Armenian singers issued a statement expressing refusal to participate in Baku-hosted Eurovision 2012 song contest, following the February 23 death of an Armenian soldier in Azeri sniper attack.

“We refuse to perform in a country, notorious for mass killings and massacres of Armenians, a country where hatred for Armenian people is a part of governmental policy, a country banning the entrance of any person of Armenian nationality regardless of citizenship,” the statement said.

The performers reiterated their distrust for Azeri security guarantees, citing the murder of Gurgen Margaryan at the hand of Azeri officer at Budapest-hosted NATO seminar.

The Armenian singers stressed willingness to participate in Eurovision with other country selected as a host, as well as intention to take part in future contests.