Brussels - Beligum's King Albert II continued political consultations on Saturday to resolve a leadership crisis a day after the government offered stand down.

The government request to resign followed accusations that it tried to prevent a court from blocking the sale of the country's troubled Fortis bank to BNP Paribas of France.

The government of Prime Minister Yves Leterme appeared to be at the end of its rope despite his denials of interference in the bank affair.

This is the second time that Leterme has offered to step down in just nine months in office.

Albert refused to accept the offer of resignation, and on Saturday met with Justice Minister Jo Vandeurzen, the Belga news agency reported.

The king is also to meet individually with Parliamentary President Herman Van Rompuy and Senate President Armand De Decker.

The political crisis leaves Belgium facing a period of deep uncertainty at the worst possible time, with the economy sliding into recession and investors' confidence at a low as a result of the global financial crisis.