PM appeals to Indian corruption protester to end hunger strike

India's Prime Minister appealed to anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare to end his week-long hunger strike, offering to ask Parliament to debate a tougher version of proposed reform legislation.

His appeal yesterday was Manmohan Singh's first attempt to compromise with Mr Hazare, whose fast has galvanised tens of thousands of corruption-weary Indians and left the government flailing to respond.

Hours later, Mr Hazare's aides began the first round of dialogue with the government's lead negotiator, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

"Talks are sensitive. No one knows results," Kiran Bedi, one of the protest organisers, wrote on Twitter.