Replacing Libya Flag In Washington Stalled

By Kaeun Yu 

Plans to replace Gaddafi’s green national flag that flies at the Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C., with a tri-colored flag that symbolizes Libya’s independence were foiled Tuesday after the embassy failed to recognize Libyan Ambassador Ali Aujali as a representative of the state.

“This is the flag chosen by the representatives of the Libyan people. That’s why pro-democracy Libya has accepted it to be the legitimate flag of Libya,” said Aly Abuzaakouk, an executive director of Libya Human and Political Development Forum.

The Libyan foreign ministry informed the State Department Friday that current Ambassador Aujali no longer represented the regime and assigned a lower level official to take on the ambassador’s duties. The announcement came after Aujali made an declared allegiance the Libyan demonstrators.

“We still think he is the legitimate ambassador. We think whoever is representing the regime now has no legitimacy whatsoever,” said Ashraf Tulty from Libyan Emergency Task Force.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) spoke to protesters enusuring them that the U.S. still recognizes Aujali as Libya’s ambassador.

“We have come to stand in solidarity with the Libyan people,” said Lee. “We look forward to working with our government who recognizes Ambassador Aujali to be the representative here on behalf of the people of Libya.”