Iveta Mukuchyan from Armenia stirred up controversy during tonight’s semi final after she waved the Nagorno-Karabakh flag during the voting recap. When a Swedish journalist from national tabloid Aftonbladet asked her about it at the press conference, the Armenian representative explained that she “just wants peace on the borders”.
The region, disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan is the cause of an open conflict between the two countries. The question was an important point in the press conference, and both Iveta and Samra were asked about it. About the flag, Iveta said that her country “wants peace” and that’s why she wrote her entry “LoveWave”. “I want to spread the LoveWave, I want people to concentrate on that”, she added.
Iveta said that she was expecting this question and asked not to forget that she is representing her country, heart, thoughts and with her feelings, her whole emotions. “Even though 150 million people are watching, my thoughts are with my motherland”, she said.
Later, Samra from Azerbaijan was approached to respond to the incident. An Azerbajiani journalist made a statement on Iveta’s action, saying “Rising the flag of an internationally recognised part of Azerbaijan is completely contrary to the international legal norms and principles, and I hope that the Eurovision committee will take serious measures on this question”.
However, Samra and the Azerbaijan delegation didn’t want to comment on the issue, and rather reminded that “Eurovision is a song contest, and it’s all about music”.
What do you make of the incident? Do you think the Eurovision Song Contest is an appropriate platform to raise political issues? Leave your comments below.
Ofcourse Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan.
We have seen barbarism of armenians done such as in the Khojaly genocide.
And now iveta claims to support peace.. With a flag which does NOT resemble uniting, but seperation. As the flag of the non existing artsakh which iveta raised, only represents the armenians and not Azerbaijanis. So why the hell does she want? Peace? Really? Nice joke.
My God! Iveta, R U kidding? “I want peace, I spread love and that’s why I raise a provocative flag” huh?!?!?!?! Did Iveta expect that Azerbaijan would keep silent after raising the flag?! There will be no peace in Karabakh until Armenia stop the occupation.
And comparing NKR flag to ISIS? gosh can’t people get any dumber after that?
OMG, soooooooo many idiots are here in the comment section. Eurovision is not politics? srsly ARE YOU BLIND or what? 1) Ukraine won with a political anti-Russian song and everyone is happy because of that. ‘Song’ contest my foot. 2) showing a little sign of democracy and respect for the victims, who died by the hands of azeri barbarians, who always attack first, cut soldiers’ heads off and ears of innocent old people, kill children (April events are another proof) and there are at least a thousand ‘people’ from Azerbaijan go to support ISIS is Syria/Iraq – provoction? go read… Read more »
I myself am not much on the side of putting politics into ESC, but if you are following the ESCs you surely have seen Azerbaijan having Turkey flag with themselves after winning in 2011 RIGHT ON THE STAGE!!! The link is below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3xFQa5l5Vg
So what? Did they got disqualified?! Or what? Blamed or punished or…?
If Ukraine wins this year, will they be allowed to stage an interval act titled “the green people” about Crimea and war in Donbass? Don’t think so.
If I was on Iveta’s place, I wold rise the flag of NAGORNO-KARAPAGH again. They will disqualify us? Nevermind, since we have shown our cause to the whole world. Karapagh is Armenia, and everyone should accept that. I you are not persuaded, open any historic book and you will see that Karapagh exicted for more than 2500 years, and azerbaijan was created only 98 years ago. So come on Iveta don’t be afraid, the whole Armenian diaspora is with you.
Artsakh / Nagorno Karabakh is not a “messages promoting any organisation, institution, political cause or other, company, brand, products or services shall be allowed in the Shows.” It is a country formed in the most democratic way recognized and through the international law-recognized method of self determination. Before it was a country, it was part of Armenia until Stalin took it away from Armenia and gave it to Azerbaijan for political reasons– yes, even though the overwhelming majority of the population was still Armenian. God bless those Armenians who are risking their lives to continue their existence. It’s dam.n. near… Read more »
Just follow the rules Iveta and everything will be fine.
If there are rules about the flags and ESC has been stating that they will take offenses seriously and regulate the flags, why the heck did she do this? It just seems like such a dumb move, especially when she is such a favorite, since it could affect her chances in the competition and her broadcaster. Her intentions might be honorable but ESC clearly doesn’t want politics to be involved with the contest or to create controversy and she goes and does this, as soon as I saw it I knew it would cause problems and I thought “why Iveta?… Read more »
If dear Iveta is such a patriot, move back to Yerevan and live there.
Such a sick to live in Germany and talk about Karabakh as a homeland.
