Eurovision: the right to wave a flag and being political

I am not against flags or being political at Eurovision. While first and foremost a music contest, the Eurovision was, is and always will be political. And I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing IF it means raising or drawing attention to important issues people feel passionate about.

We frequently wish or expect our fave singers, actors, sports personalities to voice their opinion and contribute to good social causes, human rights causes, and we criticise them when - whether unwittingly or not - they appear next to dictators or keep silence. Entertainment industry, besides its entertainment value, has a huge potential to contribute to social changes.

From LGBT rights to the plight of Crimean Tatars and more. It's in this aspect Karabakh issue (or more specifically, waving Karabakh flag) should be viewed too. What is a different matter, however, is how or why this or that issue is being raised, and whether a platform or target audience is suitable for the cause.

*Metro

Every single year, there is an annual Eurovision battle between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Karabakh. I am pretty sure, for most outside viewers it looks more like a childish game between the countries who cannot look beyond their local boundaries; while inside Armenia and Azerbaijan (and their Diaspora), it's a big thing, likely to be planned ahead on the highest governmental level. And add to this a real life tragedy of war which Armenia, Azerbaijan and Karabakh witness on a daily basis, emotions understandably run high.

However, I do not believe the Eurovision is necessarily a suitable platform, in terms of its target audience, for raising Karabakh issue, other than for a concept of peace.

But as someone passionate about human rights, I cannot be against anyone waving any flag or raising any issue, other than terrorists' flags or hate speech. And this is regardless of whether I would agree or disagree with that action. The point here is that formally the Armenian delegation broke the rules and could be put up for penalty. But I find the EBU statement way too harsh and disproportionate, especially considering that their 'flag rules' had been poorly executed, are pretty stupid and unacceptable when listing together, on a same level (!), the flags of unrecognised states or states/regions within a country along with that of... ISIS.

And I am glad that Azeri singer Samra responded to their local journalist's Karabakh related propaganda speech with 'Eurovision is about music', and Armenia's Iveta reiterated that her action (waving Karabakh flag) was about peace, even if I am sceptical about such statements. In fact, this action hardly contributed to 'peace' even within the Eurovision. Yes, perhaps more people now heard of Karabakh than before, but did it lead to more people caring more about it? Did it raise among Eurovision audience the impression of Armenia promoting peace? I highly doubt it. My advice to both Armenia and Azerbaijan delegations: know your audience, and at least make some efforts to "come together", as the Eurovision slogan proclaims.

Back to the Eurovison as a song contest, I am happy that my faves from the 1st semi - Armenia and Malta - are through to the finals. Yes, Iveta Mukuchyan nailed it. There was also a powerful performance by Ukraine entry Jamala and a cool one by Georgia’s Nika Kocharov and Young Georgian Lolitaz during the 2nd semi. And all of them, that is 3 very different and pretty damn good singers of Armenian origin, became a highlight of this year’s Eurovision. All through to the final. Big congrats !!

If only our countries are as successful and as determined at peace and human rights (for real!), as they are on Eurovision stage.

Police in Karabakh target trendy haircuts to ‘prevent teenagers from turning gay’

Remember 5 or so years ago, police in Armenia targeted emo teenagers? [Degradation and stupidity. Police in Armenia hunts down perceived emo teenagers, confiscates ‘weapons of mass destraction’, oh, sorry, souvenirs]

I also remember that years ago some in Armenia used to say ‘there are no gays in Armenia’, sending me angry messages to change my blog’s name. They no longer make such absurd claims.

Now it’s Karabakh’s turn to get over this farce.

Reports from Karabakh say local police enter hair salons ordering barbers not to make trendy haircuts for teenagers to ‘prevent them turning gay’.

Լեռնային Ղարաբաղում, մասնավորապես մայրաքաղաք Ստեփանակերտում, կարծես թե որոշել են լրջորեն պայքարել նույնասեռականության դեմ եւ այդ գործը սկսել են ոստիկաններին գեղեցկության սրահներ գործուղելով: Իրավապահները վարսավիրներից պահանջում են դեռահասներին աբստրակտ սանրվածքներ չանել` փաստորեն համոզված լինելով, որ մազերի զուսպ ու դասական կտրվածքն է, որ անհրաժեշտության դեպքում կարող է նրանց հետ պահել ոչ ճիշտ ճանապարհից:

Ստեփանակերտի գեղեցկության սրահներից մեկում աշխատող վարսավիր Անուշը երեկ հաստատեց ոստիկանների այցի մասին մեր տեղեկությունները: [...]

Ավելի ուշ զրուցեցինք Ստեփանակերտում գործող մեկ այլ գեղեցկության սրահի տնօրենի հետ, որը նույնպես հաստատեց, որ ոստիկանները այցելել են, պահանջել զերծ մնալ աբստրակտ սանրվածքներ անելուց:

*cartoon via MediaLab

If you thought that the absurdity of this situation ends here, you are wrong.

Police spokesman denied reports by saying… ‘there are no gay people in Karabakh’, because apparently people in Karabakh live at frontline and defend borders, that's why they cannot be gay. Killing logic, indeed.

Բայց ահա Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի Հանրապետության ոստիկանության լրատվական ծառայության ղեկավար Ֆելիքս Հարությունյանը կտրականապես հերքեց, թե ոստիկաններն իրենց առջեւ նման խնդիր են դրել: «Բացարձակապես հերյուրանք է, ոստիկանությունը նման գործողություններ չի կատարում, իսկ ինչ վերաբերում է ձեր նշած՝ իբր Ղարաբաղը լցվում է եսիմինչ բնույթի սեռական կողմնորոշում ունեցող մարդկանցով, ապա դա ինձ թվում է, բացարձակ ապատեղեկատվություն է: Ղարաբաղցին 50 կիլոմետր հեռավորության վրա դիրքեր է պահում, այդպիսի երեւույթ չկա, այդպիսի բան չկա Ղարաբաղում, բացառվում է»,- ասաց նա:

What is encouraging here, at least some barbers rejected police demands outright stating that they will continue making haircuts according to their customers' preferences.

Regime manipulates lack of awareness and unsubstantiated fears to attempt at enforcing totalitarian rule, a kind of absurdistan, where they control everything from your body to beyond.

