Sertab Erener, the proud winner of Eurovision Song Contest 2003, stated that 2004 will be a very active and a difficult year for Turkey when it comes to organising the contest.

Sertab stated that she wants to be involved in all areas of the organization: 'We gave birth to this baby together and we are going to raise it together.' Sertab added that she was impressed by the way Riga organised the contest and she said: 'We have to accomplish even a better job in Istanbul. We have to utilize the best and the most professional methods and architecture. Right now maybe we are behind in certain aspects, however, we should make the necessary improvements right away, because we have a very limited time.'

Undoubtedly, last night was a very exciting night for Sertab and for Turkey, as well. Turkey has won the contest for the first time in its history. Sertab said that for a while she thought Turkey missed the chance of winning the contest, however, later on they earned the position they have deserved since the beginning.

According to Sertab the contest is heavily under the influence of politics and that the neighboring countries usually vote for each other. She stated that she was pleasantly surprised and was very happy over the fact that Greek Cypriot Community gave points to Turkey this year, which is also a first-time-ever incident within the contest's history. She said she hoped for better relations between the two communities.

About singing this year's Turkish entry in English and some negative reactions this fact has received in Turkey, Sertab said: 'This is now behind us. We convinced everyone now…The proceeding performers should sing in English. We have to open up to the world in new ways. Actually the language is not that important. The important thing is the performance and the coreography…We won and we did not disappoint anyone. I thank everyone for their support.'