Eurovision and Armenia: Music Critic Advises Baku Not to Disgrace Itself

Organizers of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Baku should do everything possible to avoid anti-Armenian statements during this event, said Russian journalist and music critic Artemy Troitsky in an interview with GeorgiaTimes.

In order to preserve its reputation, Azerbaijan should provide Armenia with “maximum comfort and privileged treatment, in case something happens.”

“If Armenians in Baku are suddenly confronted with catcalls or humiliation, or, god forbid, they are faced with any kind of organizational predicaments, Azerbaijan will simply lose its reputation in all of Europe. And I think that the Azerbaijani organizers understand this quite well,” he said.

“On the other hand, restraining a thousands-strong crowd in the hall and controlling the shouts and whistles is almost impossible. I fear that something unpleasant could happen at this level. Though, I would point organizers to turn to the public and say if you want our country to be disgraced in the eyes of all of Europe, you can whistle and shout all sorts of anti-Armenian slogans, but keep in mind that [in the end] it will be more costly for us,” concluded Troitsky.