Good to see how much Karabakh police actions are being ridiculed on Armenian social networks. Because their actions are laughable. Their arguments are laughable. They are laughable.

*cartoon via ArmTimes

Amnesty International names and shames Armenia's ԷՇ + more

Amnesty International released its annual 2013 country specific reports. Although the reports are brief and not comprehensive, they do point out to some important developments and human rights problems.

In Armenia, the Amnesty reflected on parliamentary election, freedom of expression, including nationalist hysteria and attacks towards Azeri film festival, poor conditions and ill-treatment in Armenian prisons, alternative (to army) service due to conscientious objectors.

Civil society activists attempting to hold a festival of Azerbaijani films in Armenia were subjected to violent attacks and forced to cancel the event on two occasions. On 12 April, dozens of protesters blocked the venue of the film festival, scheduled in Armenia’s second city, Gumri. They physically assaulted Giorgi Vanyan, the organizer and chairman of the local Caucasus Centre for Peace-Making Initiatives, and forced him to publicly announce that the festival was cancelled. Festival organizers reported that the local authorities had harassed and used psychological pressure to dissuade them from holding the event. 

On 16 April, another attempt to hold the film festival in the city of Vanadzor at the Helsinki Citizens Assembly (HCA) office also prompted public protests and violence. Approximately 200 people – including students, political party members and veterans from the Nagorno-Karabakh war – gathered in front of the HCA office. They forced their way into the premises, vandalizing office equipment, throwing eggs and rocks and injuring one member of staff. Police officers present throughout failed to intervene to ensure the safety of the staff members or to stop the violence. Despite the HCA’s requests, additional police did not arrive until after the incident. After an investigation, one woman was fined for throwing a stone at the building, but no thorough or impartial investigation took place. The authorities failed to condemn the violence.

The Amnesty specifically mentioned the attacks on gay friendly DIY bar and endorsement of such attacks by ARF Dashnaktsutyun MPs and ԷՇ [ESh - Eduard Sharmazanov], spokesperson of ruling Republican party and deputy speaker of the Armenia parliament. If the trend continues, soon ԷՇ related label will rival other top labels on this blog.

On 8 May, a gay-friendly bar in the capital, Yerevan, was attacked. Two people were caught on a security camera throwing Molotov cocktails through the windows. However, police reportedly only arrived at the scene 12 hours later to investigate the attack. Two young men were arrested as part of the investigation, but were bailed shortly afterwards by two MPs for the nationalist Armenian Revolutionary Federation –Dashnaktsutyun party (ARF). They condoned the attack, saying it was in line with “the context of societal and national ideology”. Eduard Sharmazanov, spokesperson for the ruling Republican Party and Parliamentary Deputy Speaker was quoted justifying the violent attack in local newspapers.

NIV, the novel: Tel Aviv, Karabakh, four lovers, two centuries

Time for a confession. One of my New Year resolutions was to devote enough time to reading books. Unfortunately, due to work, travel and current events, I keep failing on this. True, people say we make New Year resolutions to fail them, but I really-really want to see this one fulfilled. There are so many intriguing books both on my book shelves and my ipad waiting to be read...

Anyway, here is the first book I will be reading, as soon as I find time, that is. This is a debut novel "NIV" by Israeli author Itamar S.N., published towards the end of 2012, and as far as I am told, touches the gay-themed topics with that of the Armenian Genocide, Karabakh, cross-border love and so on.

Consider this post as a kind of ‘info post’. As soon as I read the book (courtesy of the author), will post my reflections too. In the meantime, if you read the book first, please do share your reflections with me.

The novel comprised of two storylines: one contemporary gay Tel Aviv and the other one in around the time of WWI in Karabakh (1914).

As the author told me: “...while the book deals with issues which appear contemporary, it actually explores the timelessness of the human struggle to forge relationships. Two stories unfold in two different times and at two different locations, finally merging as one, with a touch of the supernatural.

One is the story of a young gay artist in today’s Tel Aviv, who falls in love with the agent in he backdrop of a modern society that still sits in judgment and makes it difficult for them to openly express their affections.


The other story takes place in Karabakh on the brink of WWI where a Muslim young man and a Christian young woman try to honor their commitment to each other in the midst of surrounding bloody events that demonize each in the eyes of the other’s family and community.


These four characters are actually two souls in different incarnations, which in a bright moment meet and recognize their parallel struggles. Their meeting results in the closing of their karmic circle, allowing the present day characters to evolve.”

And here is a description by publishers: “Niv, Erez, Katya and Anush are four young lovers who each experience a sexual awakening that threatens the rigid religious values and social attitudes that surround them. These pressures, the concerns of their families and the course of history itself, mean each must fight for the freedom to find their own way in life and the right to love the one they choose.

In this his first novel, Itamar S.N weaves together parallel stories to reveal tragic secrets and hidden truths. From the rural borderlands of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the time of the First World War, to the buzzing, cosmopolitan art scene of 21st century Tel Aviv, NIV is a story that will intrigue, surprise and inspire.”

I am certainly intrigued with the descriptions and with the Table of Content (!):

• Tel Aviv August 2011 
• Karabakh September 1914 
• Tel Aviv September 2011 
• Karabakh December 1914 
• Tel Aviv September 2011 
• Tel Aviv / Baku December 2011 

*The novel is available in Amazon in paper as well as kindle and bookshops (mostly gay) in Europe and the US.

“Anti-fascist” Armenia deputy speaker Sharmazanov? Huh? I do not think so

 When couple of months ago, I wrote about Armenian politicians and state officials supporting and encouraging anti-gay terrorism, Global Voices linked to my post under the headline: Armenia: state sponsored fascism? This was a spot on headline and terrifying at the same time. 

Let's consider another example from the recent events re people fleeing Syria to Armenia. It turns out that if your wife is non-Armenian, your family is not allowed to enter Armenia using simplified Syria related visa rules. There were subsequent reports that the whole family is in fact not ethnic Armenian but rather Assyrians. So what???

Writer and journalist Vahan Ishkhanyan, writing on his blog, mentioned of other examples of Armenians in Diaspora applying for residency in Armenia being required to "certify" their Armenian ethnicity in a... church (!!)

