Beirut- Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said on
Wednesday that he is concerned about ongoing sectarian tensions in
Lebanon.

"We are worried about the situation in Lebanon, particularly
Tripoli in north Lebanon," Abul Gheit said after meeting with Lebanese
Prime Minister Fouad Seniora.

North Lebanon has witnessed in the past two months repeated clashes
between Sunni followers of the western-backed government and others
loyal to the opposition-led by Hezbollah.

Abul Gheit, who arrived in Beirut for a one-day visit, also met
with Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, and is scheduled to meet later
with House Speaker Nabih Berri.

Egypt is also trying to ease tension between Lebanon and Israel
that has risen over an exchange of threats, according to Lebanese
officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned last week that his
country would hit back harder than in the 2006 war if Hezbollah
guerrillas attacked again.

Hezbollah's leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, threatened in return
on Sunday that the response from his fighters would also be more fierce
than in the 33-day war two years ago.

Abul Gheit said Egyptian officials urged Israel to avoid making
such threats during meetings with visiting Israeli Defence Minister
Ehud Barak on Tuesday. dpa