East Jerusalem - Sunday’s performance, 27th of July 2003, by the internationally renowned Zimbabwe group Black Umfolosi was cancelled.

Black Umfolosi could not take part in the second performance of the Jerusalem Festival - Songs of freedom 2003 because of the Israeli Authorities refusal to allow the group into the country.

A similar incident happened earlier in the week with Austrian-Palestinian musician, Marwan Abado.

Despite all efforts by several diplomatic missions, the ministry of interior refused the group’s visa application with no justification, preventing the Zimbabwe group, which has toured all over the World, from participating in the Jerusalem Festival Songs of Freedom 2003.

"We see no justified reason for this act by the Israeli authorities but another obstacle in our long road for peace," said a festival spokesperson.