Kataeb Party head Amine Gemayel denied in remarks published Sunday that his recent initiative to hold contacts with various groups was paving the way for his candidacy to the presidency, saying a vacuum in the top post would only lead to foreign intervention.

Gemayel, who was president from 1982-1988, had been widely expected to announce his candidacy to return to the position before the March 14 coalition announced its support for Lebanese Forces candidate Samir Geagea. Since Geagea has failed to garner the needed majority, Gemayel has presented himself as a possible alternative from the coalition.

He also described Geagea's willingness to back down as a candidate if a consensus is reached on another figure as a "positive initiative".

He also said MP Walid Jumblatt, who has backed the candidacy of MP Henry Helou, as flexible, saying the head of the Progressive Socialist Party might change his stance if favorable developments arise.

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