2008-05-09 19:06:08 -

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Paris is working with Lebanese authorities and foreign governments to prevent Lebanon from descending into civil war, France's prime minister said Friday.
«We know that the situation could lead to greater violence and civil war,» Francois Fillon said. «We support Lebanese authorities whose mission is to safeguard stability and order.
«French

authorities are in contact with all authorities on the ground, as well as the Arab League, to find a solution.
Fillon said the French Embassy in Lebanon has been placed on alert to protect French citizens and that Paris is «ready to act if that becomes necessary.
He spoke after talks with Cyprus President Dimitris Christorias.
Shiite Hezbollah gunmen seized nearly all of the Lebanese capital's Muslim sector from Sunni foes loyal to the U.S.-backed government Friday, following the country's worst sectarian clashes since the bloody 15-year civil war.
At least 11 people have been killed and more than 20 wounded in three days of street battles and gunfights, security officials said.

Meanwhile, Cyprus' civil defense authorities said they are on «yellow alert» to prepare for a possible mass exodus of foreign nationals from Lebanon.
Cyprus served as a way station for the tens of thousands of foreign and dual nationals who fled Lebanon after Israel launched an attack against Hezbollah in the summer of 2006.