In Washington, D.C., the Libyan embassy to the United States has been reopened on behalf of the rebels’ Transitional National Council. The United States closed the embassy and expelled its staffers after the conflict in Libya erupted earlier this year. Ali Aujali, who quit his post as ambassador under Muammar Gaddafi in February, presided over the reopening.

Ali Aujali: “For the first time in 42 years, this embassy represents a free Libya. I would like to acknowledge the members of the Libyan-American communities, some of whom are here today, for patiently supporting the cause of freedom in Libya. This new embassy, under the control of the Transitional National Council, is committed to serving the Libyans and for advancing their call for freedom and democracy in Libya.”