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Very specific consultations are currently underway over the introduction of ceasefire verification mechanisms along the Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan told a joint news conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday.

“As stated in our joint statement, the ceasefire and the introduction of verification mechanisms are considered a priority. We haven’t reached a level yet to be able to start working on the first point of our joint statement. Consultations are being held with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the sides with the mediation of Russia in order to create mechanisms that would allow us to take concrete steps," Mnatsakanyan said, adding that the Minsk Group mediators are also involved in the consultations.

The first point of the joint statement refers to the humanitarian ceasefire in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) starting from 12pm Saturday, October 10, to exchange prisoners and recover the bodies of those killed in fighting.

"If we fail to extend this ceasefire, it will continue to have a negative impact on all other issues. Observing and strengthening the ceasefire remains a challenge and a priority. That’s why the verification mechanisms are extremely important. If there are any accusations against Armenia or Nagorno-Karabakh, we have repeatedly stated that it is high time to introduce verification mechanisms,” the minister said, stressing it is Azerbaijan that has rejected the verification mechanisms on numerous occasions.

“That’s why we have what we have today," he said.