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{{Infobox Bilateral relations|Armenia-Azerbaijans Eurovision Song Contest|Armenia|Azerbaijan|filetype=svg}}
[[Armenia]] has [[Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest|participated]] in the [[Eurovision Song Contest]] since [[Eurovision Song Contest 2006|2006]], while [[Azerbaijan]] has [[Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest|participated]] since 2008. The [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict|continuing conflict]] between the two countries over the region of [[Nagorno-Karabakh]], which is considered to be a ''[[de jure]]'' part of Azerbaijan by the [[United Nations]], but has been under control of the Armenia-backed ''de facto'' [[Nagorno-Karabakh Republic]] since 1993, has affected the Eurovision Song Contest on several occasions.
 
Conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan first appeared in 2006, when Azeri media criticized the event's website for listing Nagorno-Karabakh as the birthplace of Armenia's first representative, [[André (singer)|André]], as it was part of the [[Azerbaijan SSR]] at the time. Conflicts notably escalated throughout the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2009|2009 contest]]: during the semi-finals, Azeri officials objected to the depiction of the Nagorno-Karabakh monument ''[[We Are Our Mountains]]'' during an introductory video for the [[Jan Jan|Armenian entry]]. Armenia retaliated during the finals by displaying multiple images of the monument whilst presenting its results. Following the contest, allegations emerged that Azerbaijan's state broadcaster had tampered with its feed of the broadcast to censor the Armenian entry, and that the Azeri government was interrogating citizens who voted for Armenia, accusing them of being unpatriotic and a threat to security. Following an inquiry, Azerbaijan was fined by the [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU) for breaching the privacy of voters.
 
Following the [[2010 Junior Eurovision Song Contest]], Armenian media claimed that Azerbaijan's broadcaster had cut off the broadcast when it became apparent that Armenia had won; however, it was disputed whether the contest was even broadcast in Azerbaijan. Accordingly, as Azerbaijan prepared to host the [[2012 Eurovision Song Contest]] following its [[Running Scared (Eldar & Nigar song)|victory]] in [[Eurovision Song Contest 2011|2011]], a group of Armenian musicians led a boycott effort, and the country would ultimately withdraw from the contest, causing the broadcaster to be fined for the late notice.<ref name="riaarm">{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20120503/173190419.html |title=Armenia Fined for Refusal to Take Part in Eurovision 2012 |publisher=RIA Novosti |date= |accessdate=9 October 2012}}</ref> Armenia returned in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2013|2013 edition]], which was held in [[Sweden]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Marco|last=Brey|title=Gor Sujyan will represent Armenia!|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=71863&_t=gor_sujyan_will_represent_armenia|work=Eurovision.tv|date=22 January 2013}}</ref> The move was criticized by an Azeri politician and a representative of the country's state broadcaster, who felt that Armenia's participation could have been a symbol of peace between the two nations, and that the decision would further damage the country's reputation.
 
Conflicts between the two countries began to develop again during the lead-up to the [[Eurovision Song Contest|2015 contest]], as critics perceived the lyrics and music video of Armenia's entry "[[Don't Deny]]" as alluding to the [[Armenian Genocide]]—whose [[100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide|100th anniversary]] was commemorated in the month prior to the contest. As Azerbaijan, alongside [[Turkey]], [[Armenian Genocide denial|denies]] the genocide, officials from the country issued a statement threatening Armenia for attempting to use Eurovision as an outlet for its "political ambitions". Armenia's delegation has denied that the song is specifically about the genocide, and renamed the song "[[Face the Shadow]]" to address concerns over its alleged political themes.
 
==Initial appearances==
In [[Eurovision Song Contest 2006|2006]]—the first year in which [[Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest|Armenia]] participated, the official Eurovision website listed the birthplace of its performer [[André (singer)|André]] as being in the "Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh". Media outlets in Azerbaijan criticized the contest's organizers for recognizing the republic, especially given that the region was an [[Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast|autonomous oblast]] within the [[Azerbaijan SSR]] when André was born in 1979. The birthplace listing on André's profile was later removed entirely.<ref name=telegraph-needfriends>{{cite web|title=You need friends to win in Eurovision|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3625080/You-need-friends-to-win-in-Eurovision.html|website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=4 June 2014}}</ref><ref name=dayaz-error>{{cite web|title=Абульфаз Гараев: "Руководство Евровидения устранило ошибку на своем сайте" |url=http://www.day.az/news/showbiz/43927.html|website=[[Day.az]]|accessdate=4 June 2014|language=ru}}</ref>
 
