The Communist Party of India (Marxist) met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Wednesday in a bid to sort out problems with his party-led government in Kerala [Images] on the Mullaperiyar dam issue.

Emerging out of the 45-mintue meeting, Karat told reporters that his party wanted an amicable settlement on the issue.

He had met Karunanidhi as he was keen to understand how the Tamil Nadu government viewed the issue, Karat said.

"I heard Karunanidhi and PWD Minister Durai Murugan. I will meet our Kerala leaders next month. I hope both the governments will be able to take steps in resolving the issue amicably to the satisfaction and interests of people of both the states," he said.

Asked about CPI-M's stand on river nationalisation, Karat said nationalisation of rivers was not the question, but Mullaiperiyar issue was about 'utilising water resources in a scientific manner'.

The CPI-M leader declined to answer any questions about Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee's indefinite fast saying, "I am here only to talk about Mullaperiyar issue."

He said he had also discussed about the deteriorating Sri Lanka [Images]n situation - "I was keen to understand the chief minister's and Tamil Nadu government's view on the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka, particularly in the north and east regions."

During the 45-minute meeting, Karat was accompanied by CPI-M central committee member T K Rangarajan.