Karabakh is Azerbaijani l land occupied by Armenia!
Armenia must be disqualified!
Si on disqualifie l’Arménie, ça ne sera qu’au profit de l’Arménie. Une dépense moins. Tous le monde va économiser, surtout tout ces appels qu’on fait pour rien. Et cet argent vous pouvez envoyer à Haut Karabagh/Artzakh. Et on ne perdra pas le temps non plus devant la télé à regarder ce BIDON concours de chants, déjà politisé depuis longtemps. En tout cas Bravo Iveta Mukuchyan. Bisous!!!!!!!
Iveta’s action were deliberately political & provocative. At the press conference she said she knew she would be asked about the flag. She then had her rant.
As the EBU have said in their statement, Armenia have broken the rules. If they do it again they will be disqualified. So they should be. As for their punishment, I would not allow the Armenian delegation, to wave any flags in future. They have demonstrated that they can’t be trusted.
Dear all,
First of all please get your facts straight before bashing Iveta or Armenia as a nation. A few days ago EBU apologized publicly for banning those flags, blaming on a third party, and explained that EBU was NOT aware of that post which clearly stated that certain flags are banned. therefore, the flag of Karabagh/Artsakh was NOT banned. I’m also 100% sure that Arnenian delegations confirmed everything with EBU before bringing the flag to Stockholm. So, all haters must chill, and then chill more…..
Stop talking about your poor victims of Khojaly. Blame it on your government, they did it to show that armenian are monsters and to have a sad story to talk about.You will never ever see an evil in armenian soul. Do you know why you don’t own Karabakh? Because you CAN’T PHISICALLY MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY!!! If you really had a choice you would have already done it. When people own something, they do everything to protect that. We do it givin’ the most expencive thing LIFE. We do it without doubt. This will never charactarize you. Whatever your historians are… Read more »
How hypocrite some of you!!!!! So Ukraine can send a song with an obvious political message against Russia and it can be tolerated because in fact YOU HATE Russia. So the ESC can be a good platform for subjects related to gays, lesbians, ect. but Armenia can’t rise a flag which represents its people who is suffering of intolerance and is being killed? So the Swedish TV can show a choreography rising the actual problem of refugees, but Armenia can’t rise the problem of its own? Most of you are sooooo shameless!!!!!! ACTUALLY YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE, ABOUT… Read more »
Most of all I am really surprised with armenian people supporting her last night’s attitude. I would really be ashamed of my country if our representative would do sth similar. That is just pathetic nationalism and pure propaganda! How can armenians support her, seriously. ._.
Before you start to write about this issue, I suggest you to educate yourself.
The book called “Black garden” will help you since obviously you all, because you don’t know anything about this conflict, support or blame one country or another without knowing the nature of this war.
Not cool guys.
I think, whilst I have great respect for her for speaking out against such a big and often ignored issue, these kind of things should be kept OUT of ESC. It’s a song contest, not an opportunity to express your political views, even if the views are based on something that has no relevance to Eurovision or the countries competing in it. If you want peace across the borders, you should have the flag at home, mate.
I Agee with Kris above! I salute Iveta for speaking for those who are unavailable to do that. Eurovision is all about politics let’s admit that. Some songs are totally political and everyone’s okay with that? Stop the BS! #GoIveta I hope there will be peace everywhere in the world
Imagine that please, I steal your phone and hold it in my hand 25 years. And after 25years I put my name on it and show it our common friends by saying that “I only wanna peace and you should let me hold your phone in my hand and use it as mine.” Please be fair people. Is it truly peaceful act. Armenia occupied our land and create totally fake republic on this land which is internationally recognized part of #Azerbaijan, and also create totally fake flag for that fake republic and not any nation reconize legally that fake flag… Read more »
I support Armenia and their teritory.
So the two banana republics in Western Asia are once again bringing their drama to Eurovision..
I know the ESC is the most important event in both countries by a landslide, but could we please have Slovakia/Romania/Portugal back instead of them?
Official statement on use of Nagorno-Karabakh flag at Eurovision Song Contest: The EBU and the Reference Group, the governing body of the Eurovision Song Contest, strongly condemn the brandishing of the Nagorno-Karabakh flag in the Green Room during the live transmission of the first Semi Final on 10 May and considers the flag’s appearance in the transmission harmful to the Eurovision Song Contest brand. The Reference Group has decided to sanction Armenian broadcaster, AMPTV, in accordance with the Rules. The nature of the sanction will be determined, at the latest, by the next Reference Group meeting in June. We are… Read more »
As much as I personally support the independence of NKR and I like to see its flag, it’s best to keep wars and conflict out of Eurovision. Sure, a bit of political drama is an unavoidable part of ESC, and it does generate some interest in the issue, but Eurovision should promote reconciliation between peoples. Normal Azerbaijani people are victims of this conflict too, show them something better. It’s also a dangerous gamble after the ‘banned flags’ controversy – the EBU probably won’t throw Armenia out of the contest over this, but there might be consequences.