[[Azerbaijan in the Eurovision Song Contest|Azerbaijan]] would make its own Eurovision debut in [[2008 Eurovision Song Contest|2008]]—marking the first time both Armenia and Azerbaijan competed against each other at the contest. The Armenian entry, "[[Qélé, Qélé]]" by [[Sirusho]], finished in 4th place, while Azerbaijan's inaugural entry, "[[Day After Day (Elnur Hüseynov and Samir Javadzadeh song)|Day After Day]]", finished 8th.<ref name=esc-azerbaijan>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan: Major success since 2008 debut|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=64233|website=Eurovision.tv|accessdate=2 December 2014}}</ref><ref name=taw-4thplace>{{cite web|title=Disappointing Performance Leaves Armenia Behind at Eurovision|url=http://armenianweekly.com/2011/05/11/disappointing-performance-leaves-armenia-behind-at-eurovision/|website=[[The Armenian Weekly]]|accessdate=2 December 2014}}</ref>
 
==2009 contest==
 
===Postcard controversy and aftermath===
[[File:Eurovision 2009 Armenia voting.png|thumb|In protest of complaints by Azerbaijan over its usage during the semi-finals, Armenia displayed multiple images of ''We Are Our Mountains'' while presenting its votes at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest finals.]]
During the first semi-final of the [[2009 Eurovision Song Contest|2009 contest]], the "postcard" video introducing the performance of the Armenian entry "[[Jan Jan]]" depicted, amongst other monuments, ''[[We Are Our Mountains]]'', an art piece located in Nagorno-Karabakh's capital city of [[Stepanakert]]. Due to the country's claims over the region, Azerbaijani officials objected to the use of ''We Are Our Mountains'' to represent Armenia. For the finals of the contest, the offending statue was edited out of the Armenian postcard.<ref name="frontline">{{cite web |url=http://www.frontlineclub.com/festering_wounds_overshadow_eurovision_in_the_south_caucasus/ |title=Ethnic rivalry wins over kitsch in the Caucasus |last=Krikorian |first=Onnik |date=16 May 2009 |publisher=[[Frontline Club]] |accessdate=17 September 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/Eurovision_A_MeltingPot_Contest_Where_Native_Doesnt_Always_Mean_Best/1732594.html|title=Eurovision: A Melting-Pot Contest, Where Native Doesn't Always Mean Best|last=Deasy|first=Kristin|date=15 May 2009|publisher=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]]|accessdate=17 May 2009| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090517043108/http://www.rferl.org/content/Eurovision_A_MeltingPot_Contest_Where_Native_Doesnt_Always_Mean_Best/1732594.html| archivedate= 17 May 2009 | deadurl= no}}</ref>
 
In protest of the decision, multiple photographs of ''We Are Our Mountains'' were displayed during the presentation of voting results from Armenia; one was displayed on a video screen at [[Yerevan]]'s [[Republic Square, Yerevan|Republic Square]] in the background, and another was displayed on the back of a clipboard that the presenter [[Sirusho]] was reading results from.<ref name="frontline" /><ref name=time-wagewar/> Despite the controversy, 1,065 Armenians voted for the Azerbaijani entry, enough to give the country a single point. A total of 43 Azerbaijanis voted for the Armenian entry.<ref name=critcize />
 
===Censorship, interrogation of voters===
Following the contest, reports surfaced that the local Azeri broadcaster, [[İctimai Television]], had attempted to censor the Armenian performance from its broadcast of the final, and had obscured the voting number for the entry in an effort to discourage voting for it. İTV denied these claims, and provided footage showing that its broadcast was untampered with.<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.1news.az/bomond/20090526113051515.html |title=Голосование за Ингу и Ануш в Азербайджане /ВИДЕО/ |publisher=1news.az |date=26 May 2009 |accessdate=5 July 2011}}</ref><ref name=ararat-diplomacy>{{cite web|title=Can Eurovision Succeed Where Diplomacy Has Failed?|url=http://araratmagazine.org/2011/05/can-eurovision-succeed-where-diplomacy-has-failed/|website=Ararat|accessdate=5 June 2014}}</ref> In August 2009, a number of Azerbaijanis who had voted for Armenia's entry during the contest were summoned for questioning at the Ministry of National Security in [[Baku]], during which they were accused of being "unpatriotic" and "a potential security threat".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8205907.stm|title=Azerbaijanis in Eurovision probe|date=17 August 2009|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=17 August 2009}}</ref><ref name=rfl-az01>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani Authorities Interrogate Music Fan Over Eurovision Vote For Armenia|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/feature/1800013.html|website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|accessdate=5 June 2014}}</ref> One of those summoned, Rovshan Nasirli (who had voted for "Jan Jan" because he felt it was a better reflection of Azeri music than "[[Always (Aysel and Arash song)|Always]]", the country's actual entry) said that his interrogators told him that they had the names and addresses of all 43 Azerbaijanis who had voted for Armenia.<ref name=rfl-az02>{{cite web|title=Azeris Questioned Over Eurovision Vote For Armenia|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/1800027.html|website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|accessdate=5 June 2014}}</ref>
 
