Paris - The French government on Thursday said the situation in Lebanon has become "troubling" and expressed its support for the government in Beirut and its army.

"Since yesterday, the prevailing situation in Lebanon has been troubling. More than ever, France calls for restraint in statements and acts and for the resumption of dialogue," the French Foreign Ministry said in a press statement.

The statement also "reiterated (France's) support for the Lebanese government as well as its army in the exercise of their constitutional missions."

Violent confrontations have broken out in Beirut between forces representing the Lebanese government and the radical Shiite movement Hezbollah.

France has been very active diplomatically in trying to resolve the continuing political crisis in Lebanon and has cut relations with Syria because it accused Damascus of trying to undermine the country's political stability. (dpa)