YEREVAN. – The Armenian National Assembly factions issued a joint statement in connection with the formation of the Republic of Lithuania-Republic of Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] Friendship Group in the Lithuanian Seimas (Parliament).   

“All political factions of the Armenian National Assembly salute the formation of the Group. This step by the Lithuanian MPs is a testament of the Lithuanian people’s devotion to the values of humanity, friendship, democracy and liberty as well as a beginning, by the international community, for a new haven to engage the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in discourse.

In the history of the Armenian nation, Lithuania has taken an eternal place as the first country to recognize our newly-independent independent republic. It is significant and natural that the very representatives of Lithuania are the first to take such dignified and courageous step today, as well.   

We extend our gratitude, appreciation and support to our Lithuanian colleagues, being confident that Lithuania will not succumb to the pressures put against friendship and peaceful coexistence, and to Azerbaijan’s hysterical reactions. We hope this initiative will have new manifestations in the legislative bodies of other democratic countries.         

In the international arena, Artsakh has begun to be observed as an independent political factor. [And] the Lithuanian MPs’ forming of the friendship group with Artsakh is another step in that road,” the message specifically states.