Lukashenko: "Eurovision" Took Money but Gave No Results

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said on May 28 that Belarus should seriously change the approach to preparing for "Eurovision." "The Contest has taken a lot of money, but has given no results," he said. According to him, efforts should be directed to make a good performance, find a unique artist so that "experts would gasp, and let the European public estimate its assessment then."

Belarus can't yet boast of a unique performance at "Eurovision." In fact, one should lose with dignity, too, stated the President, BelTA informs.

The head of state said at a meeting with gifted pupils, students and the best representatives of the talented youth of the country on May 28 that emphasis should be given to the quality of performance in the future.

The President also noted that the preparation for the competition should not be a matter of a single channel. "Something has to be on top in the Ministry of Culture; one should engage both channels they are the state-owned ones," said Alexander Lukashenko. He also stressed the need to attract sponsors and make a good project for "Eurovision."

As Telegraf previously reported, the Belarusian group "Litesound" failed to reach final of "Eurovision" and took 16th place (out of 18) in the semifinals.

Soloist Dmitri Kariakin said that Belarus should either not participate in the contest, or change the approach to its participation.

Belarus has been performing in the competition since 2004 (see special project in Telegraf - Belarus at Eurovision: Per Aspera Ad Asperis).