Lebanese MP stands for president

Butros Harb was the first person to officially announce his candidacy

An MP from Lebanon's anti-Syrian coalition has announced that he will stand in the election to succeed Emile Lahoud as the country's president.

Butros Harb, a member of the governing 14 March movement, said he had a clear vision for the future and a positive relationship with all political groups.

He also called for renewed national dialogue and reconciliation with Syria.

Under Lebanon's sectarian political system, the six-year presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian.

President Lahoud's term should have ended in 2004, but it was extended to 2007 after pro-Syrian MPs in parliament forced through a constitutional amendment.

The resulting pro- and anti-Syrian divisions were exacerbated in February 2005 by the killing of Rafik Hariri, who had resigned as prime minister in protest at the extension.

Dialogue

Speaking at a press conference after becoming the first person to officially announce his candidacy, Mr Harb said he would help end the deadlock that has paralysed Lebanese political life since November, when pro-Syrian opposition MPs left the anti-Syrian government.

If I am elected president of the republic, I shall open up dialogue at the presidential palace and I will preside over it Butros Harb

"My candidacy is linked to the consensus between both parties," he said.

"If I am elected president of the republic, I shall open up dialogue at the presidential palace and I will preside over it."

The former cabinet minister also stressed the need to find an "honourable solution" to international demands for the disarmament of Hezbollah's military wing, the Islamic Resistance.

"The capabilities of the Resistance should be placed at the service of the legitimate power," he said.

Mr Harb then called for a "historic reconciliation with Syria" based on a "principle of non-interference in domestic affairs and the opening of embassies by the two countries".

Lebanon's powerful neighbour was forced to withdraw its troops in April 2005 following Mr Hariri's assassination.

Mr Harb is likely to face competition in the election, on 25 September, from the two main rival Maronite Christian leaders, Michel Aoun and Amin Gemayel.

However, correspondents say the vote is unlikely to happen without the settlement of the 10-month political paralysis.

If it does not, Mr Lahoud has proposed appointing an interim government led by the head of the army.