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Learning English - Words in the News 22 March, 2006 - Published 11:15 GMT Eurovision song row | ||||||||||||
Serbia and Montenegro has officially withdrawn from this year's Eurovision Song Contest after a row over whether a Serbian or Montenegrin group should represent the Federation. The controversy comes amid tension over a referendum to be held in Montenegro on declaring independence from Serbia. This report from Matt Prodger. More than a week ago, while the world's attention was focused on the death of the former Yugoslav President, Slobodan Milosevic, many Serbs and Montenegrins were preoccupied by something altogether different - Eurovision. During a live broadcast on television Montenegrin judges voted overwhelmingly for a Montenegrin boy band to represent the Federation at the hugely popular song contest in May. The mainly Serb audience was outraged. The winning band were booed off stage and the ensuing controversy may lead to a three-year ban from the contest. Behind it all are increasing tensions between both countries over a decision by Montenegro to hold a referendum on independence from Serbia a day after Eurovision on May the 21st. They've been in a difficult union since Yugoslavia was finally dissolved in 2003. On top of it all, it appears that Serbia and Montenegro's withdrawal will allow their old enemy, Croatia, to skip qualification and go straight to the final. The scandal has meant that Slobodan Milosevic has been all but forgotten. MATT PRODGER, BBC NEWS, BELGRADE preoccupied by voted overwhelmingly boy band outraged were booed off stage ensuing controversy increasing tensions a referendum on independence from Serbia skip qualification and go straight to the final Slobodan Milosevic has been all but forgotten Do a comprehension quiz about this story |
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