Myanmar parliament speaker Shwe Mann says he will run for the nation's presidency if nominated by the ruling party.
Former pariah state Myanmar is gearing up for parliamentary elections by November, a landmark in its bumpy transition from five decades of direct military rule.
The president will be elected by the next parliament. Current President Thein Sein is not expected to seek re-election, although he hasn't ruled out the possibility.
Shwe Mann was a top member of the former ruling junta and is a senior figure in the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party. He was speaking at a Washington think tank today.
He is visiting with a parliamentary delegation. He will meet Monday with Deputy Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
