Cyprus - Island Talks

Nicosia 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.

Buffering – Episode 11: Silently going crazy (23/2/2021)

Cypriot journalists Esra Aygın and Yiorgos Kakouris, living and working in Lisbon and Brussels respectively, are bringing you dispatches from the alternate Cypriot universe. This week they are helping you to understand the latest street protests against the government and police brutality to the south of the division line and how power struggles within the leading right-wing Turkish Cypriot political party are affecting the domestic politics, leading to changes in the cabinet in the north.

Buffering – Episode 10: This is it. We solved it. (12/2/2021)

Buffering hosts are coming up with some creative ideas on how to solve the Cyprus problem. One idea has something to do with the famous Buffer Zone of Cyprus - no wonder the podcast is called "buffering" Buffering podcast is brought to you by Yiorgos Kakouris and Esra Aygın, two Cypriot journalists who live and work in Brussels and Lisbon respectively.

Nicosia 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…

Buffering – Episode 9: Trump when it’s no longer in fashion (4/2/2021)

Cypriot journalists Yiorgos Kakouris and Esra Aygın are bringing you dispatches from the alternate Cypriot universe. Trumpization of Cypriot politicians and public figures, Freudian comparison of temples' sizes, attack on journalists and media, arbitrary destruction of historical Nicosia house, never-ending Cyprus talks, and good old corruption in the island of Aphrodite.

Nicosia 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.

Buffering – Episode 8: Dream Team vs Golden Team (21/12/2020)

Was it really the worst year ever? Is there room for some optimism in the Cyprus problem? Whose cabinet is better? Which one is your favorite team? Dream team vs golden team. Cypriot journalists, Yiorgos Kakouris and Esra Aygin, reporting from Brussels and Lisbon respectively, are bringing you dispatches from the alternate Cypriot universe. And each episode is getting better than the previous one. By the way, do not forget to cover your f***ing nose - there is Covid for f*** sake!

Nicosia 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

Nicosia 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.

Buffering – Episode 7: Don’t panic, there’s no strategy (23/11/2020)

They are back! Cypriot journalists Yiorgos Kakouris and Esra Aygın, from Brussels and Lisbon respectively, are bringing dispatches from the alternate Cypriot universe. Cyprus problem, Varosha developments, local politics, coalition efforts, matching the political leaders from both sides of the divide.