Undoubtedly, parliamentary group of friendship between Lithuania and Karabakh will continue to exist, MP of the Lithuanian parliament said.

There is no legal possibility to suspend the participation of MPs in this group: all MPs have a free mandate, and all are free to act in accordance with their conscience, Kestutis Masiulis told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The lawmaker said he joined the group of friendship, recalling the times of “Sajudis” movement when they expressed support for the Karabakh people’s peaceful aspiration for independence.

“During the rallies we tried to regain independence, and during one of the meetings a declaration in support of Karabakh was adopted. What has changed over 20 years? You have to be consistent – it’s my motivation,” he said.

Masiulis is hopeful that establishment of the group will contribute to peaceful resolution of the protracted Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

“The main goal is to improve relations between the sides. Dispute between the two countries, which used to be a part of an empire, whether they are located in the Caucasus or elsewhere in Africa, should be resolved on the basis of peoples’ right to self-determination. I think such disputes must be challenged peacefully, based on the peoples’ right to self-determination,” he said.