LOC11:40
08:40 GMT
TEHRAN, Sept 18 (KUNA) -- Iran said Sunday it has voted in favor of
transferring Libyan seat in the UN to Libyan National Transitional Council
(NTC).
"The Islamic Republic of Iran gave vote in favor of giving seat to Libyan
NTC in the United Nations to help in restoring peace, security and
establishment of lawful organizations in the North African country as soon as
possible," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said,
according to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA).
"Libyan revolution now is on a path in which the NTC is regarded as the
country's political representative and because of this issue the Islamic
Republic of Iran supported handing a seat to NTC quickly."
The Iranian official also congratulated Libyans over the revolution and
expressed hope that the country would maintain unity and solidarity.
On Friday, the UN General Assembly voted to hand Libya's seat in the world
body to the NTC, which is expected to form the North African country's next
government.
Libya has been the scene of intense fighting between forces loyal to
fugitive ruler Muammar Gaddafi and opposition fighters since the outbreak of a
popular uprising, encouraged by the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions in
January and February.
The Libyan revolution began on February 17 and on August 22 Tripoli fell
and Gaddafi fled from the capital. (end)
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KUNA 181140 Sep 11NNNN