I am all questions now. Since when Armenian apostolic church became a "verifying" or "certifying" body for Armenian ethnicity? What about mixed families? What about people of other ethnicity who happened to reach Armenia while fleeing (in this case) Syria? What about international, including refugee related, conventions Armenia is a signatory of? When will we stop this 'pure blood' nonsense?  Wtf is going on?

Armenia deputy speaker of parliament and spokesman of ruling republican party Eduard Sharmazanov recently lashed out at Azerbaijan and accused the Azeri authorities in conducting a “state sponsored fascism”, following pardoning of axe-murderer Safarov and turning him into a national hero.

Շարմազանով. «Ադրբեջանում պետական մակարդակով իրականացվում է ֆաշիզմի քաղաքականություն» 31 օգոստոսի, 2012
Հանցագործ Ռամիլ Սաֆարովին Ադրբեջանին արտահանձնելու հունգարական իշխանությունների քայլն առնվազն տարակուսանք եւ վրդովմունք է առաջացնում, քանի որ պարզ էր, թե Ադրբեջանում ինչ էր սպասվելու այդ մարդասպանին: Իսկ ինչ վերաբերում է նրան ներում շնորհելու Ալիեւի որոշմանը, ապա այս քայլը եւս մեկ անգամ ապացուցում է, որ Ադրբեջանում պետական մակարդակով իրականացվում եւ խրախուսվում է հայատյացության եւ ֆաշիզմի քաղաքականություն: Կարծում եմ՝ այս մարդասպանին ներում շնորհելու Ադրբեջանի ապշեցուցիչ քայլը չպետք է անարձագանք մնա եւ դատապարտող գնահատականի արժանանա միջազգային հանրության կողմից: ԱԺ փոխնախագահ, ՀՀԿ խոսնակ Էդուարդ Շարմազանով (source: Hetq.am)   

Seriously? Sharmazanov??? 

The very person who supported anti-gay terrorism and encouraged neo-nazi style violence against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity in his own country has no right to condemn fascism in another country.

I can do it. He can't.

In her piece [Բացե՛ք ձեր աչքերը, մհերներ ու շարմազանովներ], contemporary writer Violet Grigoryan expressed perfectly what I wanted to say too.

[...] Ու երբ Շարմազանովը, ի պատասխան Ալիևի հայտարարության, թե Ադրբեջանի ու Հայաստանի միջև անդունդ կա, փորձում է այդ անդունդն ու տարբերությունը նկարագրել իբրև թե՝ «Այսօր Հայաստանում խրախուսվում են ժողովրդավարական արժեքները, իսկ Ադրբեջանում՝ ռասիզմն ու ֆաշիզմը», պիտի հիշեցնել նրան, որ ով` ով, բայց ինքը Հայաստանի այն պետական պաշտոնյաներից էր, որ DIY վառելն ու վառողներին պաշտպանելը համարում էր ազգային արժեքներին հավատարմություն, այսինքն` խրախուսում էր ֆաշիզմը (http://www.aravot.am/2012/05/17/71465/):  

Խտրականության հողի վրա հանցագործությունները` լինեն ազգային, կրոնական, թե սեռական, Շարմազանովի վկայակոչած ժողովրդավարությամբ շատ երկրներում դատապարտվում են նույն հոդվածով ու փոքրամասնությունների միացյալ ջանքերով: Եվ եթե Շարմազանովն ու իր նման մտածողները ոչ թե խրախուսեին միասեռականների հանդեպ գործված հանցանքը, այլ դատապարտեին, Հունգարիայի դեսպանատան դեմ էթնիկ ատելության ու ռասիզմի դեմ բողոքող ցուցարարները մի քանիպատիկ շատ կլինեին, քանի որ նրանց կմիանային Հայաստանի այն ակտիվիստները, ովքեր դեմ են ֆաշիզմին ընդհանրապես` լինի սեռական, թե ազգայնական խտրականության: Կմիանային նաև սեռական փոքրամասնությունները, որոնց ներկայացուցիչներից շատերը Սաֆարովին հերոսացնելու դեմ իրենց բողոքն արտահայտում էին սոցցանցերում, բայց ամենայն հավանականությամբ զգուշացան միանալ այն խմբին, որոնց մեջ կային DIY-ը վառելը արդարացնողներ ու բազմազանության ցույցի վրա հարձակվողներ:  

Այնպես որ, բացեք ձեր աչքերը, մհերներ ու շարմազանովներ, մի լղոզեք ու մի խրախուսեք հանցագործությունները, դրանով մի կողմից վիրավորում եք զոհերին, տուժածներին ու նրանց մերձավորներին, մյուս կողմից` խոչընդոտում եք, որ Հայաստանը դառնա ժողովրդավարական արժեքների շուրջ համախմբված քաղաքացիների երկիր: [...]

Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association of New York (AGLA NY) demands resignation of Hungary PM Viktor Orban over axe murderer Safarov fiasco

September 12, 2012

The Board and members of the Armenian Gay and Lesbian Association of New York (AGLA NY) would like to officially state their dismay concerning the Hungarian government’s extradition to Azerbaijian on August 31st, 2012 of former Azerbaijan Army lieutenant Ramil Safarov, who had already served eight years in a Budapest jail for killing Gurgen Margarian in 2004. As has been widely reported in the press, Margarian, an Armenian officer who was a fellow participant in a NATO Partnership for Peace exercise, was hacked to death in his sleep with an ax by Safarov.

The Hungarian government originally stated that it transferred the prisoner to Azerbaijan on the understanding that he would serve out the rest of his life sentence in his home country. It is difficult to take such a statement at face value, given the fact that Ilham Aliyev, the dictator who runs Azerbaijian, has referred to Armenians in only the most vile of terms and continually threatened to destroy Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh by military means. In later statements it seems that Prime Minister Orban may have known all along that Margarian would be pardoned once in Azerbaijian. Not surprisingly upon his arrival in Baku, Lieutenant Safarov was pardoned by President Ilham Aliyev, restored to military duties and promoted to major. He was also given an apartment and awarded back pay for his time in prison. In the press, Safarov has been hailed as a national hero when he has perpetrated a hate crime, pure and simple.

