Report.az
The National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan (NOC) has expressed its protest regarding the use of the music "Artsakh," which carries political and separatist connotations, in the competition program of the figure skating pair Nikita Rakhmanin – Karina Akopova, representing Armenia at the XXV Winter Olympic Games.
This was reported to "Report" from the NOC.
It was brought to the attention of IOC officials that the term "Artsakh" reflects the ideological essence of Armenia's illegal and separatist policy regarding the territories of Azerbaijan recognized by international law for many years. In this regard, the choice of such a program at an international sporting event like the Olympic Games, which should remain outside of politics, clearly carries political and ideological meaning and contradicts Olympic values.
It was noted that, according to the basic principles of the Olympic Charter, any political, ideological, and separatist propaganda should not be allowed at the Olympic Games. One of the missions of the International Olympic Committee is to keep sports out of politics and to oppose the exploitation of athletes and competitions for political purposes.
Such cases 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 atmosphere 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 between peoples, and it is unacceptable to use this platform for political and separatist propaganda purposes.