Following these reports, [[Svante Stockselius]], executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, announced the launch of an enquiry into the incidents.<ref name=rfl-az03>{{cite web|title=Eurovision Organizer Probes Azeri Crackdown|url=http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/1803351.html|website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|accessdate=5 June 2014}}</ref> In their response, İctimai TV stated that while two individuals had been invited to the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry had given assurances that nobody had been questioned, either officially or unofficially, on voting in the competition itself. The [[European Broadcasting Union]] (EBU) Director General, Jean Réveillon, responded to this by saying that freedom to vote is one of the cornerstones of the contest and "Any breach of privacy regarding voting, or interrogation of individuals, is totally unacceptable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=3863 |title=EBU receives responses from Azerbaijan |work=Eurovision.tv |date=11 September 2009 |accessdate=9 October 2012}}</ref> Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sport, [[Azad Rahimov]], denied that anyone had been summoned to the Ministry of National Security about voting for the Armenian entry, and accused [[RFE/RL]] and other news outlets of reporting the allegations to create a scandal.<ref name=critcize>{{cite web|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/Azerbaijani_Minister_Criticizes_RFERL_Over_Eurovision_Interrogation_Story/1815075.html |title=Azerbaijani Minister Criticizes RFE/RL Over Eurovision Interrogation Story |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=4 September 2009 |accessdate=9 October 2012}}</ref>
 
The Reference Group of the EBU, which organizes Eurovision, examined the matter at a meeting in [[Oslo]] on 11 September 2009. In a statement issued on 17 September, the EBU acknowledged the allegations that Azeri officials were interrogating voters and breaching their privacy. While the EBU would not impose sanctions on or ban Azerbaijan from future editions of the contest (the country could have been banned from the contest for three years), it fined the delegation €2,700, and changed its rules to make participating broadcasters liable for the "disclosure of information which could be used to identify voters" during future editions of the contest. Previously, telecommunications providers were liable, but the EBU could not impose sanctions on them.<ref name=ararat-diplomacy/><ref name="rfl-amends">{{cite web|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/Eurovision_Changes_Rules_But_Does_Not_Sanction_Azerbaijan/1825025.html |title=Eurovision Amends Rules, Does Not Sanction Azerbaijan |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=17 September 2009 |accessdate=9 October 2012}}</ref>
 
==2012 contest==
[[File:Baku Crystal Hall.jpg|thumb|right|Armenia dropped out of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest ''([[Baku Crystal Hall|venue]] pictured)'' following a formal boycott by a group of local musicians.]]
The [[Eurovision Song Contest 2012|2012 Eurovision Song Contest]] was hosted by [[Baku]], Azerbaijan after their win in [[2011 Eurovision Song Contest|2011]]. Azerbaijan temporarily amended [[Visa policy of Azerbaijan|its visa policy]] to allow Armenians, who are normally barred from entering the country, to attend the event. However, in February 2012, a boycott effort emerged in Armenia following an incident where a 20-year-old Armenian soldier was shot dead on the border between the two countries. Armenian officials initially blamed the soldier's death on an Azerbaijani sniper; however, conflicting reports indicated that the death was the result of [[friendly fire]].<ref name=nyt-shunning/> Also in February, Azeri president [[Ilham Aliyev]] made a statement re-affirming the country's stance against Armenians, arguing that they control "hypocritical and corrupt politicians."<ref name=time-wagewar/> 22 Armenian musicians, including previous Armenian Eurovision representatives [[Emmy (Armenian singer)|Emmy]] and [[Eva Rivas]], signed an open letter supporting a boycott, stating that they would "refuse to appear in a country that is well-known for the mass killings and massacres of Armenians, in a country where anti-Armenian sentiments have been elevated to the level of state policy."<ref name=time-wagewar>{{cite web|title=How Armenia and Azerbaijan Wage War Through Eurovision|url=http://world.time.com/2012/03/11/how-armenia-and-azerbaijan-wage-war-through-eurovision/|website=Time|accessdate=5 June 2014}}</ref><ref name=nyt-shunning>{{cite web|title=Armenians Are Shunning Song Contest in Azerbaijan|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/08/world/asia/armenia-shuns-eurovision-hosted-by-azerbaijan-a-rival.html?_r=0|website=The New York Times|accessdate=5 June 2014}}</ref>
 
