The Azerbaijani national broadcaster ITV has released a statement condemning the actions of the Armenian national broadcaster ARMTV and their entry in this years Eurovision Song Contest.
ARMTV revealed on Wednesday night that they would be represented by six members of the Armenian diaspora commemorating 100 years since the Armenian Genocide. The song which is called “Don’t Deny” has already caused controversy despite not being released yet.
ITV has said that:
“This contest can’t be a victim of any country’s political ambitions and converted into a political arena. The Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company state that if the news is confirmed, we will also take appropriate steps in the contest,”
Armenia and Azerbaijan are both in a long running dispute over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Which has seen protests from Azerbaijan directed at Armenia in 2006, and protests from Armenia directed at Azerbaijan in 2009. While Armenia refused to participated in Eurovision 2012 due to the contest being held in Azerbaijan, which lead to Armenia saying they did not feel safe participating.
Source: APA
It’s very sad to see this kind of things happening in the ESC between some participating countries. When I see them, I really understand why the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union tries to avoid any kind of competition in the ABU TV Song Festival and in its radio counterpart.
i don’t want don’t deny to be replaced by Sirusho & Tolmachevy Sisters lullaby inspired duet song “Angel”.