Political Involvement in Sports is Unacceptable: Azerbaijan Issues Statement

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Olympic Committee of the country have released a joint statement, announcing the decision that their delegation, including athletes, must return to Azerbaijan from Yerevan. The reason for this decision is the incident during the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championships, where designer Aram Nikolyan burned the Azerbaijani flag on stage.

The joint statement specifically mentions that on April 14, 2023, during the opening ceremony of the Weightlifting European Championship in Yerevan, the Azerbaijani flag was burned by an officially accredited individual. The act, described as 'barbaric', occurred at an event attended by the Prime Minister of Armenia and was met with applause from the Armenian public. Presenting the perpetrator as a hero is a vivid example of 'ethnic hatred, racism, intolerance, and anti-Azerbaijan sentiments in this country, which completely contradict the noble goals and principles of sports that promote peace and mutual understanding among peoples. The politicization of sports is categorically unacceptable.'

Given the environment of 'hate that prevails in Armenia, where safety is not guaranteed, the normal participation of Azerbaijani athletes in competitions is impossible due to psychological pressure,' it has been decided to return Azerbaijani athletes to their homeland. Armenia must ensure their safe return.

The statement calls on the international community and international sports organizations to condemn this 'barbaric' act firmly. It also urges the European Weightlifting Federation to impose sanctions against Armenia. 'We believe that what has occurred demonstrates Armenia's inability to conduct international sporting events and ensure the safety of athletes.'

It is worth recalling that Azerbaijan has never ceased its efforts and has consistently glorified the crimes committed against Armenians. Meanwhile, the leadership of Armenia announced at a high level that they were prepared to ensure the safety of both Azerbaijani and other athletes during the Weightlifting European Championship. It should be noted that upon entry into Armenia, Azerbaijani athletes requested additional security, which was provided. All necessary measures were taken, including escorts, airport reception, additional security at the hotel, safe participation in the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championships, and a secure stay in Armenia.

It is important to emphasize that Azerbaijani athletes arrived in Armenia two days after bloody events occurred in the border village of Tegh, where there was gunfire. Azerbaijani military personnel had approached Armenian soldiers conducting engineering works and opened fire on them. As a result of the skirmish, the Armenian side suffered four casualties and six injuries.

It is noted that for 125 days now, Azerbaijan has been blocking the sole road connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the outside world, creating severe humanitarian conditions for the population of Artsakh, which numbers 120,000. Through such actions, the Azerbaijani side has deprived the residents of Artsakh of the only possible contact with the outside world, leaving 120,000 people in total blockade with all the ensuing humanitarian, health, and economic repercussions. Under the guise of environmentalists, Azerbaijanis act according to the directives of political authority to isolate Artsakh from the world.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan is not complying with the International Court of Justice ruling, which states that the country must use all available means to ensure the unimpeded movement of people, vehicles, and cargo through the Lachin corridor in both directions.

Finally, it should be noted that no one in Azerbaijan acknowledges Ramil Safarov, who killed sleeping Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan with 16 blows in Budapest, as a criminal or recognizes his guilt.