For information only - not an official document
UNIS/VIC/184
5 October 2011
Flag of Libya's National Transitional Council
flying at the United Nations in Vienna
VIENNA, 5 October (UN Information Service) - The United Nations in Vienna, as with other duty stations across the world, has raised a new flag, representing Libya's National Transitional Council (NTC). At the ceremony the green, black and red flag was hoisted alongside other flags of the United Nations' Member States at the Vienna International Centre.
The General Assembly of the United Nations recognized the NTC as the official representative of Libya in September this year. An overwhelming majority of the General Assembly had voted to accept the credentials of the new Libyan leadership. Following the adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 66/1, the Permanent Mission of Libya to the United Nations formally notified the United Nations of a Declaration by the National Transitional Council of 3 August 2011 changing the official name of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to "Libya" as well as a decision to change Libya's national flag.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the new Libyan leadership into the international community: "For the past seven months, you have fought courageously for your fundamental rights and freedoms. Women and young people were in the vanguard, demanding a say in the political and socio-economic life of their country. As you look to the future, I want you to know that the United Nations will support you in every way we can".
Represented on the flag are a half moon and a star - the design was the national flag of Libya from 1951 to 1969.
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Images of the event are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/unisvienna/sets/72157627698603553/detail/
