TORSARKISSIAN SAYS PRIORITY TO BE GIVEN TO MOST POPULAR CANDIDATE IN HIS SECT

NowLebanon
April 8 2009
Lebanon

Future Movement MP Serge Torsarkissian said in an interview with
al-Balad daily on Wednesday that he was open to all solutions that
furthered the interest and strengthened the unity of the March 14
alliance. "Priority should be given to the person who represents
his sect the most, rather than the candidate exported for electoral
needs. These are general rules," he said.

Torsarkissian said that his candidacy was approved by the Armenian
Catholic Patriarchy, adding that he had priority to run in the
elections for the Armenian Catholic parliamentary seat in the Beirut
I district, "because I am a well-known face in Rmeil, Saifi and
Achrafieh, [and I am also known for] my ideas and experience with
the residents."

The MP also said he had strong relations with Lebanese Forces
supporters. "Perhaps this strong relation made me and those whom
I represent surprised," he said referring to the LF nomination of
Richard Kouyoumjian in his district. Torsarkissian refused to comment
on the communications between LF and the Future Movement over his
parliamentary seat.