US President Donald Trump says ceasefire is a necessary precondition for peace in Afghanistan.

In a telephonic conversation with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, he said for the success of peace process, Afghan government's involvement is inevitable and  it must begin from now on.

Meanwhile in a tweet, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad expressed the hope that steps like release of Western hostages will lead to a reduction in violence and rapid progress in peace process.  

NNR/Khokhar