Azeri Eurovision Win Poses Armenian Dilemma

Azerbaijanis and Armenians struggle to find common ground on most issues. Now Azerbaijan’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest has generated a debate in both countries over whether Armenian artists should go to Baku for next year’s event.

The unexpected victory of “Running Scared” by duo Ell & Nikki – Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal – sparked two days of wild celebrations in Azerbaijan. Young people danced in the streets as the police, normally quick to crack down on public demonstrations of any kind, looked on.

In neighbouring Armenia, where the national contestant disappointed early expectations and failed to qualify for the finals, Azerbaijan’s victory caused dismay.

The two countries have never concluded a formal peace deal to end the war over Nagorny Karabakh which is controlled by Armenians but is internationally regarded as part of Azerbaijan. That stand-off complicates the question of whether, politically, Armenia can send a performer to take part when the 2012 contest is hosted by Azerbaijan, as this year’s champion.

Asked about Armenian participation at the press conference following his victory, singer Eldar Gasimov was clear in his support for the idea, saying, “Culture makes people come together.”

But this opinion was not widely shared back in Azerbaijan, particularly among the hundreds of thousands of people who had to flee their homes in the Karabakh war and see little prospect of returning home.

“Our organisation is categorically opposed to all visits to Azerbaijan by representatives from Armenia – and by Azeris to Armenia as well – until the territories occupied by Armenians are liberated,” said Akif Nagi, head of the Karabakh Liberation Organisation. “Europe and the world must understand and support us on this. Our organisation will use every permissible means to prevent Armenia participating in Eurovision-2012. That is absolutely unacceptable.”

Many Armenian commentators were worried about the prevalence of such views in Azerbaijan, and suggested it would not be safe for performers to travel there.

The head of Armenian public television – a member of the European Broadcasting Union which is behind Eurovision – declined to comment on whether the country would be taking part next year.

In an interview with the Armenian service of Radio Liberty, Eurovision-2011’s executive director Jon Ola Sand made it clear Azerbaijan would have no choice in the matter.

“We expect that the hosting country, being a responsible partner of the European Broadcasting Union, will ensure the security of every delegation which arrives in Azerbaijan, Baku. And there cannot be any exceptions,” he said.

Leaders of Azerbaijan’s opposition parties said that under the circumstances, the country should not make a fuss about hosting Armenian performers.

Natiq Adilov, spokesman for the Popular Front of Azerbaijan, pointed out that Baku hosted an Armenian wrestling team two years ago, and the country’s flag was raised when one of the visiting athletes won a bronze medal.

The head of the Armenian Church has also visited Baku, where he offered prayers for peace.

“Azerbaijan has already received military, diplomatic, religious and sporting delegations from Armenia. Why can’t Armenian cultural delegates also come here? There’s nothing in this,” Adilov said.

Many Azerbaijanis said the competition should reflect their country’s tradition of hospitality, and not to rake up old disputes.

“It would be stupid not to host the Armenians,” Aliya Hagverdi, a 30-year-old businesswoman, said. “We must show them our hospitality, our tolerance, and feed them black caviar and Caspian sturgeon so that when they go home, they have nothing they can hold against us.”

Others, however, were worried that Armenia might not approach the event in the same spirit.

“I don’t care whether Armenia takes part in Eurovision-2012 or not. This event is a much bigger thing than whatever Armenia wants to do or can do,” Kenan Guluzade, a 35-year-old journalist, said. “But I am sure that Armenians will play up the issue and lay stress on it, so everyone is talking about Eurovision and Armenia, rather than Eurovision in Azerbaijan.”

Samira Ahmedbeyli is an IWPR reporter in Baku.