How hypocrite some of you!!!!! So Ukraine can send a song with an obvious political message against Russia and it can be tolerated because in fact YOU HATE Russia. So the ESC can be a good platform for subjects related to gays, lesbians, ect. but Armenia can’t rise a flag which represents its people who is suffering of intolerance and is being killed? So the Swedish TV can show a choreography rising the actual problem of refugees, but Armenia can’t rise the problem of its own? Most of you are sooooo shameless!!!!!! ACTUALLY YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE, ABOUT… Read more »
Serious mistake of her doing such thing. It is so unprofessional and defenitely not an act of peace. EBU needs to react somehow 🙁 🙁 🙁
@Nigar
Again, if the Azeri’s weren’t such thin-skinned crybabies about it, it wouldn’t be a provocation. Ya’ll coulda taken Samra’s route, and been all “yeah, whatever” while thinking “what a bitch” to yourself. Instead, more theatrical hysterics from ya’ll. Get thicker skin, and learn to realize that not everyone has to see things your way.
ESC was made to heal wounds after WW2 – here, this was a political endeavor from start. LGBT rights promotion is politics. The Swedish stance about refugees – politics. The jokes and views about Eastern and Central Europeans, Balkans, Caucasus, former Soviet Union countries – politics. The mocking of ethnic elements of music (some say “bring real music to ESC not songs with ethnic elements” – hilarious isn’t it) – politics. The attitude towards religion – politics. And so on. Would you ban waving the Catalonia or Scottish flag? Probably Spain and UK would not let singers from those regions… Read more »
Good for you, Iveta, for being authentic and inviting attention to the crisis in Caucasus that cost so many times in an all-out, 4-day recent war. All this under the careless watch of European authorities and media, and all because the Azerbaijani president had to spend his country’s petrodollars on weapons (as if the poor in the country could not benefit from any constructive investment) to attack the population of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, whose population has committed the sin of wanting to determine its own faith and not undergo ethnic cleansing yet again by the Azeri government. Samra has… Read more »
Dear armenien users,
you are speaking about your soldiers who died what about Azerbaijani soldiers what about Azerbaijani civilians?? Azerbaijan invited you as a guest to their own country and you took their heart away by killing innocent people. whatever that is a problem between Azerbaijan and armenia. Why put things like that to a song contest?? it is ridicules!!! EBU put some rules, as “Normal participant” you have to agree with that rules ..all other countries are respecting the rules only armenia is doing the same thing like every year. stop it you are embarrassing!!!
Are you kidding? She wanna peace and that’s why she provokes Azeri population? Is that a new kind of humor? If she wanna peace on the borders as she talks, she would wave Azerbaijan flag, not flag of separation! Majority of ESC fans don’t know about Khojaly genocide, about ethnic cleansing in Karabakh by armenian terrorist group ASALA. They killed people just because they were Azeri! Azerbaijan have over 700K refugees from Karabakh! And now she wave this separate flag?! It’s real provocation! ESC have to disqualify Armenia from this contest!
Why do people have to fight about this? Eurovision should unite people.
I have some Turkish roots, but I am against all of thisxfighting between Turkey, Azerbijan and Armenia. Iveta did a good thing in showing respect to the victims. No need for hate.
This is what it is going on on the border of Karabakh while EBU puts the flag of NKR in the same list with ISIS flag! AzerbaijanIan officers behead armenian hostages as “unbelievers” and while European media’s keep silence about these events: Note the article is +18 and contains very awful pictures!
http://en.168.am/2016/04/04/5283.html
Iveta has all the rights to protest against some officials for bringing politics and restrictions into the contests and hurting the feelings of Armenians living in NKR putting the flag of NKR in 5he same list with ISIS .
