BEIRUT: Future bloc MP Samir Jisr dismissed Friday concerns by U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams of inter-religious strife that could spark as a result of unrest in Syria.

“There are no indications on the ground of any religious or sectarian tensions,” the Lebanese lawmaker told a local radio station in response to comments by Williams who Thursday raised the potential for “confessional clashes in Lebanon” as a result of political upheaval in Syria.

"However, we fear that if the Syrians were cornered they will import the crisis to Lebanon," Jisr cautioned.

A crackdown by the Syrian government on protesters calling for reforms has led the death of more than 1,400 civilians since March when demonstrations began, according to activists.

Damascus blames armed groups with Islamist links for violence in the country and says at least 500 policemen and soldiers have been killed since March.