CYPRUS | Can It Still Be Solved?

For over sixty years, the UN has tried to broker a Cyprus agreement. But what little hope existed for a settlement seems to be finally fading. So, do you still think Cyprus can be solved? And, if reunification isn't possible, then what's the realistic alternative? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and comments below.

I was 8 years old we left all my toys behind thinking I’ll be back in a few days , 48 years later still waiting

I know the story of modern Cyprus, however Professor James Ker-Lindsay presents so well and provides such excellent coverage — a compelling discussion that is an absolute pleasure to view. Many thanks PJKL.

I would love to see a video discussing how Cyprus was incorporated into the European Union, despite the fractured nature of the island.

I am involved and work in the political-I.R field since I was adolescent, this informative video is undoubtedly correct, summary and unbiased, and maintains viewer's interest. Well done!

Yay at last a new episode. I was getting tired of watching reruns of Taiwan, Bosnia, Romanian reunification etc 😅

James, it is so nice hearing you explain conflict either at university or online. Thank you!)

Hi James, I am an Englishman, aged 26 who lived in TRNC for 18 months between 2020-2022. I first visited in 2017 and have been there ~5 times for total of ~2 years. I moved (temporarily, mind) in 2020 as my partner being a Turkish speaking Cypriot, personal circumstances and COVID-19. In turn I ended up living with her family such is the standard Cypriot atittude to hospitality and family life. I'd like to think I have a good grasp on the events going on in Cyprus. Having been with my partner for 6 years, working in Cyprus and having copious conversations on the Cyprus problem with natives. Your video here is without the best summary of events I've seen. There was an American documentarian who for me, made a mockery of the Cyprus problem. Alas, you've nailed it on the head. Thank you for bringing the news and details which unfortunately Cyprus just doesn't manage to get out to the west themselves. I think due to Cyprus' island nature, lack of high quality and unbiased content, there isn't much that gets out.

Keep doing the detailed source presentation of conflict in other international disputed entities as in this one! Only when knowing both sides arguments can an average viewer learn about it. Cheers from Croatia

This is the best analysis of the situation I have ever heard. To the point, balanced, measured and based in reality. Not afraid to suggest that perhaps, time has simply run out for unification to succeed.

It's a rare thing to see unbiased videos on the Cyprus dispute. Excellent analysis.

The impression I got when I was there a few years ago was that both sides found the status quo largely tolerable. Unlike in Ireland in the 1990's or Israel-Palestine up through today, there's practically no political violence in Cyprus, and Cypriots from both sides can freely cross the border. It just seemed like it wasn't a very pressing issue, and with no "push" factors toward a settlement, it seems like neither side has any real incentive to make any concessions to make one happen. The only factor that's actually pushing towards reunification is Ankara's increasingly hands-on influence in TRNC, which as you pointed out is irking many Turkish Cypriots. North Cyprus has generally been much more politically liberal than Turkey, and the economic incentives of joining Cyprus, an EU member state and successful liberal democracy, are pretty clear over the prospect of being annexed by Turkey, which is an authoritarian regime inching towards international pariah-hood. Even this is slow-going and is unlikely to be a deciding factor in the short-to-medium term, unless Erdogan massively overplays his hand. Which is far from impossible.

I've been in Cyprus a couple of years ago, and I was amazed by this beautiful island. I really hope the cypriots can find peace without the interference of foreign countries.

Thank you for your video. People can get caught up with which nationality or which side was wrong and who was right. I hope that all nationalities involved have learned that we are all mortal and need to treat each other with a lot more kindness and a lot more respect to each of these cultures and nationalities. The fusion of nationalities and cultures is what make Cyprus so special and so rich in tradition, culture and history. The wounds of conflict will slowly heal when we learn to love each other more. Sometimes with other governments they announce a formal mutual apology. I hope this situation will get better and I hope each side can one day begin to be better friends with each other and have mutual respect.

The context has considerably changed since 2004 as Turkey sees surrendering the North of Island now an existential threat. This makes a settlement much harder to reach.

turkish cypriot here, the idea of unification became an abstract idea in the past years, nobody follows the progress or anything regarding on the topic of unification anymore.

You’ve outdone yourself, sir! Keep it up, and thank you.

Great video, very informative. I taught English in Cyprus around 10 years ago, I feel it is time to return, really a fantastic place.

Thank you for all these very interesting videos! Cool to have one on location :D

Welcome back after two weeks of break, Mr James.