Beirut - Six bombs exploded in a Sunni Muslim neighbourhood of Beirut on Monday, threatening to derail a dialogue called by Lebanese leaders to bring stability to the country.

No casualties were caused, but the bombs damaged shops and cars in heavily populated Corniche al-Mazraa, an area which saw fierce clashes between pro and anti-government groups in May.

The explosions, which took place a day before the start of a national dialogue at the Baabda presidential palace, "are aimed at terrifying people," said a police officer at the scene.

Leaders of the anti-Syrian ruling majority accused the pro-Syrian opposition led by the fundamentalist Hezbollah of seeking to delay the dialogue.

Fares Soeid said Hezbollah wanted to avoid discussions on placing its weapons under state control.

President Michel Suleiman set September 16 as the starting date for the dialogue to try to mend fences between the rival Lebanese leaders and discuss the fate of Hezbollah.

UN resolution 1701, which ended 33 days of war between Israel and Hezbollah in August 2006, called on the Lebanese government to disarm all militias in Lebanon, including Hezbollah, and expand its control on all Lebanese territories.

The anti-Syrian camp has argued that Hezbollah's arsenal undermines the state. Hezbollah says its guerrilla army, known as "the resistance", is vital to defend Lebanon from Israel.

Hezbollah used some of its military power in May to briefly take control of the Muslim half of Beirut, which mainly backs the anti- Syrian ruling majority.

The national dialogue was agreed upon as part of a Qatari-mediated deal that ended an 18-month political conflict in May. (dpa)