United Nations, Muharram 19, 1433, Dec 14, 2011, SPA - The Palestinian flag was raised outside UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Tuesday as Palestine was formally admitted as the agency’s 195th member state. UNESCO-the U.N. