TURKEY tr-diplomacy

Libyan Embassy in Turkish capital flies rebel flag

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency | 8/22/2011 12:00:00 AM |

Libyan opposition members took down the official Libyan state flag at the Libyan embassy in Ankara on Monday and raised the National Transitional Council, or NTC, flag in its place.

Libyan opposition members took down the official Libyan state flag at the Libyan Embassy in Ankara and raised the National Transitional Council, or NTC, flag in its place on Monday.

The crescent and star emblazoned red-black-green flag that became a rallying symbol for the rebels in Libya was raised at the embassy in Ankara on Monday.

Libyan rebel forces had captured Tripoli on Sunday with unexpected speed and minimal resistance, with civilians pouring onto the streets to welcome them.

Libyan opposition members at the embassy in Ankara gathered in the facility's garden and burned posters of Moammar Gadhafi, while singing with their children and making victory signs.

Libyan Ambassador Ziyad Adham al-Muntasar, meanwhile, was prevented by the opposition members from talking to members of the press.

There was a brief quarrel between opposition members and embassy security personnel during the switching of the flags.