Latvian broadcaster LTV has confirmed to esctoday.com that they have withdrawn from the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow. The broadcaster will not face any penalty for the withdrawal and are already working to return to the competition in 2010.
In an email to esctoday.com, LTV confirms "The reason for withdrawal is that our government decided to cut down LTV's budget for 2,4 million Lats (3,5 million EUR) and LTV's board decided to close several entertainment programmes including the Eurovision Song Contest 2009."
The international coodrinator for Eirodziesma, the Latvian Eurovision Song Contest project has alsostated to esctoday.comthat they are hoping to return to the competition in 2010.
With Latvia and San Marino's participation in doubt, the decision by Georgia to remain in the competition and Slovakia's return, it now seems that the final number of competing nations will be 42. That could still fall as Lithuania's national broadcaster LVT has cast doubt on whether they will appear on stage in Moscow.
