BEIRUT, Lebanon - MP Michel Murr on Wednesday, declaring a stand to salvage Lebanon, called for the speedy election of Army Commander Gen. Michel Suleiman president, reiterating that he is not affiliated with any political faction.

Murr, addressing a packed press conference, said: "We've decided to pressure MPs into electing a president."

He urged legislators to "grab the chance available today because it might not recur."

He warned that blocking presidential elections for more than six months "could become a precedent for future practices by any faction that might oppose the election of a head of state.

"The first step to settling the crisis is the election of a president, after which all other issues could be tackled … in a month time," Murr noted.

He declared support for a general elections law based on the concept of a county-constituency principle "with some amendments."

Murr also outlined that "our stands are in line with stands adopted by Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir and Maronite Bishops."

He expressed "hope" that Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa would "succeed in his mission."

"We would maintain our independence in politics. I've never been member of a party or bloc and I'll maintain my independence so that my decision-making won't be controlled by anybody," he said.

"I'll listen only to my people and carry out their guidance."

Addressing heads of municipalities in his power base of the Metin Province, Murr said: "I won't follow what others want and ruin the nation. I won't do that." -Naharnet