On 7 March 2012, Armenian officials announced that the country would withdraw from the 2012 contest. The EBU stated that it was "truly disappointed" with Armenia's withdrawal, and that "despite the efforts of the EBU and the Host Broadcaster to ensure a smooth participation for the Armenian delegation in this year's Contest, circumstances beyond our control lead to this unfortunate decision."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=48413&_t=armenia_withdraws_from_eurovision_2012 |title= Armenia withdraws from Eurovision 2012 |publisher=Eurovision.tv |date= |accessdate=9 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20120307/171835386.html |title=Armenia Officially Rejects Eurovision Song Contest |publisher=[[RIA Novosti]]|date= |accessdate=9 October 2012}}</ref> İTV General Director Ismayil Omarov expressed his regret about Armenia's withdrawal, believing that the country's presence could have been a "joint peace message to the world."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.apa.az/news/167456 |title=Ismayil Omarov: "The performance of Armenia’s representative on Baku stage could be a joint peace message to the world" |publisher=APA |date= |accessdate=9 October 2012}}</ref> Local politician Ali Ahmadov also criticized the Armenian delegation for its decision, stating that "[its] refusal to take part in such a respected contest will cause even further damage to the already damaged image of Armenia."<ref name=time-wagewar/>
 
== 2015 contest ==▼
Due to its late withdrawal, Armenia was required to pay its entry fee, plus a fine totalling half the value of the entry fee.<ref name="riaarm"/>
Upon its unveiling in March 2015, media outlets characterized Armenia's [[Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015|entry]] in the [[2015 Eurovision Song Contest]], "[[Don't Deny]]", as being in tribute to the [[Armenian Genocide]], whose [[100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide|centenary]] was commemorated prior to the contest on 24 April 2015. The song was performed by [[Genealogy (band)|Genealogy]], a group whose composition alludes to the [[forget-me-not]] by consisting of five [[Armenian diaspora]], along with a sixth singer representing Armenia and their unity. "Don't Deny" was perceived to be a call for [[Armenian Genocide recognition|recognition of the genocide]]; critics also noted that the song's music video contained visuals alluding to the genocide, with one scene depicting the group's members posing for a family photo in [[World War I]]-era outfits, and then disappearing from sight. Gohar Gasparyan, head of Armenia's Eurovision delegation, has described the song as being about love and unity, and did not make reference to any specific political intent or themes. Representatives of Azerbaijan—which, alongside [[Turkey]], [[Armenian Genocide denial|denies the genocide]]—criticized the song for its alleged political themes, and stated that they would "act adequately" to prevent the contest from being "sacrificed to the political ambitions of a country."<ref name="esc-facetheshadow"/><ref name=trend.az-dontdeny>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan to adequately act if Armenia turns Eurovision into political arena|url=http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/2364270.html|website=Trend.az|accessdate=22 March 2015}}</ref><ref name=eurasianet-dontdeny>{{cite web|last1=Lomsadze|first1=Giorgi|title=Armenia Takes Genocide-Recognition to Eurovision|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/72516|website=Eurasianet|accessdate=22 March 2015|date=13 March 2015}}</ref><ref name=apaaz-possiblemessages>{{cite web|title=Possible messages for recognition of ‘Armenian genocide’ in Armenia's song for Eurovision to be looked for|url=http://en.apa.az/xeber_possible_messages_for_recognition_of____ar_223179.html|website=APA.az|accessdate=22 March 2015}}</ref>▼
 