The pardoning of Safarov sets back the quest for peace in the Caucasus, as it is a direct provocation to the Republic of Armenia.

The United States, the United Nations and other international organizations and governments should apply all available pressure on the Azeri government to honor its agreement with Hungary and return Safarov to where he belongs for the rest of his life—a jail cell. We also second the motion of the Hungarian opposition party for the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban—who has admitted to approving Safarov’s transfer to Baku—to resign immediately.

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Read also: Epic shame for Hungary as axe murderer Ramil Safarov extradited to Azerbaijan to be pardoned and turned into ‘national hero’

Widow of Armenia national hero Monte Melkonian blasts ultra-nationalists for hijacking his name to spread hatred and anti-gay violence

This picture shows one of the ‘activists’ from the ultra-nationalist, neo-nazi crowd who attacked diversity march in Yerevan, few weeks ago. He spotted wearing T-shirt with Monte Melkonian face on it.

In a letter to contemporary writer, journalist Vahan Ishkhanyan, widow of Armenia’s national hero Monte Melkonyan blasts Armenian ultra-nationalists for hijacking Monte’s name to spread hatred and anti-gay violence.

“Poor Monte, what have they made of him”, writes his widow Seta by making it clear in no uncertain terms of Monte’s dislike towards such ultra-nationalists. He was anti-fascist and defender of rights of minorities, including LGBT, claims Monte’s widow.

Truly, Monte would have felt mortified seeing how neo-nazi thugs exploit his name against everything he believed in. Today is the anniversary of his death.

Below I am re-posting extracts (AM) from a MUST READ entry by Vahan Ishkhanyan. Lessons from Seta, widow of Monte, to ultra-nationalists in Armenia.

Ի՞նչ հայրենիք էր ուզում տեսնել Մոնթեն. դաս ուլտրա-նացիոնալիստներին

Seta and Monte

***
Կպատկերացնե՞ր Մոնթե Մելքոնյանը, որ գալու է ժամանակ, երբ իր դիմանկարով շոր հագած  երիտասարդը պայքարելու է իր գաղափարների դեմ ու Երևանի փողոցներում գոռալու է «գոմիկներին Բաքու», «մաքուր հայեր», և որ ուլտրա-նացիոնալիստները իրեն դրոշ են դարձնելու ատելության քարոզի ու միասեռկաններին ճնշելու համար:

Մայսի 22-ին բազմազանության երթի վրա հարձակվող լուսնկարի երիտասարդը, ինչպես երևում է կրում է Մոնթեի դիմանկարը: Տեսաֆիլմերում նա ամենակտիվ արգելափակողներից էր Նկարիչների միության մուտքը, ուր գտնվում էին Բազմազանության ցույցի մասնակիցները:

«Խեղճ Մոնթէ, այս ի՜նչ են դարձրել իրեն,- ԱՄՆ-ից նամակով իր վրդովմունքն է հայտնում Մոնթեի կինը` Սեդա Մելքոնյանը,- Հայաստանի լուրերից գիտէի արդէն DIY ակումբի ամօթալի դէպքի մասին: Նաև կարդացել էի քո Blog-ը այդ առնչութեամբ: Սա ի՞նչ խայտառակութիւն է:

Հայերը մարդկանց իրաւունքները յարգելու փոխարէն իրենց տգիտութեամբ մարդկանց դաստիարակելու են դուրս եկել: Ինձ համար ամէնակարևորը այստեղ մարդ արարածի իրաւունքն է: Մարդը պէտք է ազատ լինի իր սեռային նախընտրութիւնը ընտրելու կամ որոշելու:
***
Իսկ Մոնթէն ոչ թէ միայն հակաֆաշիստ էր և փոքրամասնութիւնների պաշտպան, այլ մարդկային իրաւունքների պաշտպան: Նա երբէք մարդկանց պիտակ չէր կպցնի նրանց սեռային նախընտրութեան հիման վրայ և վատ չէր վերաբերուի նրանց: Նրա յարգած պատմաբաններից մէկը Նշան Սարոյանն էր, ում ես անպայման ուզեցի և յաջողացրեցի ծանօթանալ 1993-ին՝ AIDS-ի պատճառով նրա մահուանից մի քիչ առաջ:

Նշան Սարոյանը Կովկասի և յատկապէս Ատրպէյճանի մասնագէտ էր, որքան յիշում եմ: Ափսոս երիտասարդ մահացաւ: Միասեռական էր և վարակուեց AIDS-ով, երբ դեռ հիւանդութիւնը կարգաւորելու դեղորայք չկար: Ես նրան Պըրքլիում հանդիպեցի 1993-ի աշնան: Շատ շոյուած էի, որ հակառակ տկար լինելուն կարողացաւ գալ՝ սիստեման ձեռքին միացրած: Մի քանի ժամ միասին անցկացրեցինք: Իսկապէս լաւ մարդ էր»:
***
Մոնթեն հայացքները ձևավորվել են ձախ գաղափարներով և նրա մտերիմ ընկերները հենց ձախ արմատական շրջանակներից էին: Իսկ փոքրամասնության, մասնավորապես սեռական փոքրամասնությունների պաշտպանության գաղափարը առաջին անգամ բարձրացրել են հենց ձախերր և այսօր էլ փոքրամասնությունների և մասնավորապես միասեռականների պաշտպանության առաջամարտիկները ամբողջ աշխարհում ձախ, մարքսիստական հոսանքներն են:
***
Մոնթէն բացարձակապէս տանել չէր կարողանում ազգայնամոլութիւնը և ատում էր «վրէժ» բառը: Ճիշդն ասած երբ Վրէժ անունով մարդ էինք հանդիպում, միշտ ծիծաղում էինք ասելով, որ «ի՜նչ մեղք է: Խեղճին անունը Վրէժ է»: Յարգանք ունէր լաւ մարտիկի նկատմամբ, նոյնիսկ եթէ այդ մարտիկը ազերի է: Մարտադաշտում յարգում էր խիզախ տղաներին և կատաղում երբ մարտից դուրս վնասում էին «թշնամուն»: Գոնէ մէկ դէպքում պատժել է մի մարդու՝ գերի ընկած անզէն ազերի զինուորին վնասելու համար: Անշուշտ բացատրել էին, որ այդ մարդու եղբօրորդին զոհուել էր և դրա համար էր նա ծեծել վիրաւոր զինուորին ու Մոնթէն պէտք է ներող լինի: Բայց Մոնթէն չէր զիջել և գոռացել էր «պատւալ տարէք այդ մարդուն» ևայլն, ևայլն: Կարճ՝ մարդկային իրաւունքների հարցում Մոնթէն որևէ խտրութիւն չէր դնում: [...] Սրանց էլի պէտք է յիշեցնել, թէ ո՞վ էր Մոնթէն և ի՞նչ տեսակ հայրենիք էր ուզում տեսնել

