\n\t\t\t\t\tIceland joins Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in boycotting next year\u2019s contest.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Iceland has joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands in boycotting next year\u2019s Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.<\/p>\n
\u201cParticipation of Israeli national broadcaster, KAN, in the contest has created disunity among both members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the general public,\u201d Icelandic broadcaster R\u00daV said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccording to public discourse in Iceland and the response to EBU\u2019s decision last week, R\u00daV\u2019s participation will neither be a source of joy nor peace. Therefore, R\u00daV has come to the conclusion to inform EBU today that R\u00daV will not participate in the Eurovision contest next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cS\u00f6ngvakeppni \u2013 Iceland\u2019s pre-selection for Eurovision \u2013 and Eurovision has always aimed to unite the nation. However, it is clear that objective will not be achieved this year and this decision is based on that fact.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile the BBC has also now issued comment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe support the collective decision made by members of the EBU,\u201d said a BBC spokesperson. \u201cThis is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive.\u201d<\/p>\n
A December 10 deadline was set for nations to avoid further penalities for late withdrawal.<\/p>\n