February's Song for Europe Festival is under threat after the Maltese Composers and Authors Union - UKAM last night directed singers, authors and composers to boycott the festival.

The directives were issued after a mediation meeting UKAM had with Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech and Maltasong failed to break the deadlock over a rule allowing the participation of foreign authors and composers in the Song For Europe Festival.

UKAM president John Vassallo and Maltasong chairman Grace Borg agreed to disagree, Ms Borg said.

Last night she insisted the deadline for submissions for the festival remained today at 4 p.m.

The whole issue erupted a few weeks ago when UKAM members insisted that Maltasong withdraw a clause allowing foreign composers and authors to compete in the local festival. Maltasong has so far stood its ground.

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