Putin sings a Russian tune
2008-07-21 20:28
Moscow - Russian news agencies are reporting that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has chosen Moscow as the host city for next year's Eurovision Song Contest.
Putin's announcement on Monday marks the end of speculation in the Russian media about whether the cheery pop contest would be held in Moscow or St Petersburg.
Russia is to host it because Dima Bilan won this year's contest in Serbia with the song Believe.
St Petersburg's mayor, Valentina Matvienko, said the northern city would be ready to host, but Bilan pushed for Moscow. That sparked a national debate over the host city.
The RIA-Novosti news agency says Putin, a St Petersburg native, pointed to Moscow's developed infrastructure and the possibility of reducing costs as reasons for the choice.
- AP