The Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group met today at the NTU offices in Kiev, Ukraine, for talks wih representatives of the host broadcaster NTU.

After these talks, it is the strong opinion of the Reference Group that the ESC, despite the turbulent political situation, can be held in Kiev as planned in May 2005.

Should any problems arise this coming month that will effect the preparations of the ESC, and we would deem it necessary, the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group might have to look into possible alternatives. However, we are convinced that NTU will manage to produce an excellent show staged in Kiev, and we will do our outmost to support the ESC 2005 host broadcaster in their work.

Ruurd Bierman
Chairman ESC Reference Group