ISRAEL: 'IBA decided to participate in 2012'

Israeli newspaper Ma'ariv reports today, that IBA has decided to take part in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, to be held next May in Baku.

Israel's participation in the 57th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest has been questioned, ever since the provisional dates were set and after Azerbaijan won the contest in Dusseldorf.

The 2012 contest's dates coincide with the eminent Jewish holiday of Shavu'ot. In addition, sending an official delegation from Israel to Azerbaijan, a muslim country which has an open border with Iran, will impose major security difficulties and limitations.

Nevertheless, Ma'ariv newspaper reports today that Israeli broadcaster has decided to raise to the challenge and participate in the contest. "We have security problems everywhere, but as long as we are willing and invited to participate in the contest - we will do so", said a source within the IBA to Ma'ariv. The matter of security will be obsereved and dealt with, in the most serious manner and "The IBA will make the biggest effort to send an entry, the public in Israel will be proud of", said IBA's chairman.

From: esctoday.com