*pictures - via Vahan Ishkhanyan blog on Tert.am

Public TV in Armenia and pop singers in PR disaster over Eurovision

Let me start from the very beginning of this story. A story that quickly turned into farce. Perhaps, one of the most spectacular yet tragic PR disasters of Armenia’s Public TV & co.

Group of initially unnamed Armenian pop singers issued a ‘statement’ on 23 February 2012, in which they urged country’s public broadcaster to boycott the Eurovision song contest in Baku. As a more immediate trigger for such decision, the ‘statement’ cited the news that “20-year-old solder Albert Adibekyan was shot by an Azerbaijani sniper on the Line of Contact between Azerbaijan and the disputed Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

“Theatre of absurdist Eurovision related propaganda continues.” - this was my immediate reaction that was subsequently quoted by AFP.

It was instantly obvious that this "group of singer/songwriters" was used as a propaganda tool and as a pretense so that Armenia’s Public TV will have an excuse to announce their “no”. The wording of the ‘statement’ left little to imagination as to the real authors behind such ‘creation’. State propaganda machine.

Entertainment website bravo.am, immediately after the release of the 'statement', tried approaching those "well known and famous" (yet unnamed!) singers, only to discover that many of them had no idea about the “written statement”, and contrary to what was indicated in some outlets ('all previous Armenian Eurovision singers signed it in') at least Andre said that in fact he would like to perform in Baku. Basically, Armenian propaganda people prepared and distributed the 'statement' first, then started asking singers to sign in. Tragic and laughable at the same time.

In a further evidence that this spectacle was coordinated by Public TV, one of the signatories - singer Artur Ispiryan - admitted in an interview with Yerkir Media that it was them (Public TV) who called him asking whether he thinks Armenia should participate in Baku or not. He said he was not aware of the accompanying text.

Following eventual 'disclosure' of signatories, I was glad to notice that Sirusho (the most successful Armenian Eurovision entrant so far) and Dorians (the band I like and favor for this year’s Eurovision) were not among them. Ironically, none of the signatories were even considered for this year’s Eurovision.

Many on social networks, in particular Facebook, and media, condemned the move as unacceptable exploitation of soldier’s death for personal and political propaganda purposes, especially by those singers who tarnished their reputation during 2008 post-election bloodshed by keeping silent or siding with the authorities.

(AM) "Այո, անբարոյականություն է, երբ որ դու առիթ ես որոնում` «Եվրատեսիլ» չգնալդ հիմնավորելու համար եւ հանկարծ օգտագործում ես զինվորի մահը: Անբարոյական է էն «աստղը», որ զոհված զինվորի անունը չարաշահում է իր մոտակա անելիքները պլանավորելու համար, իսկ մարտի 1-ի զոհերի մասին ասում է՝ թող էնտեղ չլինեին, չսպանվեին:" (source)

And here is just one of the reasons why I respect Dorians:

Addressing the reason cited by the artists for refusing to perform in Baku (Adibekyan’s death), Dorians’ producer [Vahagn Gevorgyan] said:
“The saddest part is that the soldier’s death yesterday is tied up with Eurovision and more uproar was evoked than the deaths of other soldiers. Not now, but long ago we should’ve reflected on the cause of [these] deaths in the army, who is to blame that soldiers are being killed. Of course, they say, the Azeris, but I don’t think that we don’t have problems within our own army,” he said.

The situation evolved into spectacular yet tragic PR disaster when first ArmeniaNow, then other news outlets (with the confirmation by Ministry of Defense) admitted that the soldier whose death was exploited for propaganda purposes and as an excuse to withdraw from the Eurovision was in fact killed by his fellow Armenian serviceman [read: Mis-Information: Army says Azeri sniper killed soldier, but new information contradicts and confirmation by MoD in News.am and RFE/RL]

Conscript Albert Adibekyan, who died on February 23 in a military base near Chinar village, Tavush province, according to new information, was killed not by an Azeri sniper, as it was officially reported, but rather by an Armenian serviceman. [...]
Helsinki Association expert Ruben Martirosyan told ArmeniaNow that yesterday at the meeting with Yura Badalyan, head of the Central Apparatus at the Ministry of Defense Investigative Service, Badalyan told him that they “had managed to find out that the killer was not an Azeri sniper but was an Armenian [serviceman].”
“So there is a new way of calling the murders committed in border military bases - to hide the case, attributing the blame to a [Azeri] sniper, to gain dividends in front of the international community. Parents will be comforted believing that their child has died as a hero. But this will simply destroy our army,” Martirosyan says. 

During 2012, eight soldier deaths have been registered. Only two were from enemy fire.

Where are your voices now? Where is the statement condemning death of the Armenian soldier killed by his fellow serviceman? Where is the outrage of our super-patriotic singers? I can’t hear you.
***
P.S. There are quite a few genuine reasons that Armenia’s Public TV may have considered to withdraw from the competition, without resorting to above. Among them, I would like to highlight the underrated fact of virtual impossibility of Armenian fans (apart from being part of delegation or media) to travel to Azerbaijan capital Baku for Eurovision. I genuinely believe that Eurovision should not be held in a country where there are obstacles for participating fans. Because Eurovision is not only about songs, singers and country delegations. It's equally or more so about fans too. I will not even go into the issue of widespread and systematic human rights abuses in Azerbaijan (see the very latest example highlighted by the Human Rights Watch). And as if Armenian Public TV / pop stars‘ ridiculousness was not enough, now Azerbaijan’s Eurovision winner Nigar Camal resorted to propaganda language stirring anti-Armenian hysteria by exploiting the anniversary of tragic events during Karabakh war on Twitter. This is not the language that supposedly welcoming host should have used.

