leaked UN minutes tell us? (3/12/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 23:16:54 +0000

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 main source of disagreement in an environment heavily fortified with mistrust. The leaked documents also shed some light on the role of the UN and the EU in the latest talks.

Minutes of the meeting with the TR delegation 1
Minutes of the meeting with the TR delegation 2
Minutes of the meeting with the EU delegation 1
Minutes of the meeting with the EU delegation 2
Minutes of the meeting with the GR delegation 1
Minutes of the meeting with the GR delegation 2
Minutes of the meeting with the GC delegation 1
Minutes of the meeting with the GC delegation 2
Minutes of the meeting with the GC delegation 3
Last dinner minutes 1
Last dinner minutes 2
Last dinner minutes 3
Last dinner minutes 4
Last dinner minutes 5
Last dinner minutes 6
Last dinner minutes 7
Last dinner minutes 8
Implementation mechanism 1
Implementation mechanism 2

Leaked UN minutes with the delegations – 6 July 2017

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 31: Rivalries in UBP & DISY; Erdoğan's deteriorating popularity (3/11/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 16:01:43 +0000

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 party, some independents have already announced that they are running. Last but not least, the West is cautiously waiting for the 2023 elections in Turkey, and it seems that Erdoğan is finally losing steam according to the latest polls.

Home for Cooperation: https://www.home4cooperation.info/

Cyprus Dialogue Forum: https://cydialogue.org/

The Base by Cyprusinno: https://thebasecy.com/

The Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage in Cyprus: http://tcchcyprus.com/

Famagusta Avenue Garage: https://www.facebook.com/famagusta.garage/

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 30: More elections, more tensions (14/10/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 11:10:53 +0000

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, with the Turkish Lira continue to lose value against major currencies. At least, we have got our crossings back, Cypriots can now travel across the Green Line. Nicosia Uncut producers Andromachi Sophocleous and Kemal Baykallı, two Cypriots from both sides of the divide, shed a critical eye on the political developments in and around Cyprus.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 29: Back to the 1960 constitutional order? Really? (2/9/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:55:02 +0000

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.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 28: Divided over vaccination registries and what's going on in Turkey? (14/8/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 08:19:04 +0000

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 to an end.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 27: 'Two-state solution' and opening of Varosha? What now? (22/7/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 03:53:00 +0000

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.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 26: Analysing Turkey's motives and the Greek Cypriot response (5/7/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 05:33:00 +0000

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.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 25: Election special episode (1/6/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 08:05:22 +0000

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.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 24: Responding to our listeners' feedback (15/5/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 15 May 2021 12:44:54 +0000

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

Bayram favourite: Tel kadeyifi

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 23: Discussing the 5+1 Geneva failure and next day scenarios for Cyprus (3/5/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 03 May 2021 13:18:39 +0000

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?”

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 22: Discussing CYprob, global politics with our special guest: Retired Ambassador Selim Kuneralp (23/4/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 10:47:42 +0000

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 country or office he held in the past or present. Nicosia Uncut will continue to host various guests in the future in order to enrich the discussion.

Retired Ambassador Selim Kuneralp

Amb (Ret) Selim Kuneralp joined the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Trainee in November 1973. Served in the United Nations Department of that Ministry until 1976, Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations from 1976 to 1978, Second, later First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations Office in Geneva from 1978 to 1979, First Secretary at the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia (Northern Cyprus) from 1979 to 1981, Head of Section in the Private Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1981 to 1983, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Turkey to the United Nations Office in Geneva from 1983 to 1986, Counsellor in the GATT Secretariat in Geneva from 1986 to 1993, Head of Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1993 to 1995, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Delegate to the European Union from 1995 to 1997, Director-General for the European Union in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1998 to 2000, Ambassador to Sweden from 2000 to 2003, Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (with concurrent accreditation to the DPRK) from 2003 to 2005, Director-General for Policy Planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from January 2006 to January 2007. Deputy Undersecretary for Economic and Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from January 2007 to October 2009. Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Turkey to the European Union from November 2009 to December 2011, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Turkey to the World Trade Organisation (2012-2014)

Chairman of the Energy Charter Conference from April 2010 to December 2013.

Chairman of the WTO Committee on Trade and the Environment (Special Session) (2012-2014)

Chairman of the Working Party on the Accession of Belarus to the WTO (2012-2014)

Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for and Main Committee I of the WIPO Diplomatic Conference on Visually Impaired Persons (Marrakesh, 2013).

Deputy Secretary-General of the Energy Charter from December 2014 to July 2016.

Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur (France) (2011)

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 21: Special guest - Dr.Sertaç Sonan on their survey on political culture in northern Cyprus (6/4/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 20:08:34 +0000

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 here for the full report.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 20: EU Council conclusions, US-TR relations, carrots & sticks (27/3/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 09:32:00 +0000

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 post-Trump USA. Cyprus, however, is still a chip in the bigger game. As the date for the informal 5+1 summit on Cyprus is fast approaching, Nicosia Uncut producers discuss various scenarios for the meeting that will take place between 27-29 April in Geneva.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 19: Internationals lead the way in CYprob amidst protests in domestic politics (11/3/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:44:00 +0000

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 the resumption of crossings across the division line in Cyprus.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 18: Could constructive ambiguity save or ruin the day? (9/2/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 07:23:00 +0000

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 as a tool. Will this save the day or are we about to find ourselves before yet another train crash? What was the EU’s failure last summer, particularly during Borrell’s visit? How did we react to that in our 4th episode which was aired on 3/7/2020? (Here is the link to our fourth episode: https://islandtalks.fm/podcast/nicosia-uncut-episode-4-questions-to-eu-ambassadors-on-borrells-visit-news-for-you-no-the-crossings-are-not-open-critical-thinking-is-not-for-our-students-3-7-2020/ )

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 17: Fed up with the CYprob yet? (12/1/2021)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 07:18:00 +0000

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.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 16: A sneak preview to 2021 through Cypriot lens (26/12/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 07:16:00 +0000

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

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 15: Conservative agendas on both sides of the divide...and abroad (19/12/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 11:39:50 +0000

Governing party right-wing DISY flirts with ultra right ELAM but the budget was rejected in the parliament. A fragile right-wing 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

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 14: Politics as usual before the EU summit (9/12/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 11:17:47 +0000

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 #BarışÇünkü

A young Turkish Cypriot peace activist, Melis Güvenir, explains why they march for peace (in Turkish language/ English subtitles.)

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 13: "No picnic over pain", Turkish Cypriots protested (18/112020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:20:22 +0000

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

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 12: Cypriots are marching on both sides of the divide (9/11/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 06:50:25 +0000

“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 want?

16.14 Greek Cypriots are marching against corruption

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 11: Turkish Cypriots have decided: Evaluating the results in 30 mins (21/10/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 22:37:48 +0000

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 of solution process in Crans Montana

07:42 Reason 2: Economic dependence of the Turkish Cypriots

08:52 Reason 3: Negative climate, closure of crossings and demos

13:57 Reason 4: How Turkey involved heavily

19:00 Reason 5: Party politics and UBP’s expectancy to lead the new coalition

Four outcomes

21:00 Outcome 1: Finally enhancing pro-solution left wing

22:22 Outcome 2: A new generation of politically motivated youth

24:12 Outcome 3: Polarization of urban votes vs rural votes

25:47 Outcome 4: Resistance of Turkish Cypriots against intervention

One observation

28:00 How GC leadership will reposition itself

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 10: Two Cypriots discussing Varosha and the elections (10/10/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 11:39:13 +0000

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 Elections

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 9: Discussing peacebuilding through the CMP with Dr. Nasia Hadjigeorgiou (9/10/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 07:42:54 +0000

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.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 8: Behind the headlines: EU summit and the elections (5/10/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 20:29:40 +0000

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’ strategy at the summit?

03.20 EU’s reaction to Cyprus’ position

04:10 Veto is a double-edged sword

07.12 Reflections on the Greek Cypriot press: EU Summit and Greco-Turkish talks

09.52 Turkish-Greek relations within the context of NATO and the EU

11:00 Where is Cyprus problem in all that? Demolishing the myths

17:00 Why are the Turkish Cypriot elections crucial? What are the main discussion topics?

20:00 TV debate of the main candidates

22:00 How Turkey’s interference in the elections is backfiring.

24:40 Potential names for the second round, expected turnout

27.38 Voting patterns and Christophoros Christophorou’s study on groups

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 7: What a mess! (12/9/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 22:10:15 +0000

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!

00:00 Welcome and introduction

02:00 Cyprus, EU and sanctions for Belarus

03:30 Where is Russia in this equation?

05:30 Public opinion towards the RoC foreign policy

06:35 What shapes the European perception towards Cyprus?

09:11 The potential developments from now on

11:38 Where are the Turkish Cypriots in this? And the current priorities.

12:44 Latest panic regarding Covid-19

21:40 Feedback by our listener on the EU’s role in Cyprob.

Nicosia Uncut – Episode 7 Video Teaser

Nicosia Uncut - Epiosode 6: Discussing politics in the heat of summer: East Med, elections, Varosha (22/8/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 06:36:45 +0000

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

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 5: Is Cyprus being sidelined? (31/7/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 19:02:08 +0000

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?

00:00 Intro and old Bayrams in Cyprus
04.10 Latest on Turkish Cypriot elections
07:30 Local elections in Aglantzia
14:25 Turkish-Greek relations and Cyprus
28.40 Warmongering on social/media

Nicosia 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)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 15:19:23 +0000

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?

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 3: The paradox of Cyprus: Criticising racism internationally, but being xenophobic locally (5/6/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 13:40:13 +0000

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.

Such double standards can be observed on both sides of the divide, yet there is some hope when the younger generations stand up against hypocrisy, xenophobia and extremism. It is particularly hopeful to observe when members of each community embrace self-criticism as a tool for progress and mutual understanding.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 2: The black hole of Cyprus, lira's downfall and curse of hydrocarbons (13/5/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Thu, 14 May 2020 14:20:14 +0000

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.

Nicosia Uncut - Episode 1: Cold, hard truth from the divided capital (21/2/2020)

Andromachi Sophocleous & Kemal Baykallı — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 21:05:16 +0000

In this first episode of Nicosia Uncut, Andromachi 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.