Berlin  - Germany called Friday for all sides in the current conflict in Lebanon to withdraw their fighters and to respect the authority of the state, expressing "deep concern" over the situation in Beirut.

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier phoned Lebanese Premier Fouad Seniora to express his concern at what he termed "the escalation of violence."

Steinmeier called on all parties in the Lebanese parliament "finally to fill the vacuum at the head of the state," referring to the repeated failure of the deputies to elect a Lebanese president.

Germany has repeatedly accused Syria of blocking the election through its support of the opposition Hezbollah movement.

German government spokesmen said there was constant contact between German diplomats and Lebanese leaders, including Seniora and Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri.

Chancellor Merkel, who maintains a close relationship with Seniora, had not had direct contact with the premier "in recent days," Merkel's spokesman Thomas Steg said. (dpa)