Video: Azerbaijani Nationalists Shout 'Kochari is Not an Armenian Dance' Before Armenian Performance in Montenegro

During the International Festival of Folk Songs and Dances held in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, a group of Azerbaijani and Turkish nationals appeared in the audience just moments before the Armenian performance, waving their flags and attempting to disrupt the show by shouting that Kochari is not an Armenian dance. This was reported by Liana Poghosyan, the wife of Armen Hakobyan, the head of the Caucasus dance ensemble, on her Facebook page.

She noted that the situation escalated quickly, putting the safety of the children at risk. “However, this kind of behavior only motivated the children more, who passionately and unitedly represented our country in a more beautiful manner. The police were called, and some of the disruptors were detained while the rest fled. The children are safe. The police escorted the participants. This incident once again proves the aggressive behavior of our eastern neighbors, who try to politicize everything without considering the high values of children and art. Long live the Armenians and the Caucasus dance ensemble. The proud and brave behavior of the children and the head of the ensemble, Armen Hakobyan, garnered admiration from other participants of the festival. Kochari is an Armenian dance,” wrote Liana Poghosyan.