Nicosia 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.

Continue ReadingNicosia Uncut – Episode 12: Cypriots are marching on both sides of the divide (9/11/2020)

Nicosia 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 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

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

Nicosia 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 Elections

Continue ReadingNicosia Uncut – Episode 10: Two Cypriots discussing Varosha and the elections (10/10/2020)

Nicosia 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.

Continue ReadingNicosia Uncut – Episode 9: Discussing peacebuilding through the CMP with Dr. Nasia Hadjigeorgiou (9/10/2020)

Nicosia 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' 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

Continue ReadingNicosia Uncut – Episode 8: Behind the headlines: EU summit and the elections (5/10/2020)

Nicosia 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!

Continue ReadingNicosia Uncut – Episode 7: What a mess! (12/9/2020)

Nicosia 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.

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

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)

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?

Continue ReadingNicosia 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)