Hopeful of positive solution: Italian Consul General

Expressing concern over the halt to the negotiations between Odisha government and the Maoist-nominated mediators on the hostage crisis, Italian Consul General Joel Melchiori on Saturday said he was hopeful of a positive solution.

"We are hopeful of a positive solution to the crisis. However, nothing can be said at this moment," Melchiori told reporters after meeting Chief Secretary BK Patnaik and Home Secretary UN Behera.

He said Italian government was concerned about the safety of its nationals Paolo Bosusco and Claudio Colangelo in Maoist captivity for 10 days now and expressed satisfaction over the state government's attempt to resolve the crisis.

"The Chief Minister has recently briefed the media about the situation. Therefore, we are hopeful of solving the crisis," Melchori said.

Melchiori has been camping in the state capital here since the Italian nationals were taken hostage by Maoists on March 14 from Kandhamal district.