The lyrics of Armenia’s song “Don’t Deny” won’t be released until later this month, but the song’s timing with the centenary of the Armenian Genocide has left some critics scratching their heads. They point out that the song likely violates the Eurovision rule that explicitly forbids songs of a political nature.
The loudest criticism is coming from regional rival Azerbaijan. In a strongly-worded statement issued on February 13, Azerbaijan’s Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (ITV) condemed the alleged breech of the rules:
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.
In press materials sent out on Wednesday, Armenia’s public broadcaster AMPTV said that forming the Eurovision Supergroup — which will consist of five members of the Armenian diaspora — was inspired by the forget-me-not flower, which is the centennial symbol of the genocide. Its five petals represent singers from five continents — see who they could be here — while the centre of the flower represents The Motherland Armenia. In the words of AMPTV, it’s about “valuing the idea of peace, unity, and tolerance,” and fits with the Eurovision theme of “Building Bridges.”
Azerbaijan is, of course, the sister state of Turkey, which adamantly denies the Armenian Genocide, which began in April 1915. Historians believe it resulted in the deaths of at least one million people. The European Court of Human Rights is currently testing whether governments can make it a criminal offense to deny the events.
Azerbaijan’s statement that it will “take appropriate steps” is up for interpretation. If they deem the song too political, they could potentially withdraw from the contest. But given the passion Azerbaijan has for Eurovision this seems very unlikely. Perhaps they will field a song that they view is equally political, as a defense of their neighbours?
What do you think? Is it too early to call? If the song does overtly reference the genocide, should it be allowed?
Any person who denies the Armenian genocide, should not be called a human being. They shouldn’t be called animals ether, since animals have feelings and a heart. They should be called plastic figures that are heartless and feeling less and their purpose in life is to be manipulated by others. I have the right to say these things because for many, many years I stared at my grandfather’s eyes and only saw pain and sorrow in them. He was a genocide survival, who lost his whole family, right in front of his own eyes, yet, he never taught me to… Read more »
Is “genocide” business for some? as far as i know it’s affected nearly all nations of the world in the past.
@lori
if you are not berjian nor armonian, i guess you are just piece of shit!
Sorry Azerberjian, Armenians don’t need a song to prove a point. The proof is everywhere, you just need to do a simple Google search of the armenian genocide and you can clearly see Turks holding the heads of Armenians in their hands if u want evidence. I can’t understand if the Turks and berjians are blind or mentally dillusional? And no, I’m not armenian, I just have enough sense to understand the difference between what’s morally right and wrong. Go Armenia, from New York!
I am REALLY tired of both Armenia and Azerbaijan shoving their political differences in our faces. This is about music and if they cannot behave, the should be paused from participation.
Who care you Lolilly ? We will continue to be friend with the innocent people. It is enough for us. Also you can accompany with the bunch of Armenian racists with ” the propaganda of the big world lie ” .. ah , you don’t know history ,if you had known a lot of information about History, you would have known the total population of Turks in the world and we don’t need to anybody apart from Turkish nations..we can commemorate for ANZACS instead of you ! Because we accepted all killed Anzacs as our children (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk says… Read more »
Breaking News: Gallipoli Commemorations Canceled in Turkey!
He he he he he he! this is a slap at Turkey’s face!! Out of 100 high ranking officials only 5 RSVP-ed. This clearly shows ho much other nations respect and support Turkey. Care to know why? It’s because of Turkey’s sarcastic, ignorant, and immoral behavior for the Armenian Genocide!
Karma, karma I love karmaaaaaa! This is only the beginning. The whole world is going to turn their backs at Turkey very very soon.
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
Any person who denies the Armenian genocide, should not be called a human being. They shouldn’t be called animals ether, since animals have feelings and a heart. They should be called plastic figures that are heartless and feeling less and their purpose in life is to be manipulated by others. I have the right to say these things because for many, many years I stared at my grandfather’s eyes and only saw pain and sorrow in them. He was a genocide survival, who lost his whole family, right in front of his own eyes, yet, he never taught me to… Read more »
As long as countries see Eurovision as a way for propaganda of their political views they should be excluded from competition. Europe is getting fed up by this childish azeri and armenian behaviour. I am for sure.
And yeah. If you want to know that was Israeli genocide. Such a stupid man! Such a stupid man. Im interested. If all the guys feom this chat will be with you face to face what can you DO?! I just don’t believe that you will do somethink.
And yeah. Im Israeli
Bakuboy. You are just a freak. Be calm. There are many freaks in the world
SoniX hey i don’t want write to you, who are yo? you are nobody for me. do you speak about genocide from israel? oh my god!!!! i have not any word to you
I think ESC won’t accept to Armenia as a participant country ! their song is looking like a political song from its name !
Also , why Armenian politicians don’t accept to debate Armenian issues with Azerbaijan and Turkey among historicians ? Have they a suspucious about that subject??
