BEIRUT, Lebanon -- Lebanese MP Boutros Harb, the Christian Maronite member of the ruling March 14 Bloc, announced Thursday that he was running for presidency and linked his candidacy to an agreement by all political parties over an election mechanism.

Harb was announcing his candidacy at a press conference held at the parliament, 26 days before the beginning of the presidential election period, between September 15 and November 24.

"I have insisted on declaring my candidacy ... electing the president must be a Lebanese decision and all people must be able to elect their leaders themselves, and not through struck deals," he said.

He added that continued conflicts over presidency "raise the risk of explosion" of the situation in Lebanon, reaffirming the importance of holding elections as was constitutionally stipulated.

Moreover, he said the next president had to be a respected nationalist that made his decisions independently "and says yes when he is convinced and no when he is not ... he has to be committed to principles of nationalism and democracy, able to unite the country, and act as a president for all Lebanese." The president-to-be must be committed to the Taif Agreement and make sacrifices to bring hope back to the people, adding, "I am honored to declare my candidacy and place myself in the service of Lebanon." Harb said he had a vision for working with an "open spirit" with all national leaders without exception to resolve pending national issues, noting that Lebanon could not be divided.

Should he be elected, the candidate said he would prevent nationalization of Palestinian refugees, prevent the infiltration of terrorism into Lebanon, and transform Palestinian refugee camps into security areas outside the state's authority.

He also reiterated the importance of liberating Sheba Farms and having the army responsible for defending the country.

On international relations, Harb said Lebanon was committed to UN resolutions and boosting its friendly relations with nations of the world, adding that relations with Arab states would be based on the Taif Agreement.

As for the Lebanese-Syrian crisis, he called for dialogue, and achieving conciliation and a brotherly relationship that was based on mutual respect for sovereignty and independence. -Kuna