“Official” Eurovision-related decision by Armenia’s Public TV [participate - Yes/No; if Yes - the entry] will be announced by 18 March 2012.

‘Two alternatives’ for Armenia re Eurovision in Baku? I don’t think so. No ‘music wars’, please

Why on earth everyone ‘agrees’ that there are 2 alternatives for Armenia re Eurovision representation: either SOAD or Razmik Amyan?! Provided, if Armenia decides positively on participation, which seems likely. Of course, as I mentioned few times in my previous posts, there are still major concerns that Azeri authorities must address before the final decision is made by Eurovision officials and Armenia organisers.

Irrespective of Azerbaijan factor, I would love to see SOAD (System Of A Down) or similar band one day representing Armenia in Eurovision. Yes, I know, it’s not your typical Eurovision-like band, but - for a change - we could try with alternative genres too. Of course, I hope Public TV in Armenia & higher level decision makers understand (or must understand) that there should be no political songs there, well, at least not overtly political. I’d rather see messages of love, peace etc. In fact, Serj Tankian seems to understand this perfectly too. Two years ago, in response to similar speculations re their participation in Eurovision for Armenia, he stated: “A love song would probably do better than political song however".

Also, why suddenly everyone talks of Razmik Amyan as the 'only alternative to SOAD'? Just because he has Karabakh roots, and in Azerbaijan we should present either highly political SOAD or Karabakh-born Razmik Amyan? It’s a music contest, after all, and I sincerely hope that Armenia will not put itself into a ridiculous position of attempting at ‘music wars’ with Azerbaijan.

I am not fan of Razmik Amyan, never was. In my opinion, his music could become digestable only if he refrains (completely!) from that ‘klkloc’ part, although almost all of his songs suffer from that to a varying degree. Besides, his fashion sense and ‘moves’ are highly questionable image/style-wise, and close to ‘rabiz’ style. This will need an urgent image/style/fashion intervention, if his choice is finalised.

Let’s put forward and discuss few singers/bands, and (importantly) songs that they will represent. There should be several factors to take into account in decision making process, and those factors should not involve regional or international politics and place of birth.

Important message from Eurovision to Baku: Azerbaijan must guarantee freedom of expression and sufficient visa entry [incl. for Armenians]

“In line with standard requirements that have to be fulfilled to host the Eurovision Song Contest, the government of Azerbaijan has been requested by the EBU to provide guarantees about security during the event, as well as freedom of expression, according to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and in line with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, to all participants, fans, accredited journalists and the individual citizens of the country that access official Eurovision Song Contest premises. The EBU also requested that all accredited individuals and ticket holders shall receive sufficient entrance visa for the required duration. Such guarantees are expected to be given in the weeks to come.” - reads statement published on official Eurovision website.

As Escdaily rightly pointed out, “such words are more than likely to refer to the question of Armenia’s participation, VISA entry requirements, and questions about press freedom in the would-be host country.”

This is extremely important, as Azeri authorities continue discriminating against anyone with Armenian surname, whether Armenian or foreigner, by barring their entrance to the country. Only yesterday, journalist of Armenian origin with Bloomberg was refused entry to Azerbaijan: Bloomberg Photojournalist Diana Markosian Deported from Baku to Istanbul

Photojournalist Diana Markosian on assignment for Bloomberg agency, arrived at Baku airport on Monday night, was detained and then deported to Istanbul on Tuesday evening. According to the Director of the Institute of Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) Emin Huseynov, Markosian said that all her documents are in order, but she has been detained because of her Armenian surname. [...]

This is unacceptable in general, and even more so for a country that aims at hosting Eurovision song contest. Not to mention extremely poor record of human rights and gay rights. [more detailed post re latter will follow]

Here is what I tweeted yesterday:

#Eurovision must seriously reconsider #Azerbaijan suitability for hosting the contest unless they guarantee entry & safety of Armenian fans

To host #Eurovision, #Azerbaijan should be scrutinised & pressured to improve #gay rights #humanrights & ensure free entry of #Armenia fans

***
Read also: Azerbaijan to host Eurovision 2012. Intrigue of the moment: Will Armenia go to Baku?

Azerbaijan to host Eurovision 2012. Intrigue of the moment: Will Armenia go to Baku?

I hope Armenia will go to Baku in 2012.

We should stop - and this is a good occasion to start with - once and for all this complex of losers or complex of inferiority between our countries, whenever either Azerbaijan or Armenia wins any international contest.

All talks of Armenia boycotting Eurovision in Baku I consider ridiculous and loser’s talk. Let’s pass that psychological complex, and rather concentrate on the quality of performance and the act chosen.

On the other hand, Azerbaijan must ensure that Armenian delegation and fans not only from Armenia but worldwide are able to attend the contest without having any problems with their yan/ian surname.

Problems facing by anyone with yan/ian surname was reminded once again in a post by IanYan:

Plans for Armenia to participate in the festivities in Azerbaijan will be difficult, as Armenians citizens as well as those from other countries who are of Armenian descent are forbidden entry into the country, especially if passports show any evidence of travel to Nagorno-Karabakh. Even the U.S. Department of State travel site warns against it:

“U.S. citizens of Armenian ancestry—you should know your visa applications may be denied by the Government of Azerbaijan on the grounds that your safety cannot be guaranteed,” it says, also adding, “U.S. citizens of Armenian ancestry considering travel to Azerbaijan–you should remain particularly vigilant when visiting the country, as the Government of Azerbaijan has claimed that it is unable to guarantee your safety.”

Azerbaijan must ensure that security of Armenian fans are guaranteed. No excuses will be accepted this time. If Azerbaijan fails to deliver on this, the country should be barred from Eurovision. This will be too damaging for Azerbaijan reputation to risk.

Back to the contest itself.

