Palestinian flag flies at UNESCO

Palestinians have raised their flag at the headquarters of UNESCO, the UN cultural agency in Paris, a symbolic boost in their push for an independent state.

Cheers rose alongside the red, black, white and green flag Tuesday during a ceremony held in the rain. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was among those present. He will later meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Palestinian flag next to UN flag (Photo: Reuters)

Palestine was admitted as a UNESCO member after an October vote that prompted the US to cut off funds to the agency.

The Palestinians also are seeking full-fledged UN membership, but Washington has threatened to veto that move, saying a negotiated settlement with Israel should come first.

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