MP Žygimantas Pavilionis announced that he was stepping down as chairman of the parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, as demanded by the Homeland Union–Lithuanian Christian Democrats’ political group in the Seimas.

“After a year in office, I am leaving the post of chairman of the Seimas Committee on Foreign Affairs”, - Pavilionis told the Delfi online news website. “I am resigning at the request of my party”.

“I am leaving my post because politics is teamwork and sometimes you have to step back for a common goal. I was nominated, supported as a politician and appointed to this position by this political community. It would be dishonourable to disobey its decision.

I will strive for a solid, united Lithuanian foreign policy that is not buffeted by institutional or party disagreements”, - he added.