LONDON, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Britain's Foreign Office said it was concerned about the "ongoing political instability" in Lebanon.
Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells, responding to questions at the House of Commons Wednesday urged all affected sides to address their differences through peaceful dialogue.
"We are very concerned about the situation in Lebanon, and especially the continuation of disruptive activities by Hezbollah, which acts as if it were an alternative government in Lebanon," Howells said.
The minister said Britain supports all "constructive international meditation efforts to help resolve the crisis."
Britain, she added, believes the U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 provides the best framework for solving Lebanon's problems.
"We are working with international partners to implement it," Howells said, but added that concern was growing over the rearming of Hezbollah through Syria.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett in a statement said the country should improve relations with Syria, but at the same time cautioned it would depend on how much of a constructive role Syria plays in the region.
