New Delhi: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on June 8 said the government wanted an early resolution of the Ayodhya issue and it was possible either through talks or a court settlement.

"We want to see an early solution to the Ayodhya issue. How long will this issue linger on," he said addressing a function here to celebrate the 50th anniversary of consecration of Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati.

Vajpayee said the government wanted a solution either through talks between religious and social leaders of the two communities or through the court. These may not run counter to each other but be supplementary, he said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Kanchi Shankaracharya was making efforts to resolve the dispute.

"Initially, there have been some difficulties but his efforts are on," he said.

Vajpayee said India's image in the world had improved as the country had reached the "problem-solving stage".

"Gradually, all problems are to be solved," he said noting his government had taken peace initiative with Pakistan and strengthened democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.

PTI