Azerbaijan was not among my favourites at Eurovision. And that guy looked too ‘sterile’, or shall I say, ‘asexual’ for my taste. I personally voted for Georgia, Greece and Slovenia. [Being in London, I could not vote for the UK, but Blue was among my faves too.]

But Azerbaijan delivered a well executed performance. They made efforts, and they won the contest. And I’d like to congratulate my Azeri friends.

Here is what was happening in Baku last night after the news on winning the contest brought youth to the streets of Azerbaijan capital.



Now the most intriguing and interesting part begins. The build-up to the Eurovision 2012. Will Azerbaijan deliver on the promise to “bring Europe together”?

Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines sums up general feeling of Azeri activists:

And as Azerbaijan celebrates its this year victory with a song called "Running Scared" by Nikki and Ell, one of Azerbaijan's young activists, Elnur Majidli declared wanted by Interpol. You know why? Well, simply because Azerbaijan chooses to spend thousands (if not millions) of government money on things like Eurovision while paying no attention whatsoever to the internal situation on the ground where for the record, journalists and activists get arrested on faked up charges.

So yea people, continue celebrating something as unnecessary and stupid as a Eurovision song contest, while turning a blind eye on human rights, freedom of expression and all the other violations taking place in your country. Because who cares about that right when Azerbaijan won such an important event of the year?!

These sentiments were echoed by @scaryazeri and Amnesty International:

@scaryazeri: Great! Now that everyone is excited about #Eurovision, we can all forget about human rights and other issues in #azerbaijan!

@amnestymanc: congrats to #Azerbaijan for #Eurovision win! Now pls free elections & media, no political prisoners & no torture http://tinyurl.com/5tggdmy

But there is now a potential for activists to use the Eurovision for advancing the rights in Azerbaijan.

@GoldenTent: #Democracy advocates of #Azerbaijan - 12 months of #Eurovision coverage can work to your advantage - start your engines! ;) #Caucasus #esc

We may safely bet that despite recent militaristic rhetorics from the Azeri authorities, there will be no war in the coming year.

@supersayatnova: Azerbaijan win at #Eurovision means one more year without war #esc

Another important issue. Eurovision is a contest with huge gay following. Azerbaijan winning the contest means 'Gay Pride parade' is coming to Baku. Will Azeri authorities be able to ensure that rights and the safety of LGBT fans and participants of the contest are protected and they won’t face discrimination? Gay activists in Azerbaijan and abroad could use the occasion to improve the situation with the gay rights and target widespread homophobia in the country.

One of the popular thoughts on Twitter was Armenia coming to Baku and winning the Eurovision 2012.

@mmkarmenia: Imagine if next year #Armenia takes the first place in #Azerbaijan, that can be something. #Eurovision 

@turkhankarim: Next year Armenians will come in Azerbaijan for Eurovision. And they will win... This is my peace opinion. Let it be true :)))

Truly, an incredible thought.

And to end this post, I chose this extremely positive tweet by @dolcenelly:

all i can say is that South Caucasus rules: both Junior and Senior Eurovisions are going to be held in this region!:) #positiveview #Arm #Az

Here is hoping.

Exclusive: Armenian/Azeri gay love story Artush and Zaur to turn into the film

Great news: Armenian/Azeri gay love story Artush and Zaur to turn into the film.

EXCLUSIVE: Ali Akbar's Artush and Zaur will be filmed by a Canadian director. Source: Author himself
@ljmaximus

Needless to say, look very much forward to see the film accomplished. Hope, it will live up to the expectations.

Reliable sources told me that scenes of Tbilisi will be shot in Tbilisi; scenes of Baku and Yerevan will be shot in Istanbul.

No more details known as of now. Will keep you posted, if/when new details emerge.

Russian translation of “Artush and Zaur” - Azeri-Armenian gay love story - available online for free download

I’ve been waiting for this since it has been published. Thanks to the info provided by Alekper Aliyev, the author of “Artush and Zaur”, gay love story between an Azeri and Armenian, it is now available in Russian, online and for free.

You may download it here.

*For background info - read my post here.

Graffiti resurgence in Yerevan

*source

*source

Street art is experiencing its resurgence in Yerevan. A special 'graffiti community' was set up by enthusiasts covering mainly Armenian capital. There are also entries from Karabakh, Tbilisi, and related news there.

Tert.am also covers "Art in Yerevan streets" in this short video below.

Armenian soldier (Picture of the Day)

I am simply astonished by this photo. A masterpiece by Ruben Mangasaryan.

*Source: Analyticon (thanks to Tzitzernak2 for the link)

Լուսանկարի հեղինակը լուսահոգի Ռուբեն Մանգասարյանն է, որ այս դրվագն անմահացրել է պատերազմի ժամանակ՝ Քարվաճառում: Մարտական գործողությունների կարճատև դադարի ժամանակ հայ զինվորը առիթը բաց չի թողել բնական տաք ջրում ցայվելու համար

Inga and Anush: Armenia in Eurovision finale – faves, performance, make up, Jonathan Ross...

My favourites were France, Sweden, Moldova and Estonia. I am pretty OK with Norway's win, which was predictable.

To be honest, for me Iceland's entry was unremarkable and a bit boring. I think the most overrated entries this year were Iceland and Azerbaijan.

Interestingly, an acquaintance of mine, a UK music industry expert, who was always extremely critical re Armenia Eurovision entries in past, SMS-ed me saying she was impressed with Inga & Anush...

Anyway, ending in top ten was not that bad considering the choice of music, although potentially, with such a talent, they could have done so much better...
***
Jonathan Ross loves Armenia entry

#eurovision Armenia were my faves, but I hope Jade wins !
http://twitter.com/Wossy/status/1819864068

#eurovision I am going to move to Armenia.
http://twitter.com/Wossy/status/1819194899

#eurovision Love Armenia already. I'll have 2 falafel and extra hoummus to go.
http://twitter.com/Wossy/status/1819184206
***
Different sexy

Either you hate it or love it. There was no middle ground in online discussions re Inga and Anush look and make up. I am among those who think they deserve compliment re their look. Yes, I do think they looked different and sexy.

