Armenia`s new target - BAKU-2016 Chess Olympiad
The grand opening of the Baku Games in 2015 and its successful launch has made Armenia, which is behind the continuous campaign Azerbaijan to change its objective. During the recent days, internet users in Armenia have started an active campaign against Azerbaijan particularly in the soft resources, where chess lovers come together. Armenian users especially in www.chessdom.com portal put claims that as if the conditions in Azerbaijan do not match the international standards and their security are not guaranteed.
Against background of these baseless allegations, Armenians demand to review the decision of the International Chess Federation to hold the Chess Olympiad in Azerbaijan in 2016. It is interesting that the decision on holding of Chess Olympiad was taken three years ago. Then, the member of the Armenian delegation and the president of Chess Academy Smbat Lputyan objecting the nomination of Baku stated that if Baku had been chosen, Armenian sportsmen would not join this event. In three years later, Armenians have intensified their efforts to place anti-Azerbaijan materials in the internet resources and to shape the negative attitude against Azerbaijan. All of these allegations are ridiculous. For instance, one of the Armenian internet user writes: “How Armenian athlete will go to Baku? They supposed to play the chess within the 5 hours. What will they think about? About the chess or taking care of their security. As if no Armenian athlete came to Azerbaijan within 20 years. However, this Armenian internet user while surfing on the internet may get enough information about the Armenian athletes. They also know very well that their high level security is guaranteed. Moreover, so far 51 different Armenian athletes have taken part at the multiple sport events and their security was provided.
It is so obvious that the aim is completely different. The intention is to conduct black PR against Azerbaijan since now and to downgrade the Chess Olympiad to be held in Azerbaijan in 2016. Armenia and Armenian lobby groups which failed to conduct boycott or smear campaign against Azerbaijan now seek the opportunities to undermine every sporting event in Azerbaijan.
Message from FIDE to Armenia: - "Let`s play chess!"
The president of International Chess Federation Kirsan Ilyumjinov gave a strong message to Armenian allegations. He said: “Azerbaijan is country that with its well-known chess players, economic potential is more capable country to host the Chess Olimpiad.”. Furthermore, he added: Let’s play a Chess. It is also our response to Armenian allegations