The list of participants for the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev will be announced next Monday. Svante Stockselius reported that to esctoday.com. One thing is already for sure: not all of the 41 countries that appeared on the European Broadcasting Union's provisional list of participants for the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest, as announced on 17th November 2004, will be present.

Two of the newcomers have already withdrawn. The Czech Republic will focus on other big shows to be organized in 2005. Lebanon faced financial problems and announced us their withdrawal earlier today. Two other newcomers, Bulgaria and Moldova have already announced their plans for a national selection and seem to have confirmed their participation.

As for Hungary, decisions have not yet been made. MTV Hungary informed our colleagues of doteurovision.com that they remained undecided, “We have got two more additional days for the final decision. So are waiting until then”. The national broadcasters have thus got two more days to confirm their participation.

Check esctoday.com next Monday 20th December for a full list of participants at the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev.