It is with great regret that I received the news today about the withdrawal of our charismatic Armenian Catholic candidate, Richard Koyoumjian, from the race in Beirut I.

Dr. Kouyoumjian has been involved in the Lebanese Forces for the past three decades. He enrolled during the days of Bashir and remained committed during the days of Samir by means of his involvement in the works and lobbying of the Diaspora in Washington D.C.

His candidacy unfolded naturally and his role seemed to fit like a glove. Not only did he represent the spirit of Ashrafieh and its Christian diversity, he also represented the young competent idealist that many Lebanese Forces supporters have been longing for recently.

However one big obstacle came in the way. It was the incumbent MP, Serge Tor Sarkissian, who was running again for the position. Regardless of what Ashrafieh represents for Serge or how good he is with his opportunistic skills, it seems that a deal had to be brokered in total fairness with the principles of the Cedar Revolution.

Not that Dr. Kouyoumjian did not represent the Armenians – in fact he succeeded in representing both Armenians and Non-Armenian Christians – but the unwritten agreement with the Armenians is that they choose their candidates just like March 8 Armenians get to choose their candidates.

Again, this doesn’t mean that the March 14 Armenians do not want Dr. Kouyoumjian. Instead we had to deal with a self-indulgent candidate who, throughout his 9 year tenure, did not learn, it seems, on the importance of compromising for the sake of the nation.

When the mature decision makers of the Lebanese Forces, more specifically Dr. Geagea and Dr. Kouyoumjian, realized they were facing a stubborn irresponsible person who had his personal interests at stake, they had to take a responsible decision.

According to the Ancient Testament, two women who were arguing over who was the true mother of a child, came to Solomon seeking his wise judgment. When he offered to divide the child in two with a sword, the true mother was revealed when she showed compassion and decided to give up the child rather than see him hurt.

Once again – and why should we be surprised? –, the Lebanese Forces conceded an important asset for the sake of the success of the Cedar Revolution. This should not at all reveal weakness but rather grandeur. The LF could have pursued the race for its own sake unilaterally – and even then, we would have had great chances to win. But being the true mother of the cause, it decided to sacrifice.

Dr. Kouyoumjian hasn’t left us as he has been appointed by Dr. Geagea as the LF’s official spokesperson for the elections. What happened today is something we shouldn’t be ashamed of but rather proud.

For the speech of Richard Kouyoumjian assuming responsibility of the decision with great nobility, please click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEtYoUh9EHA