On 16 March 2015, the Armenian delegation announced that it would rename the song to "[[Face the Shadow]]" to quell concerns over the alleged political themes of the song and to "strengthen" its themes; the song's original title still appears as part of its [[refrain]]. The delegation continues to deny any specific political subtext in the song.<ref name="esc-facetheshadow">{{cite web|last1=Siim|first1=Jarmo|title=Armenia changes song title|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=armenia_changes_song_title|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=17 March 2015}}</ref><ref name=eurasianet-dodged>{{cite web|title=Armenia Dodges Eurovision Controversy|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/72576|website=Eurasianet.org|accessdate=22 March 2015}}</ref>▼
==2010 Junior Eurovision Song Contest==▼
[[Vladimir Arzumanyan]], a singer from Nagorno-Karabakh representing Armenia, won the [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010|2010 Junior Eurovision Song Contest]]. It was alleged by Armenian media outlets that the broadcast of the contest in Azerbaijan was interrupted when it became apparent that Armenia had won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.am/eng/news/38887.html |title=Azerbaijan interrupted Eurovision-2010 broadcast after the victory of the Armenian performer from Karabakh |publisher=NEWS.am |date=13 June 2009 |accessdate=8 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/culture/news/57089/Azerbaijan_does_not_endure_victory_of_Vladimir_Arzumanyan_at_2010_Junior_Eurovision |title=Azerbaijan does not "endure" victory of Vladimir Arzumanyan at 2010 Junior Eurovision |publisher=[[PanARMENIAN.Net]]|date=21 November 2010 |accessdate=8 August 2012}}</ref>
 
These claims were disputed by [[Armenia 1]] director and Eurovision delegation leader Diana Mnatsakanyan, who also denied reports that the country was preparing to file a complaint with the EBU over the matter. She noted that the broadcaster did not know whether Azerbaijan even aired the contest at all, given that the country had not yet participated in the Junior Eurovision and had "no interest" in it at the time, and that reports about the alleged incident were limited to posts on Azerbaijani [[Internet forum|forums]].<ref name=panarmenian-notcutoff>{{cite web|title=Public Television of Armenia denies the country’s intention to file complaint against Azerbaijan to European Broadcasting Union|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/57152/|website=[[PanARMENIAN.Net]]|accessdate=5 June 2014}}</ref> Azerbaijan would ultimately make its official debut at the Junior Eurovision [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2012|two years later]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=junior_2012_12_countries_to_take_part|title=Junior 2012: 12 countries to take part|publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]|date=1 September 2012|accessdate=3 September 2012}}</ref>▼
 
The EBU and the reference group released a statement the following day explaining that they "strongly condemn the brandishing of the Nagorno-Karabakh flag" during the live transmission of the first semi final, and considers the appearance "harmful" to the contest brand. The reference group has consequently sanctioned the Armenian broadcaster AMPTV, with the nature of the sanction to be determined citing a breach of the rule stating "no messages promoting any organisation, institution, political cause or other causes shall be allowed in the shows". Furthermore, the reference group has pointed out that a further breach of the rules of the contest could lead to disqualification from the year's event or any successive editions. <ref>https://www.facebook.com/EBU.HQ/posts/1045195205572896</ref>▼
▲== 2015 contest ==
▲Upon its unveiling in March 2015, media outlets characterized Armenia's [[Armenia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015|entry]] in the [[2015 Eurovision Song Contest]], "[[Don't Deny]]", as being in tribute to the [[Armenian Genocide]], whose [[100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide|centenary]] was commemorated prior to the contest on 24 April 2015. The song was performed by [[Genealogy (band)|Genealogy]], a group whose composition alludes to the [[forget-me-not]] by consisting of five [[Armenian diaspora]], along with a sixth singer representing Armenia and their unity. "Don't Deny" was perceived to be a call for [[Armenian Genocide recognition|recognition of the genocide]]; critics also noted that the song's music video contained visuals alluding to the genocide, with one scene depicting the group's members posing for a family photo in [[World War I]]-era outfits, and then disappearing from sight. Gohar Gasparyan, head of Armenia's Eurovision delegation, has described the song as being about love and unity, and did not make reference to any specific political intent or themes. Representatives of Azerbaijan—which, alongside [[Turkey]], [[Armenian Genocide denial|denies the genocide]]—criticized the song for its alleged political themes, and stated that they would "act adequately" to prevent the contest from being "sacrificed to the political ambitions of a country."<ref name="esc-facetheshadow"/><ref name=trend.az-dontdeny>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan to adequately act if Armenia turns Eurovision into political arena|url=http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/2364270.html|website=Trend.az|accessdate=22 March 2015}}</ref><ref name=eurasianet-dontdeny>{{cite web|last1=Lomsadze|first1=Giorgi|title=Armenia Takes Genocide-Recognition to Eurovision|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/72516|website=Eurasianet|accessdate=22 March 2015|date=13 March 2015}}</ref><ref name=apaaz-possiblemessages>{{cite web|title=Possible messages for recognition of ‘Armenian genocide’ in Armenia's song for Eurovision to be looked for|url=http://en.apa.az/xeber_possible_messages_for_recognition_of____ar_223179.html|website=APA.az|accessdate=22 March 2015}}</ref>
 
