Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stressed the importance of the realization of the Nagorno Karabakh people's right to self-determination and the need for the international community to take clear steps to that end.

Pashinyan spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, October 9 about hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone and recent developments on the ground.

Macron said the cessation of fire and negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the conflict are key, after Russian President Vladimir Putin too called for a ceasefire.

The French leader said he also maintains constant communication with Putin over the matter.

Pashinyan stressed the importance of the realization of Nagorno Karabakh people's right to self-determination in the conditions and the need for the international community to take clear steps to that end.

Pashinyan said earlier that an adequate response in this situation would be "for European countries, the international community, individual nations to find strength in themselves, take a decisive step and recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh."

Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey, launched a large-scale offensive against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27, shelling Armenian positions and civilian settlements with large caliber weapons and rocket systems. Armenia and Karabakh have introduced martial law and total mobilization. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. International and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages, as well as the iconic Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi.

Donations can be made to Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, which has launched a fundraising campaign to support Karabakh amid Azerbaijan's aggression.