Very Unprofessional !!! Now they have to disqualify her
Showing the flag simply meant that Iveta was standing by her people who suffered as a result of recent attacks. She clearly indicated that she wanted peace… Therefore if there was a message, it was addressed to her people only showing that she was sharing their pain so it was some form of communication with Armenian directly….. Remember, it’s not her who made it a big issue; it’s the journalist and the reporters who brought it up and made people to chat about it… Many people are grateful as they didn’t even know that the conflict existed so they did… Read more »
Showing the flag simply meant that Iveta was standing by her people who suffered as a result of recent attacks. She clearly indicated that she wanted peace… Therefore if there was a message, it was addressed to her people only showing that she was sharing their pain so it was some form of communication. Remember, it’s not her who made it a big issue; it’s the journalist and the reporters who brought it up and made people to chat about it…
This is why the EBU wanted to limit which flag could be raised at the competition. But everyone complained and so they changed their minds and now this happened. When the EBU makes rules just follow them.
Shame on Armenia!!
I’m so sick of countries who behave like this. This is a SONG contest, take the politics elsewhere! If she really wanted peace she wouldn’t have done this because she knew people would be talking about this plus she basically provoked the delegation from Azerbaijan.
It’s a shame that the EBU does nothing. It’s not the first time. I will never forget 2014 when all of the jurors in the Armenian jury ranked all the odds favorites (Austria, Netherlands, UK, Sweden) in the bottom. And the EBU did nothing.
I am really sorry for Samra facing such attitude at press conference last night, that was awful, really.
This should be an event were the delgations should put all their conflcts whith other countries aside. i don’t have so much knowldege about the conflcts, and can not say if Armenia or Asarbadjan is bad guy.
I would love if the singer would talat about pease and take a swedish fika whith the Singer of Asserbadjan and set an example for the polititions in their countries in a real Eurovision spirit. NOT provoke whith the flag. That show that Armenia are not wothy to host eurovison. Armenia lost my support for their act.
An event that has different countries competing on an international stage will always be political because people’s national pride comes into play. The EBU can set whatever rules it likes, but that’s the way it is. And I honestly think that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I’m Dutch, and I wasn’t aware of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict before. Sadly, this conflict is woefully underreported in European media. Because Iveta raised a flag, I got curious what the fuss was about and read up on the region’s history. I am now more aware of the suffering of both Armenians and… Read more »
yea… Russia is going to win and then after the jury scandal alot of people wanted russia out of the competition. Now Armenia waves a flagg and people are saying Armenia has to be eliminated for the final… Same story for Australia, Dami has a great chanche of winning, but lets disqualify her because Australia shouldn’t be in the contest (not europe). I both like the entry’s from Armenia and Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan is my 10th and Armenia my First place. Its gonna be Russia vs Australia vs Armenia for the win, i hope Armenia or Australia will win because they’ve… Read more »
We support every single thing our delegation does. Everyone knows, that the raised flag calls for the truth and peace. GO IVETA!!!!! We believe in careless and peaceful life filled with LOVE 🙂
It’s not about discussing to who Karabakh belongs or if it should be independent or not. It’s simple: the ESC is not about territories, it is about singing. Showing that flag is a disgusting provocation and using ESC for political propaganda. It disqualifies Iveta as a serious artist and the Armenian delegation for their unproffesional behavior. She has the right to have her own opinion, but she shouldn’t show it in this context. Shame on you, Iveta!
Eurovision is a song contest with political elements and we all know it Eurovision proved it itself, when anounced the first semi-final winners Azerbaijani on the top of the list. Of course it shows what europian countries think about Armenia. If they cant support justice, they rather withdraw. Why dont you see? Armenia is always alone. And this is not a fight for just a teritory, its a fight for existance. Whenever we stop defending ourselfs they will eliminate us. No one will ever remember about it acting like it never even happened as always. The ones, who are tired… Read more »
”And this year again they probably helped Azerbaijan to edge out Iceland.” You need to be careful @Debs, when saying such things. While it *might* be true, it might as well be completely off. At this point, we don’t even know the full results. Maybe Azerbaijan was 6’th and Iceland 16’th and it was not even close. And even if Azerbaijan was 10’th and Iceland 11’th, it would need some proof rather than hunch. I understand your rage, though. Iceland, Estonia and Moldova, even Greece, delivered the punch way better than Azerbaijan and this pass was all but deserved. However,… Read more »
@badger – First comment, hands down, the best one. I would sign it all.
So Armenia is bringing politics to ESC? Well let’s think about it. Last year was 100 years of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide! It’s like Holocaust for Israelians !Our song had message inside but it’s lyrics weren’t direct and didn’t contain such sentences like “They came into our houses and killed everyone” unlike Ukrainian entry this year! EBU forced Armenia to change the title of the song. While Ukraine is welcomed by EBU and fans with their anti Russian song related to Crymea! And nor EBU neither fans dint talk about political content of the Ukrainian song and welcome it!… Read more »