EUROVISION FANS TOLD TO COVER UP IN AZERBAIJAN
by Mark Tighe

The Sunday Times
May 13, 2012 Sunday
London

THE Department of Foreign Affairs has warned Irish people travelling
to Azerbaijan for the Eurovision Song Contest not to wear shorts and
to be careful of the locals’ “erratic” driving standards.

Jedward – John and Edward Grimes – and the rest of the Irish team
left Dublin airport yesterday morning, 10 days ahead of the twins’
semi-final appearance.

The department has updated its advice for travellers to the country,
which was formerly part of the Soviet Union. Despite temperatures
reaching 26C yesterday in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, Irish people have
been advised against wearing shorts in the street “as you could attract
unwelcome attention”, according to the department’s briefing note.

Although locals dress in western-style clothing, Irish officials
advise that exposing too much flesh is not a good idea.

The department cautions that Azerbaijan, like other countries in the
Caucasus, faces a threat from terrorists. Tourists are advised not
to travel to the border region near Armenia.

“This area is the subject of a continuing dispute between Azerbaijan
and Armenia and although a ceasefire has been in place since 1994
there are regular reports of exchanges of gunfire across the line of
contact,” it said. “Some areas may be heavily landmined.”

Crimes against foreigners are rare but there have been some violent
muggings of tourists in the centre of Baku after dark. “Care should
be taken if driving at night,” it says.

“Many roads are badly lit and of poor quality. Driving conditions
are stressful, and often confusing. Many cars are poorly maintained,
and the standard of driving is erratic. Most older taxis do not have
seat belts.”

The department says homosexual activities are legal “but many
Azerbaijanis disapprove of public displays of affection”.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress