Karabakh carve-up at "Eurovision"

Just a few days before the Eurovision 2016 semi-final, the Azerbaijani media rejoiced – the flag of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic had been banned at the song contest!

The matter is that a document with a list of banned symbols, including the NKR flag, had been published on the Globe Arena and AXS ticket agency websites.

Later, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) stated that it was a mistake and this document was not intended to be published and that a more accurate list of contest restrictions would be released later.

The issue was widely covered in printed media and stirred heated debates on social media. One of the users assumed: ‘Now, they are sure to bring that flag there.

Samra Rahimli from Azerbaijan and Iveta Mukuchyan, a representative of Armenia, successfully performed in the contest semi-final, held on May 10.

Facebook users enthusiastically compared the young ladies, discussing their songs and their looks. Samra’s attire was considered too revealing, ‘It’s of the same color as her skin, and it looks like she is naked.’ However, what caused a real sensation was the NKR flag that Iveta Mukuchyan was waving before the cameras.

The Azerbaijani media literally exploded with outraged headlines:

“And still they waved the NKR cloth…

“Armenian delegation ignited a provocation at Eurovision 2016 song contest

“Armenian performer wants to be ousted from Eurovision

Eurovision organizers are not crazy about the incident either.

“As Sven Stojanovic, the contest’s general producer told reporters when commenting on the incident, brandishing of the separatist ‘NKR flag in the hall by the Armenian participant was an illegal move that will be investigated by the EBU, – writes sputnik.az.

“We consider the appearance of the flag of a highly disputed territory during live transmission a serious breach of Rule 1.2.2h of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest stating that ‘no messages promoting any organisation, institution, political cause or other, company, brand, products or services shall be allowed on the show,’ reads a statement released by the European Broadcasting Union.

When asked at a news conference about the reasons for violating the rules, Iveta Mukuchyan answered that she wanted to freely express her feelings, as well as wishing for peace in her motherland.

Social networks also stepped in. ‘Eurovision’ has always caused a patriotic uprise in Azerbaijan, especially now, as the Karabakh conflict has turned from a ‘frozen’ into a painful and pressing topic.

The songs were soon forgotten and people delved deep into geopolitics.

‘I suggest that the Armenian delegation should join the Azerbaijani one, as an extra troupe; as another autonomous region within Azerbaijan, because sooner or later everything will go back to normal.’

‘And I’m not against any flag, but being a part of Azerbaijan.’

“Still it is necessary to bring to the organizers’ attention that it is illegal and it’s a provocation, and to demand its removal from the hall next time.’

Cover photo: facebook.com/ArmeniaInEurovisionOfficial