NaharNet, Lebanon
May 23 2009

Reconciliation between Tor Sarkissian, Richard Kouyoumjian

A reconciliation gathering was held between Beirut 1 Armenian seat
candidate MP Serge Tor Sarkissian and LF’s Richard Kouyoumjian, who
withdrew on Thursday from the electoral race in favor of the
legislator.
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea announced on Thursday he was
withdrawing Kouyoumjian from the race in favor of Tor Sarkissian, who
is a March 14 ally.

Saturday’s gathering was held at Hotel Alexandre in Ashrafiyeh based
on the invitation of MP Michel Pharaon’s office.

Tor Sarkissian "stressed the importance of unity in order to achieve
in the fateful electoral battle the result that we seek."

He said the March 14 coalition’s Armenian parties support the
alliance’s all lists in Lebanon because the ultimate aim is victory.

In his turn, Kouyoumjian announced LF’s support for the Beirut 1 list.

"The battle is our battle," he said, adding that "the Armenians should
return to their historical political line which is the project of the
state, Lebanon’s freedom, sovereignty and independence."

As for Pharaon, he described Geagea’s decision to withdraw Kouyoumjian
"a daring stance."

Beirut, 23 May 09, 18:01

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress