Assemblymember Anthony J. Portantino
“Ordinarily I would not comment on a local land use issue in my district, but I was quite concerned by comments made by members of the Turkish Government denying the history surrounding the Armenian Genocide. There is nothing vague or unclear about the Genocide: innocent Armenians were slaughtered in what historians have clearly and justifiably proclaimed was the first Genocide of the 20th Century. Our prayers and thoughts should always be with the surviving family members, not in opposing a proposed Genocide Memorial in Pasadena in order to deny and obscure the facts that caused the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians.
In addition, I am concerned about rising international anti-Armenian sentiments. I am particularly alarmed about press reports of Hungary’s extradition and release of Ramil Safarov, who was convicted in Hungary for the death of an Armenian Lieutenant on a NATO training mission. To hear that this man is now free in Azerbaijan is an insult to international justice and a significant and alarming concern to the proud Armenian American families living in my district”
Assemblymember Anthony J. Portantino (D- La Cañada Flintridge)
Wendy Gordon
Office of Assemblymember Portantino
626.720.3409 mobile
626.577.9944 office
