VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta will not join growing calls to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest should Israel be allowed to take part, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici has confirmed.
Bonnici said he encourages “a culture of dialogue” and insisted that Malta will not threaten to withdraw. “I believe the Eurovision is a place of dialogue,” the minister said. “Although I completely criticise the actions of the Israeli government, I believe that the window of dialogue should always be open.” Bonnici argued that cultural spaces should be used to foster understanding. “Culture should be that one safe space where dialogue can always occur,” he said.
His comments come as several countries – including Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, the Netherlands and, most recently, Spain – have threatened not to participate in next year’s contest if Israel competes. Spain, a member of the contest’s influential “big five,” is the first major financial contributor to raise the prospect of withdrawal. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises Eurovision, is expected to decide on Israel’s participation at its general assembly in December.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