Lolilly shat up your comment seems such cheap bla bla bla like yourself
@Bakuboy You’re like a hyena, lingering everywhere to see if the word genocide or Armenian is mentioned. Can you do yourself a favor and keep your cheap comments to yourself? Go write them in your own Azeri places please. You’re making yourself sound really, really bad. It’s not you, who determines anything about these issues. There are hundreds of thousands of intelligent people, who are involved in these things and let them decide who’s right and who’s wrong. Why don’t you calm yourself down and try, just try to wait for the song to come out. Meanwhile, stop writing in… Read more »
TRY TO GET IT! All the genocides that was in the world this is 100% of information. YOU CANT DO WITH THIS NOTHING BAKUBOY! So shut up. And just CEEP CALM. YOU ALL!
You need to be together! Because Azerim, Armenians and Turks are same people. OPEN YOUR EYES!
Hahaha. Im from Israel. And i think, that Azeri people don’t need to do somethink with this. THIS IS BETWEEN ARMENIAN AND TURKISH PEOPLE. Your such a stupid people. Its like say that it was not genocide of Hebrew people. Its just not normal.
Any person who denies the Armenian genocide, should not be called a human being. They shouldn’t be called animals ether, since animals have feelings and a heart. They should be called plastic figures that are heartless and feeling less and their purpose in life is to be manipulated by others. I have the right to say these things because for many, many years I stared at my grandfather’s eyes and only saw pain and sorrow in them. He was a genocide survival, who lost his whole family, right in front of his own eyes, yet, he never taught me to… Read more »
i really felt sorry after reading this comments. Yes Azerbaijan & Armenia have their own old problem which shouldnt be included in the ESC! Anyway I m also a christian jew man living in baku. but i havent any problem with muslim azeris. cause i dont hate them. My westertn eu friends please try to be respectful before. most of u dont know anything about this conflict but ur comments. mmmmhhh im out!
Oooooh,Armenia make the world recognize “Genocide” and Eurovision is the best chance for them
Lev shut up must stop a big lair it is a fake genocide fake genocide fake gonocide lair your politicl game must to stop it
What are you saying? Who the fuck is Serj? It’s kinda childish, your reactions. I’l waiting for normal arguments, and I didn’t receive anything? You’re an Azeri, I even don’t know why you are obsessed with the Armenian Genocid, you aren’t even a Turk. Many Turks I know admit the Armenian Genocide, I live in Belgium. To be honest, I think that plus minus 60-70% of the new Turks (new generation), admit the Armenian Genocid. Many Turks love Armenians, there are many Armenians living in Turkey (think of the killed Hrant Dink), BUT their government makes me sick. Erdogan makes… Read more »
armenian genocide is great fake armenian lair wich is never have make but when TURKISH goverenment to say armenian if you have any froof then came and to see us and every time armenian side say that it is not time yet why because they have not proof
hasmik 6. it’s azerbaijan musical instrument balaban ton duduk even duduk is tukish word means is think voice and 7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx2dAeGJjSI
and if you want to talk politics. why was the ukrainian clown allowed to sing russia good bye as a eurovision song ?
5. i would like to hear an azeri song WITHOUT the sound of Armenian duduk in it …
1. who or what is azerbaijan to tell Armenia what to do?
2. what does Armenian genocide have to do with azerbaijan?
3. turks say the genocide is history , azeris say genocide is political.
4. don’t talk about Armenia until you make up you freaking minds azeris.
5. i would like to hear an azeri song with the sound of Armenian duduk in it …
Lev hah you are really seem so funny but you love sarkisyan and his rejim it is very funny for me we are not surpirise that you know may fake things
Game on please do own work ok! i have know any problam with you and your country good luck for every country in song contest
if you are such intelligent girl why you don’t go to poor armenia and see that how they are living in there https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtLDr_ScNms nobody want to live in armenia everybody are left armenia go another country like you to live and you think armenias living perfect that in our karabakh no they are living in there like as animal like reptiles l they are crying and say that we don’t want live in here, but armenian lobby and sarkisyan rejim are to forced to us. and whose brain washed
@Lolilly
I’ve read your comments and I must say, you know a lot of things, I’m surprized!
@Lolilly
Don’t argue with him. In their history lessons, they learn false things. I don’t blame Bakuboy, he can’t do anything, he just doesn’t know the truth, he is obsessed with a lie, he thinks his lkie is the truth.
The Armenian Genocide is a fact, the whole world knows that, many Turks (even in Turkey) recognize the Armenian genocide, it’s just their government, just political games.
@Lolilly
Please stop arguing with this boy. He will never learn. His brain is gone! Good luck Armenia. We are waiting anxiously for your song. Peace from Greece.
