The National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan (NOC) has met with serious concern the use of music titled "Artsakh," which carries political and separatist content, by the figure skating pair Nikita Rakhmanin – Karina Akopova, representing Armenia at the XXV Winter Olympic Games.
The NOC informed the Editorial Office that it has expressed its protest to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding this action by Armenian athletes.
It has been brought to the attention of NOC officials that the term "Artsakh" reflects the ideological essence of Armenia's illegal and separatist policy concerning the internationally recognized territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan over many years. In this regard, such a program choice at an international sports 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 fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter, any political, ideological, and separatist propaganda is not permitted 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 incidents 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 environment of peace and mutual trust in the region.
In its protest, the National Olympic Committee reiterated that the Olympic Games are one of the symbols of peace, friendship, and mutual respect among peoples, and it is unacceptable to use this platform for political and separatist propaganda purposes.