iBece.org

On 20 March, Serbia & Montenegro officially withdrew from the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 to be held in Athens later this year. See http://www.eurovision.tv/english/2035.htm for details.

After only rejoining the European community two years ago with the spectacular Lane Moje by Zeljko Joksimovic (second place), it saddens me to the core to see our country withdraw. For two member states of a union to be so antagonistic that they cannot put aside their differences even for an entertainment event is utterly pathetic. Eurovision is about Europe coming together and celebrating unity through diversity. How ironic that both Serbia and Montenegro have their sights set on joining the EU, yet can’t work together for a song contest. God help us when it comes to working on the economy.

Montenegro will hold a referendum on independence on 21 May. My other regret is that Serbia isn’t holding one of its own. Maybe one day when our two countries no longer have anyone else to blame for their problems, they can finally grow up and take their place at grown ups’ table. We can only hope.