Moscow will host Eurovision 2009, Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, ending all speculations about the choice of the city for this event.
Photo: Vladimir Lukyanov
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Putin Named Eurovision Venue
Moscow will host Eurovision 2009, Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin announced at the yesterday’s sitting of the Government’s Presidium, ending all speculations about the choice of the city for this event.
The second biggest city of Russia, St. Petersburg, had filed its bid as well, reasoning it was the most European of all cities of the country and its cultural traditions were rich enough to give new colors to Eurovision. But Putin preferred Moscow for this undertaking.
“With regard to preparation extent of Moscow facilities, infrastructure development and the chance to minimize costs, we will hold Eurovision 2009 Contest in Moscow,” Putin announced Monday.
Vice Premier Alexander Zhukov, who was committed to head the Organization Committee, has drawn attention to the Olympic Sport Complex. Zhukov said its preparation was the best in technical terms and it had enough room for the audience of 25,000.
Moscow will welcome the delegations of 42 nations and more than 2,000 journalists will arrive in Russia’s capital to cover the event. Channel One will broadcast Eurovision 2009, which potential TV audience is estimated at 100 million.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of July 22, 2008
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