Dr. Elias Baaklini

After obtaining the Bachelor’s of Law, he quit his job and joined the law firm of Me Fouad and Wadih Daoud at Bab Idris locality to carry out the required training.

He remained in this firm for two years but had a longing for occupying a high position in the State, especially in the field of foreign affairs. He was not fond of pleading and practicing law.

He applied for a test prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the appointment of consuls and consultants in its cadre.

He passed the test and was ranked first among contestants. However, during appointment his name was not listed among the approved persons, so he was shocked at the news and headed forthwith to the house of Dr. Elias Baaklini, the son of his village who loved him and encouraged him in all his works because in him he saw insight, intelligence and integrity. Elias considered Dr. Baaklini as his guide in his work.

He told Dr. Baaklini what happened to him and how he was not approved and appointed in the cadre of foreigner affairs despite ranking first at the entrance examination.

The news angered Dr. Baaklini who was one of the leading constitutional figures in governance at that time, and he was upset at what happened to the son of his village, whom he loved.

So he immediately contacted the Minister of Foreign Affairs, shouting and reproaching.

Philippe Takla was at the head of this Ministry back then, so he told him: “If this is what happens to the green, then I wonder what happens to the dry, I would not be willing to contact you to ask you to appoint Elias Sarkis, had he been among the people who did not pass the examination, but having been ranked first and then excluded from appointment and from entering the cadre of foreign affairs, is a matter I take very seriously and cannot tolerate.”

The Minister calmed him and promised him to look into the case immediately, find the reason behind his exclusion, and reply to him shortly.

Shortly after and while Elias Sarkis was still at Dr. Baaklini’s house waiting for the answer, the phone rang and the caller was Philippe Takla, Minister of Foreign Affairs, who started talking before Dr. Baaklini and said: “It is true, doctor, that Elias Sarkis ranked first at the test, but his grade in history and geography was below average, and this subject is essential to whomever wishes to enter the cadre of foreign affairs; this is why he was excluded from entering this cadre”.

Dr. Baaklini then told the Minister of Foreign Affairs that is argument is unconvincing and that his exclusion was for the purpose of leaving space for others who are close to the Minister or to one of the leading politicians.

At the same time he started relieving the pain of Elias Sarkis who was still next to him, and he incited him to enter the judiciary field.

There was an imminent contest for this purpose. He also told him that this time he will not allow for the farce of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to happen again.

Elias accepted the advice of the son of his village, the person he consulted in all matters related to him and the future of his profession.

He decided to enter the contest of the Palace of Justice this time.

In fact he applied for this contest and passed, and his name was listed in the decree of appointment to enter the judiciary field.

Meanwhile, Bechara El Khoury resigned from the presidency and Camille Chamoun, who was his opponent at the end of his mandate, was elected in his place.

Dr. Baaklini was known for backing up Bechara El Khoury, so Camille Chamoun crossed out the name of Elias Sarkis from the draft decree of appointment of judges at the Palace of Justice, as means of revenge from Dr. Baaklini, who is known for his adoption and support of the son of his village, Elias Sarkis.

Emir Jamil Chehab, a close friend of Dr. Baaklini, and Head of the Court of Accounts at that time, happened to be at Baaklini’s house and was informed of what happened and knew about his friend’s resentment of this action, so he calmed him and promised to appoint Elias Sarkis who passed in the judges exam, as his consultant at the Court of Accounts, if he approves.

Dr. Baaklini contacted Elias Sarkis and informed him of what happened with Emir Jamil Chehab and asked for his opinion. He replied that he only wishes to work as judge at the Palace of Justice and not as a consultant for the revision and audit of accounts at the Court of Accounts.

Dr. Baaklini convinced him to accept this position temporarily until he gets the opportunity to be transferred to the judiciary field as it is possible considering that both institutions are similar in terms of their judiciary role.

Compelled, Elias Sarkis accepted to try, and he was appointed as magistrate at the Court of Accounts with the help of Emir Jamil Chehab.
The latter was a strict legal person and an unparalleled financial expert.

He was known for his integrity, and stubbornness when it comes to truth, until he set an example in the cadre of civil servants. If one wanted to describe an official with integrity and boldness, one would say: “Is that Emir Chehab?”. I mention this to reach to the following incident which happened right before my eyes in Dr. Baaklini’s house.

Around two months following the appointment of Elias Sarkis as consultant at the Court of Accounts, Emir Jamil Chehab came to the house of Dr. Baaklini, his close friend, for a visit.

During the talk between Emir Jamil and with Dr. Baaklin, the first one said: “Doctor, what is it with this guy from your end that you forced on me?” Dr. Baaklini considered for a moment but did not know who the intended young man is. Emir Jamil continued his talk: “This Elias of yours”.

The doctor’s face grew pale and he thought at first that Elias did wrong or committed a mistake of any sort.

But at that time he was completely confident of the guy’s faithfulness and asked Emir Jamil: “What did he do?”, the Emir’s answer was:
“They accuse me of searching for fleas and preserving public funds, I could swear this guy of yours even searches for ants.”

Dr. Baaklini was relieved at that moment and laughed with joy and said to Emir Jamil: “I only introduce you to people I trust and know of their competence to make you and the country proud.”

This incident truly shows who Elias Sarkis is and how he started his professional life.