Here is an opinion expressed on Twitter which I loved:

If all the women in Armenia are a sexy as the one on #eurovision then I am emigrating there tomorrow. ;o)
http://twitter.com/chief1981/status/1820616585
***
Inga and Anush toned down their make up

According to this tweet which refers to Armenian conservatism, after criticism in Armenia of their extensive make up following the 1st semi-final, Inga and Anush toned it down a bit.

they changed the make-up a little bit =) armyanskiy konservatizm@ spanec :) #eurovision
http://twitter.com/mbarseghyan/status/1819222208
***
P.S.

There was a different kind of ‘contest’ going on between Armenia and Azerbaijan during the Eurovision song contest. A propaganda and pretty childish ‘war’ which was apparent only to those 2 countries and may have some consequences. For details:

Ethnic rivalry wins over kitsch in the Caucasus

Karabakh conflict a.k.a. Eurovision contest

Alekper Aliyev: "I defend homosexual romanticism over war romanticism"

I defend homosexual romanticism over war romanticism. It is acceptable when two men kill each other, but is it a sin when they sleep together?

Alekper Aliyev, author of Armenian-Azeri gay love story Artush and Zaur (Hurriyet)
***

P.S. An extract from the interview with Turkish daily Hurriyet:

The long-standing conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region serves the governments of both Armenia and Azerbaijan, Aliyev believes. "Both countries scare their citizens by inciting the war again," he said. "Both suffer from corruption and bribery, [their] societies are enslaved. Both are feudal governments. I defend homosexual romanticism over war romanticism. It is acceptable when two men kill each other, but is it a sin when they sleep together?"

Oil and gas, serum for a sick geography

Aliyev is pessimistic about the future of the Caucasus region, saying, "There is no light in the end of the tunnel." He calls the area a "sick geography," adding: "Crude oil and gas are the serum for this patient. When the serum comes to an end, it will show its true colors. The poverty behind the luxurious cars and buildings will be seen then. I want my own county’s natural resources to be exhausted at once. Otherwise, we will continue to become like the Arabs and more authoritarian. Our only escape is the closure of crude oil and gas pipelines for good."

War is the backdrop for Aliyev’s novel, which tells the story of two schoolboys. The author says he chose main characters of that age "because such sexual drives appear at puberty." He said the novel had become a hot issue in Armenia more than in Azerbaijani, especially in the Armenian parliament. Referring to an article published in an Armenian paper, Aliyev said: "The writer said there was no homosexuality in Armenia and that such perversions could be seen only in Azerbaijan. I think such statements make no sense in the 21st century."

Gay Caucasus - Гей Кавказ (new blog)

Few days ago, after I wrote about surge in numbers of gay Georgian blogs, the author of the mentioned blog - Tbilisi Gay Life, Alexander left comments there and suggested opening a blog to unite LGBT bloggers from the Caucasus region, to share news and keep in touch.

I thought of this idea before, but never managed to have time to realise it. Thanks to Alexander, the blog is now live, and there are already 2 entries there: a greeting – introduction; and a review of gay Georgian websites/forums/blogs.

The blog is in Russian, so that more local people would understand it.

So far, 2 gay Georgian bloggers, and PINK Armenia signed up as the co-authors of the blog.

If you are LGBT blogger from the South Caucasus, or a broader Caucasus region, and you know Russian and able to post in that language, you are welcome to join. Please, contact Alexander at Gay Caucasus blog.

The only reason that I personally did not join the Gay Caucasus blog is that, as of now, for technical reasons only, it would be difficult for me to post entries in Russian. However, I will keep an eye on it, and will share important developments and news, if any, here.

I welcome this initiative and wholeheartedly support it and wish it to be a success. Let’s see…

http://gaycaucasus.blogspot.com/

RFE/RL on Artush and Zaur

Artush and Zaur novel by Alekper Aliyev about a gay love story between an Armenian and Azerbaijani against the backdrop of the emerging Karabakh conflict is increasingly becoming a centre of attention of major media outlets. Today it's a turn of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

Selected quotes from Controversial Azeri Novel Takes On Double Taboos below:

"I started a war against two stereotypes," Aliyev said. "See what people [in Azerbaijan] do these days: either they look for someone's Armenian origins, or they say, 'I don't like you, so you must be gay.'"

He continued: "Having a nontraditional sexual orientation is nothing to be ashamed of. There's no shame in being gay, or in being Armenian. But it is shameful to be corrupt, to be dishonest, to be treacherous. This was a message about two major stereotypes."
***
One bookseller told the Caucasus Reporting Service the novel was "selling like hotcakes." But pressure from religious customers forced one of the two Baku-based bookstores to stop selling it last week.
***
Reports of authorities using charges of homosexuality against journalists and human rights activists in Azerbaijan have surfaced in recent months.

In April, 25-year-old journalist Aqil Xalil was stabbed after doing a series of investigative reports on large property transactions in Baku. Around the same time, officials threatened Xalil that they would broadcast a video purporting to show a man confessing to having been the young journalist's male lover.

In 2005, ahead of parliamentary elections, a number of state-run media outlets carried stories insinuating that a well-liked opposition candidate, Popular Front party head Ali Kerimli, was gay.

Though the country decriminalized homosexuality in 2000, the U.S. State Department’s 2007 report on human rights practices in Muslim-majority Azerbaijan found ongoing societal prejudice against homosexuals.

What Aliyev describes as his "war on stereotypes" has attracted more notice than Azerbaijani dissident writers did during the Soviet period.
***
Aliyev himself is politically active, and tells RFE/RL he believes the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict -- a territorial disagreement going back to 1988 -- is related to a lack of democracy in both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
***
"Artush and Zaur" is Aliyev's sixth book, and the 31-year-old author and journalist says he has already started a seventh, "Bible," about the reincarnation of Jesus Christ in Azerbaijan.

Aliyev says he is in the midst of negotiations with Russian publishers for a translation of "Artush and Zaur," which he expects to be published in Russia soon.

*Full RFE/RL report

Artush and Zaur book discussion to be held in Baku on 11 March

Nigar Kocharli, owner of the Ali and Nino bookstore chain in Baku, the only one which sells Artush and Zaur - gay love story between Armenian and Azerbaijani - says that despite threats she plans hosting a book discussion event with the readers and the author Alekper Aliyev on 11 March 2009.