Hazare's supporters hopeful of 'honourable resolution'

Social activist Swami Agnivesh on Friday voiced hope that an "honourable resolution" would be found soon to the stalemate over the Lokpal Bill issue for which which Gandhian Anna Hazare is observing a fast-unto-death.

Social activist Swami Agnivesh on Friday voiced hope that an "honourable resolution" would be found soon to the stalemate over the Lokpal Bill issue for which which Gandhian Anna Hazare is observing a fast-unto-death.

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"High-level meetings are taking place between top ministers," Agnivesh told reporters here.

He said the anti-corruption activists decided not to join a meeting scheduled this morning at HRD Minister Kapil Sibal's residence over the issue as two of their demands were not met.

"We are hoping that by this evening an honourable resolution to the issue would be found," he added.

"After the high-level meeting at Prime Minister's residence, we hope that when we go to the meeting later, the government will come out with a respectable solution to our demands," he said.

Agnivesh said that a draft on their demands would be prepared by noted lawyer Shanti Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi. "It will be sent to the government and then we will wait for the government's response," he said.

Hazare had earlier said he was not averse to dialogue but such discussions should take place with those who have power to take decisions.

"When did we say no to dialogue. Dialogue should take place with those who have power to take decisions, whether (Congress chief) Sonia Gandhi or Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh)," he said.