The National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan (NOC) has expressed its protest regarding the use of music titled "Artsakh", which carries political and separatist content, in the competition program of the figure skating pair Nikita Rakhmanin – Karina Akopova, representing Armenia at the XXV Winter Olympic Games.
Information on this matter was provided by the NOC to Modern.az.
It has been brought to the attention of IOC officials that the term "Artsakh" for many years reflects the ideological essence of Armenia's illegal and separatist policy in connection with the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan. In this regard, such a program choice at an international sporting event like the Olympic Games, which should remain free from politics, clearly carries political and ideological meaning and contradicts Olympic values.
It was noted that, according to the fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter, any political, ideological, or separatist propaganda should not be allowed at the Olympic Games. One of the missions of the International Olympic Committee is also to keep sport free from politics and to oppose the exploitation of athletes and competitions for political purposes.
Such incidents harm the spirit of the Olympic Games, sports ethics, and international sports principles, violate the principle of neutrality of the Olympic Movement, and at the same time undermine the environment of peace and mutual trust in the region.
The National Olympic Committee reiterated in its protest that the Olympic Games are one of the symbols of peace, friendship, and mutual respect among peoples, and using this platform for political and separatist propaganda purposes is unacceptable.
