MP Talouzian replies to Daraj media’s suspicious questions
5/22/2023 4:28:52 PM
On May 16th, I, Jean Talouzian, received a letter from "Daraj Media" offering me the opportunity to respond to certain points and questions.
Their Investigative Unit informed me that they were publishing a series of articles called "Shadow Figures", about businessmen involved in the banking sector. Through their investigative research, my name had emerged as being one who is, "close, on a personal and professional level, with the Lebanese banker and businessman, Mr. Antoun Sehnaoui".
Daraj identifies itself as an independent digital media platform covering the Arab region. One that is free from political funding and influencing.
While researching their background and affiliations, I found that one of Daraj's major donors is Open Society Foundations, founded by none other than the infamous George Soros.
From the context of the letter, including the name of the series, it seemed somewhat evident that the tone of the article would most likely portray a negative image of Lebanese institutions.
These were their written statements and questions followed with my responses. Verbatim.
1. As per Nadim Gemayel, Mr. Talouzian was the main reason behind Mr. Antoun Sehnaoui's sponsorship to their electoral list in 2022. What is your comment on this?
There were many reasons why Mr. Sehnaoui decided to support all 8 candidates on the "Lebnen El Siyede" (Sovereign Lebanon) electoral list for the Beirut 1 district.
The Sehnaoui name has long been synonymous with Achrafieh, philanthropy and humanitarian aid. Since the 1960s, the family has had an immense presence in Beirut, and have continuously helped and supported countless families and residents of Achrafieh in all sectors: social, medical, economic and religious - including the erection, restoration and decoration of churches and a lot more.
Many residents of the area have been grateful to the Sehnaoui's for their decades-long assistance and generosity, and for being a main source of livelihood.
During Parliamentary elections, they have looked towards the family for guidance in choosing sovereign electoral lists to give their basket of votes to.
Those persons are part of the heart and soul of Achrafieh, and their collective voices are one and the same with that of Antoun Sehnaoui's: Sovereignty and democracy for Lebanon through independent representatives.
In his fight to defend Lebanese sovereignty since the Cedar Revolution in 2005, Antoun has only wanted to support sovereign electoral lists or candidates. This was well before I entered the political realm and became an MP.
2. Mr. Talouzian is a prominent partner and friend of Mr. Sehnaoui. What is the type of relationship between you and Mr. Sehnaoui?
As you already stated, and seemingly answered your own question, allow me to reconfirm. Yes, I am indeed a good friend of Mr. Sehnaoui's. My relationship with the entire Sehnaoui family dates back to 1975, at a time when Lebanon was at war and fighting for its sovereignty. As you may know, periods of combat tend to forge strong friendships and solidarity - and that is the kind of relationship that Mr. Nabil Sehnaoui, (Antoun's father) and I have.
When I finished defending our sovereignty through my military career, I wanted to continue defending it through politics, and therefore decided to present myself as a candidate for the Armenian Catholic seat for the Beirut 1 district.
The Sehnaoui's liked my idea and encouraged me further by asking their sympathizers to vote for the electoral list that I was on - seeing not only our long-lasting friendship, but also that our opinions, values and vision for a democratic Lebanon were aligned.
3. Mr. Sehnaoui is an ally of the Lebanese Forces party and funded their electoral campaign. Mr. Talouzian at the time dissident from the party. On what basis did Mr. Sehnaoui support you? How can you respond to this?
When it comes to the sovereignty and democracy of Lebanon, Mr. Sehnaoui and I see eye to eye with the Lebanese Forces. That is why we were on the same list back in 2018 (not 2022).
I am not and have never been a member of the Lebanese Forces (hence why the term 'dissident' is inaccurate in your statement). I was part of the "Strong Republic" coalition.
Although we may disagree on certain topics, I remain a staunch ally of the LF on all issues concerning the democracy, freedom and sovereignty of our nation.
Much like myself, Nabil and Antoun Sehnaoui are not members of any political party. We are independent, non-partisans who share similar views and ideas for the sovereignty and prosperity of Lebanon.
Their Investigative Unit informed me that they were publishing a series of articles called "Shadow Figures", about businessmen involved in the banking sector. Through their investigative research, my name had emerged as being one who is, "close, on a personal and professional level, with the Lebanese banker and businessman, Mr. Antoun Sehnaoui".
Daraj identifies itself as an independent digital media platform covering the Arab region. One that is free from political funding and influencing.
While researching their background and affiliations, I found that one of Daraj's major donors is Open Society Foundations, founded by none other than the infamous George Soros.
From the context of the letter, including the name of the series, it seemed somewhat evident that the tone of the article would most likely portray a negative image of Lebanese institutions.
These were their written statements and questions followed with my responses. Verbatim.
1. As per Nadim Gemayel, Mr. Talouzian was the main reason behind Mr. Antoun Sehnaoui's sponsorship to their electoral list in 2022. What is your comment on this?
There were many reasons why Mr. Sehnaoui decided to support all 8 candidates on the "Lebnen El Siyede" (Sovereign Lebanon) electoral list for the Beirut 1 district.
The Sehnaoui name has long been synonymous with Achrafieh, philanthropy and humanitarian aid. Since the 1960s, the family has had an immense presence in Beirut, and have continuously helped and supported countless families and residents of Achrafieh in all sectors: social, medical, economic and religious - including the erection, restoration and decoration of churches and a lot more.
Many residents of the area have been grateful to the Sehnaoui's for their decades-long assistance and generosity, and for being a main source of livelihood.
During Parliamentary elections, they have looked towards the family for guidance in choosing sovereign electoral lists to give their basket of votes to.
Those persons are part of the heart and soul of Achrafieh, and their collective voices are one and the same with that of Antoun Sehnaoui's: Sovereignty and democracy for Lebanon through independent representatives.
In his fight to defend Lebanese sovereignty since the Cedar Revolution in 2005, Antoun has only wanted to support sovereign electoral lists or candidates. This was well before I entered the political realm and became an MP.
2. Mr. Talouzian is a prominent partner and friend of Mr. Sehnaoui. What is the type of relationship between you and Mr. Sehnaoui?
As you already stated, and seemingly answered your own question, allow me to reconfirm. Yes, I am indeed a good friend of Mr. Sehnaoui's. My relationship with the entire Sehnaoui family dates back to 1975, at a time when Lebanon was at war and fighting for its sovereignty. As you may know, periods of combat tend to forge strong friendships and solidarity - and that is the kind of relationship that Mr. Nabil Sehnaoui, (Antoun's father) and I have.
When I finished defending our sovereignty through my military career, I wanted to continue defending it through politics, and therefore decided to present myself as a candidate for the Armenian Catholic seat for the Beirut 1 district.
The Sehnaoui's liked my idea and encouraged me further by asking their sympathizers to vote for the electoral list that I was on - seeing not only our long-lasting friendship, but also that our opinions, values and vision for a democratic Lebanon were aligned.
3. Mr. Sehnaoui is an ally of the Lebanese Forces party and funded their electoral campaign. Mr. Talouzian at the time dissident from the party. On what basis did Mr. Sehnaoui support you? How can you respond to this?
When it comes to the sovereignty and democracy of Lebanon, Mr. Sehnaoui and I see eye to eye with the Lebanese Forces. That is why we were on the same list back in 2018 (not 2022).
I am not and have never been a member of the Lebanese Forces (hence why the term 'dissident' is inaccurate in your statement). I was part of the "Strong Republic" coalition.
Although we may disagree on certain topics, I remain a staunch ally of the LF on all issues concerning the democracy, freedom and sovereignty of our nation.
Much like myself, Nabil and Antoun Sehnaoui are not members of any political party. We are independent, non-partisans who share similar views and ideas for the sovereignty and prosperity of Lebanon.