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.