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Serhiy Shvets Reports from Istanbul, Turkey,
ICTV television, Kiev, Ukraine, in Ukrainian, 16 May 04,
BBC Monitoring Service, UK, in English, Sunday, May 16, 2004
 KYIV - [Presenter] Last night Ukraine joined Europe, a musical Europe. The
energy and drive of singer Ruslana broke the hearts of Europeans, who voted
for her "Wild Dances" unequivocally. Ukraine thereby conquered, in the
second round, the heights called Eurovision.
According to the rules of the contest, which has already been held for 49
years, the country of the winner is to host Eurovision next year. This means
that Europe's main stage will be lit in Kiev in 2005. Serhiy Shvets reports
from Istanbul.
[Correspondent] It's unbelievable but it's a fact - Ukraine has won
Eurovision-2004. Ruslana has won the first place in the pan-European song
contest, with her song "Wild Dances". The contest was difficult. The results
of TV viewers' votes from each of the 36 countries were broadcast live late
last night in Istanbul and across Europe. It was dramatic.
The four leaders - Serbia and Montenegro, Greece, Turkey and Ukraine -
were immediately identified. Everything was decided on the final stretch,
when Ruslana took a powerful leap forward. Eight countries gave her the
maximum 12 points.[Passage omitted: list of points of the first five
leaders]
Ruslana said that her victory was the victory of Ukraine and one of the
first powerful cultural breakthroughs in Europe. For Ruslana, this is her
greatest success on stage in her life, the prestige and the just status of
Ukraine's first megastar. So Ukraine is to host the 50th - the jubilee -
Eurovision-2005 next year. This is both a sign of respect and an extremely
difficult task, as Ukraine has never before held contests of that level.
[Ruslana] The people capable of hosting the Eurovision contest in Ukraine
at the top level have called me. You all will come to Ukraine to visit me. I
will make you all happy, because this is a beautiful country.
[Correspondent] The winner is coming back to her homeland tonight - holding
her shield and happy. [According to an ancient Greek saying - "Aut cum
scuto, aut in scuto" (holding the shield or on the shield) - means "to win
or to die".]
[Presenter] Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma has congratulated Ruslana on
her brilliant victory on the important European stage. You have increased
the fame of our country. Thanks to you, the world will better know Ukraine's
voices and melodies, the president's congratulatory telegram says. [Audio
and video available. Please send queries to kiev.bbcm@mon.bbc.co.uk]
Ukrainian singer Ruslana shows the Eurovision Song Contest trophy after she arrives at Borispil airport in Ukrainian capital Kiev May 16, 2004. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
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Ukraine's Ruslana waves her countries flag after winning the title in the 49th Eurovision Song Contest held in Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul, May 16, 2004. REUTERS/Fatih Saribas
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| Ukraine's entry Ruslana hugs last years winner Turkish singer Sertab Erener as she celebrates in the final of the 49th Eurovision Song Contest in Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul May 15, 2004. REUTERS/Fatih Saribas |
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Ukraine's entry Ruslana celebrates her win as she lifts the cup in the final of the 49th Eurovision Song Contest in Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul May 15, 2004. REUTERS/Fatih Saribas
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| Ukraine's Ruslana upholds her trophy early May 16, 2004, shortly after winning the 49th Eurovision Song Contest held in Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul. REUTERS/Fatih Saribas |
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| Ukraine's entry for the 2004 Eurovision song contest, Ruslana Lyzichko, waves her national flag at the Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul, Turkey, early Sunday, May 16, 2004, after the final of the contest. Ukraine won the 49th Eurovision song contest with 280 points. (AP Photo/Osman Orsal) |
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