Berlin  - Germany is watching the increasing tension in Lebanon with concern, government spokesmen said Wednesday in response to a stand-off in Beirut between Lebanon's Labour Union and the Hezbollah-led opposition.

Chancellor Angel Merkel was in regular contact with Lebanese leaders and with leaders of other countries in the region with regard to the political crisis in Lebanon, government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm said.

Wilhelm said he was not aware of direct contact between Merkel and Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Seniora over recent days, but foreign policy representatives were in constant contact with their Lebanese counterparts.

"Stability in Lebanon is very important to us," Wilhelm said, adding that developments in the country were "an important component" of the wider peace process in the Middle East.

Germany has repeatedly called for a resolution to the crisis over the election of a Lebanese president and accused Syria of blocking the process and of contributing to rising tensions in the country.

The Hezbollah movement is seen as backed by Iran and Syria. (dpa)