BEIRUT -- The Maronite patriarch of Antioch called for dialogue in Lebanon as he continues his international trip to personally meet with leaders, including the U.N. secretary general, about the deteriorating situation in the Mideastern nation.

Cardinal Nasrallah Sfeir made his appeal for dialogue in the daily L'Orient le Tour, asking the Lebanese to "remember the events of 1990 that brought hundreds of wounded and dead and massive destruction."

"We should learn from the past," he appealed.

Cardinal Sfeir left Lebanon on May 4. His first stop was Qatar, where he celebrated Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary, the nation's first Catholic church, which opened only in March. After several days in South Africa, he headed to the United States.

In addition to his meeting with Ban Ki-moon on Thursday, the cardinal will also talk to President George Bush on May 22. Bush is in Israel today for events marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Israeli state.

Fighting in Lebanon escalated May 7 when the nation's cabinet banned the communication system used by the Shittie Hezbollah group. More than 80 people have since been killed. The Pope appealed for peace in Lebanon after praying the midday Regina Caeli on Sunday in St. Peter's Square.

Opposing factions in the nation have not been able to come together to decide on a president and Lebanon has had a power vacuum since November.

Cardinal Sfeir emphasized that "in light of the gravity of the situation, we appeal to all parties to avoid putting at risk the life and goods of the citizens. We invite them to return to the dialogue table to find a solution that is acceptable to all sides, so as to enable Lebanon to again enjoy a climate of peace, security and tranquility."

"If the Lebanese do not manage to re-establish the sovereignty of the state and security, the United Nations could take the necessary measures to achieve that goal," Cardinal Sfeir added. "Certainly, some will not appreciate this discourse and we hope that the Lebanese take hold of their destiny, on the condition that they set aside personal hatred and that they appreciate the advantages that the nation would obtain from the re-establishment of its independence and from the respect that would come because of its sovereignty and rediscovered stability."

Regarding the still-delayed presidential election, the cardinal urged Parliament to "assume its responsibilities" and he warned against possible violations of the Constitution.

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