US hopeful of peaceful solution to Lankan crisis: Mulford

Chennai, Sep 28 (UNI) The United States, is hopeful of finding a peaceful solution to the ethnic crisis in the strife-torn Sri Lanka through negotiations, US Ambassador to India David C Mulford said today.

The US envoy, who called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence here, told reporters the progress in peace talks would bring about a system that would ensure stability and peace in the island.

It would also stem the exodus of refugees from the country, he added.

Describing his 30-minute meeting with Mr Karunanidhi as ''very, very friendly'', Dr Mulford said he had looked forward to meet the Chief Minister as ''he is a very respected and reputed leader in India.'' The US Ambassador said he was impressed with the investment-friendly climate prevailing in the state. There were a number of US companies which had set up business here, he pointed out.

Besides the Lankan issue, he also discussed with Mr Karunanidhi tshe import of wheat from the US.

Asked about yesterday's email threat that a bomb would blow up the US Consulate office here, Mr Mulford said he was aware of it but nothing had happened.

Mr David T Hopper, US Consul General, Chennai, said the Tamil Nadu police had been cooperating and extending full support in security aspects. ''We have been well taken care of,'' he added.

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