▲On 16 March 2015, the Armenian delegation announced that it would rename the song to "[[Face the Shadow]]" to quell concerns over the alleged political themes of the song and to "strengthen" its themes; the song's original title still appears as part of its [[refrain]]. The delegation continues to deny any specific political subtext in the song.<ref name="esc-facetheshadow">{{cite web|last1=Siim|first1=Jarmo|title=Armenia changes song title|url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=armenia_changes_song_title|website=eurovision.tv|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|accessdate=17 March 2015|date=17 March 2015}}</ref><ref name=eurasianet-dodged>{{cite web|title=Armenia Dodges Eurovision Controversy|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/72576|website=Eurasianet.org|accessdate=22 March 2015}}</ref>
 
== 2016 contest ==
During the first semi final on 10 May 2016, the Armenian representative was seen holding the flag of the disputed territory of [[Nagorno-Karabakh Republic]] sparking backlash from the Azeri press.<ref>http://wiwibloggs.com</ref> The situation further escalated during the semi-final winner's press conference shortly after, where an Azeri press criticised the Armenian delegation and the EBU for allowing the flag to be shown during the show.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHIb_vD4UVw</ref> The Armenian representative responded stating: "You should not forget that I am representing my country, and my heart, my thoughts, my feelings and my whole emotions are with my Motherland. The only thing that I want to say and spread is peace. I just want peace in borders, Armenia wants peace. And this is why I wrote this song, I just wanted to spread “love waves”. I just wanted to have peace everywhere. I raised the flag since I really wanted people to concentrate on that. I really want peace in the world."<ref>{{cite web|title=Iveta Mukuchyan Commented on Why She Raised Artsakh Flag|url=http://en.168.am/2016/05/11/6809.html|work=168.am|date=May 11, 2016|accessdate=May 11, 2016}}</ref>The Azeri representative also commented on this situation stating that "Eurovision is a song contest and it's all about music."<ref>https://twitter.com/wiwibloggs/status/730159341018460160</ref>
 
▲The EBU and the reference group released a statement the following day explaining that they "strongly condemn the brandishing of the Nagorno-Karabakh flag" during the live transmission of the first semi final, and considers the appearance "harmful" to the contest brand. The reference group has consequently sanctioned the Armenian broadcaster AMPTV, with the nature of the sanction to be determined citing a breach of the rule stating "no messages promoting any organisation, institution, political cause or other causes shall be allowed in the shows". Furthermore, the reference group has pointed out that a further breach of the rules of the contest could lead to disqualification from the year's event or any successive editions. <ref>https://www.facebook.com/EBU.HQ/posts/1045195205572896</ref>
▲These claims were disputed by [[Armenia 1]] director and Eurovision delegation leader Diana Mnatsakanyan, who also denied reports that the country was preparing to file a complaint with the EBU over the matter. She noted that the broadcaster did not know whether Azerbaijan even aired the contest at all, given that the country had not yet participated in the Junior Eurovision and had "no interest" in it at the time, and that reports about the alleged incident were limited to posts on Azerbaijani [[Internet forum|forums]].<ref name=panarmenian-notcutoff>{{cite web|title=Public Television of Armenia denies the country’s intention to file complaint against Azerbaijan to European Broadcasting Union|url=http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/57152/|website=[[PanARMENIAN.Net]]|accessdate=5 June 2014}}</ref> Azerbaijan would ultimately make its official debut at the Junior Eurovision [[Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2012|two years later]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.junioreurovision.tv/page/blog?id=junior_2012_12_countries_to_take_part|title=Junior 2012: 12 countries to take part|publisher=[[European Broadcasting Union]]|date=1 September 2012|accessdate=3 September 2012}}</ref>
 
==See also==
▲{{Portal|Eurovision}}
*[[Armenia–Azerbaijan relations]]
 
==References==
{{Reflist|3}}
 
{{Eurovision}}
{{Foreign relations of Armenia}}
▲==2010 Junior Eurovision Song Contest==
{{Foreign relations of Azerbaijan}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Armenia-Azerbaijan Relations In The Eurovision Song Contest}}
[[Category:Eurovision Song Contest]]
[[Category:Armenia–Azerbaijan relations|Eurovision]]
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