Potential for Azerbaijani recognition of the pseudo-state of occupied Northern Cyprus, even in view of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit to the Occupied Territories on July 20, is being discussed by diplomatic sources.
These rumours have emerged following the announcement of a forthcoming visit of an Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation to occupied Northern Cyprus for the first time in its history today.
Diplomatic sources close to the Azeri government say President Ilham Aliyev is keeping his cards close to him, but estimate that recognition of the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" will happen gradually, if not announced today.
It is recalled that Turkey is the only country to recognise the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus."
"Presence in the Occupied Territories is an upgrade of relations, but it does not mean immediate recognition," they emphasise.
According to the same sources, there are two possible reasons why Azerbaijan could make such a move at some point.
On the one hand, Turkey, the "brother state of Azerbaijan has substantially helped the Azeris" to regain the territories they claimed in last year's Nagorno-Karabakh War.
On the other hand, the Azeri leadership is still outraged because the majority of international diplomats has supported Armenia in its conflict with the Azeris.
Diplomats estimate that such a move would shake the waters of the Western World and, because of Western support for Armenia, their could be retaliation.
The scenario of recognition of the pseudo-state by Turkophile states
The legal mayor of Famagusta, Simos Ioannou, expressed his opposition to the possible recognition of the pseudo-state by Azerbaijan.
"It simply came to our notice then," he said.
"I do not think that such a move will be made by the Azerbaijani side as it will create problems for it with the UN, the U.S., Russia and all the international players who want a bi-zonal bi-communal federation," Ioannou added.
Recently, Pampos Chrysostomou, director of Research and International Relations at the Cyprus University of Technology, spoke to Sputnik Hellas, emphasising that the scenario of recognising the pseudo-state by friendly countries close to Turkey is open.
These include Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Libya.
Within this climate preceded the visit of a Pakistani delegation to the occupied territories of Palestine.
Questions arise as to what will really be announced by Erdoğan during his visit to celebrate the Turkish invasion of 1974.
READ MORE: Azeri parliamentary group to visit occupied Cyprus days after Amb. Piperigos joined propaganda tour.
