NAIROBI NOVEMBER 6, 2015 (CISA)-The Holy See and the Palestine flags were raised at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Nairobi for the first time on November 5, 2015.
The two flags were raised at the flag walkway located at the entrance of the main gate at UN Office in Nairobi at the empty flagpoles that have been set up at the end of the member states flags.
Ms Sahle-Work Zewde, Director-General of United Nations Office in Nairobi said that the ceremony was in accordance with the UN General Assembly resolution adopted on September 10 2015 regarding the raising of the flags of non-member observer States at the UN.
“Raising these two flags is also an important act of symbolism. In particular, it reflects the commitment of the Palestinian Authority to pursue the long-held dream of the Palestinian people of their own State,” said Ms. Sahle-Work Zewde.
The brief ceremony at the UN compound in Nairobi was witnessed by Marco Ganci, Deputy Permanent Observer to UNEP and UN Habitat representing the Holy See and the State of Fares Alqub representing Fares Alqub, United nation diplomats and Arab state ambassadors.
“As His Holiness the Pope stressed at the General Assembly this year, the United Nations Organization and its activities, “like any other human endeavor, can be improved, yet it remains necessary,” observed Ms. Sahle-Work Zewde.
Palestine’s Deputy Permanent Observer to UNEP and UN Habitat Fares Alqub said that the occasion is a step towards materializing sovereignty and statehood, and a reflection of Palestine’s determination to become a full-fledged member of the UN.
“The flag is a summary of the Palestine’s plight for freedom and justice and that it is a peaceful gesture to the whole world that justice and independent is available if the Israel government comply with the international legitimacy and the UN resolutions, to withdraw from the occupied Palestine territories,” Alqub added.
As of 2015, there are two permanent non-member observer States at the United Nations, The Holy See and Palestine.