@Bakuboy You’re brainwashed and I feel sorry for you. Blah blah blah. That’s all I hear from you. Let’s just say Karabagh was and is still yours. Then why aren’t you living there? Lol because you can’t. But I can go there and I did visit there. Therefore it is not yours and will never be yours. First of all, I’m a US citizen, and I have a non Armenian name and last name. And yes, I’ve been to Azerbaijan, the nastiest nation on earth with its air pollution. Only Baku was nice in Azerbaijan. Everywhere else was disgusting, poor… Read more »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyVBFxrGxVk wonderful song and singers
azerbaijan never buy votes, if it was such why EBU didn’t punish us because everybody know that cheap video have made by whom and you know
Lolilly if USA is saying that, then it is true you are think such ok you are write i don’t know perfect english as you but i’m try to mean my opinion, ok you say that artsak armenian land no is is a big liar, first it is not artsak it is kharabakh it is not armenian land and never will be yours, none world government politician or world history never say such stupid opinion, ok if today in USA. you learn kharabk is armenian land in USA. it don’t mean that true but it’s not true because your have… Read more »
@Bakuboy
It seems like it’s your bedtime. It’s late in Baku and your talking nonsense English. I can’t understand you. The whole Europe talks about Azerbaijan buying votes when Runninng Scared “won” that year. Well, we will see what will happen this year. Ustinov hang in there.
if you song will wonderful as runing scared i’m promis to you i will vote for armenian song genoass
both side which both tel me how many people were died in khojali let me show video i want to see armenian people were died in khojali can you show me it you all armenian such ad you. you make me laugh which runing scared i’m remember which wonderful song azerbaijan was winner ok thanks remind me such beautiful song but if you was nacault as emmy boom boom what will you do
@Bakuboy
Honestly, Azerbaijan is the last country we care to be concerned about. Anyway Azerbaijan always gives 0 points to Armenia. Let them give 0 points this year also. Who cares? As far as our song goes, it’s going to be great and this year Azerbaijan will also be running Scared.
@Bakuboy Listen, the attacks in Khojali were not genocide. It was an attack from both sides in khojali. Khojali fights were backfires from 1988 Sumgait, where 26 Armenians were brutally killed and thousands of Armenians left their own homes and came to Armenia to survive. If khojali was a genocide, then Sumgait was one also. At this point Armenia clearly doesn’t really care what Azerbaijan thinks about their song. If they cared, they wouldn’t have done it. Time will show. It’s just hilarious how nervous Azerbaijan feels about a song, which they haven’t had the chance to hear yet. It’s… Read more »
lolilly o my god what do you say is it your human justice in khojali were dead mire than 600 people more than 1 million fugitive thousand people are prisoner in armenia and you are speak yet o my god how people are you your have not heart and feeling it was 23 yers ago not 100 and wich was dad which was mam whic was all family brother sister have lost but you said there are no many people if people more than 600 people it was genocide or not? my god it is a big shame for name… Read more »
ok lollily i speak polite with you but you not ok i m agree wity you don’t deny that kharabakh azerbaijan land and you have made vild genocide in khojali 1992. and baku genocide 1918 year 31 march and Kuba genocide if you say that don’t deny we will say in eurovision with our song DON’T SPEAK LIAR as you fake history and genocido ok you will remember my word in eurovision. if you know that is genocide such bad and wildness if you feel that then why you have made genocide another people i can say that i’m prefer… Read more »
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AmbassadorMorgenthautelegram.jpg
@Bakuboy I have very young cousins too, who died while protecting their own land, Arcakh, Karabagh. 18- 19 year old! I’m very sorry for your loss, however you must know that Khojali was not a planned mass destruction of the whole Azeri race. But in 1915, the Turks planned to destroy the Armenian race. Let’s just say that all Armenians are liers and they’re over exaggerating the numbers for the Arm. Genocide. Please, Just google and read the telegrams of the U.S. ambassador Henry Morgenthau which were written in 1915 to the U.S. President about the mass destruction of Armenihans… Read more »
i ask you about khojali not armenian gc but you don’t answe rit because you have not answer about sarkisyan and kh gc i write don’t wand fight about history and politica with you becsuse i have no any oroblam with you you are nit sarkusyan or balayan. it just song contest must speak only song and participant but every year you soeak about politica genocide when you stop it ok then we every year speak abiut kharabagh khojali or another thinges in eurovision contest you say that your grand father say it to you with big pain ok im… Read more »
I will conclude my argument by saying this…. Any person who denies the Armenian genocide, should not be called a human being. They shouldn’t be called animals ether, since animals have feelings and a heart. They should be called plastic figures that are heartless and feeling less and their purpose in life is to be manipulated by others. I have the right to say this because for many, many years I stared at my grandfather’s eyes and only saw pain and sorrow in them. He was a genocide survival, who lost his whole family,right in front of his own eyes,… Read more »