Arab League chief and former Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has not ruled out that he might run for presidency to succeed President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power for more than 28 years.

In an interview, Moussa said that Gamal Mubarak, the 45-year-old son of Hosni Mubarak, might take office after the 2011 presidential elections.

"It is the right of all citizens with the ability and competency to aspire to a position to participate in serving the homeland, including the top position of president of the republic," Moussa was quoted by Reuters as saying.

He added the rights and obligations of all citizens "hold true for me, for you and also for Gamal Mubarak."

Moussa, however, noted that "taking a decision on this issue (running for presidency) requires several considerations ... and we are somehow still far from the time for taking any decision on this matter."

"I don't have specific thinking on the nomination for the presidency," he said.

The 81-year-old Egyptian president has been in office since 1981, when he took power following the assassination of former Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat.

Observers believe Mubarak is seeking to bring his son to power.

SB/MD