PARIS, April 21 (Reuters) - Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Tuesday his government was not seeking confrontation with Iran-backed Hezbollah, but it would not allow itself to be intimidated as it continues direct talks with Israel to end the conflict.

Speaking at a news conference alongside France's President Emmanuel Macron, Salam said he would need all Lebanon's partners to help as direct talks at ambassador level continue later this week in Washington.

"We are continuing along this path, convinced that diplomacy is not a sign of weakness, but a responsible act to leave no avenue unexplored in restoring my country's sovereignty and protecting its people," Salam said.

(Reporting by John Irish; editing by Maya Gebeily)