Presses U.S. Ambassador to Help Facilitate Release of Artsakh Hostages
GLENDALE—California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D-Burbank) just returned from his fifth successful trip to Armenia, where he had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Ambassador Kristina Kvien, teach at the American University of Armenia, meet with tech and business leaders, and participate in two important international panel discussions during the Human Rights and Global Armenia summits.
“Having broken bread with the proud Artsakh leaders when I was in Stepanakert and then hosting them in my Glendale office, it was important for me to strongly advocate for our United States diplomats to do everything possible to facilitate the safe release and return of hostages being held illegally by Azerbaijan,” commented Portantino. “Driving people from their homeland is despicable enough. Freeing illegally held hostages is an effort the entire international community should unite behind.”
At the invitation of Human Rights Defender Artak Beglaryan, Senator Portantino is the only US state or federal elected official to have spent time in Artsakh post war. To venture into Artsakh, Portantino had to pass through eleven military check points. Given his personal experiences during his many trips to Artsakh, articulating his feelings directly with the Ambassador was an important part of this trip. During his meeting with Ambassador Kvien, the Senator pressed the Ambassador to work diligently to free the government officials illegally being held by Azerbaijan in the aftermath of the violent forced exodus of the ethnic Armenian population of Artsakh.
In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Senator Portantino spent two weeks lecturing at AUA. He was asked to address a myriad of topics including human rights, values-based leadership, political communication, and Armenian political and non-profit presence and influence in the United States. In his first term in the State Senate, Senator Portantino created a unique law-school scholarship for California students who receive a degree from AUA and he has been a frequent visitor to the university over his many trips to Yerevan.
“The students at AUA are amazing. Their overall knowledge and interest in government, public policy, as well as their passion to create a brighter future for their peers and for their country created a special experience for me,” commented Senator Portantino. “I was able to use several points I learned from the students in my panel discussions during my extended trip. During one panel, I was asked to discuss the future of Armenia and strongly encouraged leaders to seek out input from student leaders who will be living the tomorrow we envision today,” added Senator Portantino.
While in Yerevan, Senator Portantino also participated in the Global Armenian Summit and the Center for Truth and Justice (CFTJ) Human Rights and Accountability Conference. The Global Armenian Summit panel was moderated by Gayane Abrahamyan, former Deputy of the National Assembly of Armenia. Along with the Senator, the panel included Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Lebanese Parliament Member Paula Yacoubian, and Mariam Khaloyan, the Director of Congressional Relations for the Armenian Assembly of America.
In addition to Senator Portantino, the CFTJ Human Rights and Accountability Conference panel included Hrair Balian, Practitioner of Conflict Resolution Focusing on the South Caucasus, Ukraine and Levant, as well as Michael Rubin, Director of Policy Analysis at the Middle East Forum and a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and Deputy Mayor of Paris Anouch Toranian. Political analyst Eric Hacopian moderated the panel.
Another highlight of the Senator’s trip were visits to key NGOs and businesses in Yerevan. Given Senator Portantino’s longstanding support for the tech industry both in Armenia and in California, these visits were particularly significant. In Yerevan, he met with HeroHouse, Impact Hub, AZA Battery, and Glendale-based Service Titan. Like Service Titan, the tech incubator HeroHouse has offices in Glendale and in Yerevan. During his time in the State Senate, Senator Portantino successfully negotiated the placement of the formal California Armenian Trade Desk at Impact Hub and he secured grant funding to help HeroHouse.
Senator Portantino also spent some time in parts of Armenian that he had not yet visited. He was able to visit Vanadzor, the third largest city in Armenia, and Gosh, an exciting countryside enclave with historic significance and a burgeoning local economy. He was also able to attend the Armenian Education Foundation’s scholarship presentation for 1300 laudable students.
“As I approach my final months in the California State Senate, I was determined to have an extended trip to Armenia. Issues related to Armenia, including business development and trade opportunities, have long had a significant presence in my legislative agenda and it was important for me to connect with people, projects, and opportunities while still in office. As with all my trips, I continue to be amazed and leave with deep impressions. From sophisticated wine production to remarkable agriculture, advancements in education and tech, Armenia continues to enhance my perspective as a political leader. I look forward to returning as a private citizen and further exploring this beautiful country,” concluded Portantino.
