Artistes' union moves to bar foreign participation

The Maltese Composers, Singers and Authors Union - UKAM - said yesterday it would ask the Malta Song board, organisers of the Song for Europe contest, to repeal a regulation allowing foreign composers and authors to participate in this year's festival.

The UKAM decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting that discussed the festival's rules. An overwhelming majority of those present were strongly against the new regulation, which, the union said, is not found in 37 of the 40 countries participating in the Eurovision Song Contest.

UKAM is insisting that participation in the Song for Europe Festival 2005 should be limited to Maltese composers, authors and singers, including those with dual citizenship.

The union also complained that the regulations were published at the 11th hour without consultation with UKAM and other interested parties although board chairman Grace Borg had last year publicly promised meetings

"UKAM and its members strongly believe that the national song should remain so and, therefore, be a product of Maltese composers, authors and singers only."

It warned that should the Malta Song board fail to remove the clause allowing foreign participation immediately it would formally demand the resignation of all board members. It also insisted that no further submission of works should be made to the Malta Song board until a reply to this request was received. Any submissions already made should be withdrawn.

Calling for public support, the union said the Song For Europe Festival was the only national festival that enabled local talent to be promoted and enjoyed by millions of TV viewers throughout Europe.

When contacted, Ms Borg said the news came as a "total surprise" because the Malta Song board had a meeting with UKAM representatives last Friday, attended also by the legal advisers of both sides. She said a compromise about the issue had been reached and a decision was taken in that the article relating to the possibility of participation by foreign composers and authors would remain as it is this year but would be discussed as soon as the Eurovision song contest was over.

Ms Borg said she would be seeking advice from the Malta Song lawyer with regard to the issue and then see what action should be taken.

She said the clause enabling foreign composers and authors to take part in the Maltese festival was there last year and foreigners did compete. A Maltese composer had taken part in a festival abroad and this was set to continue this year.

Ms Borg said submissions had already been made.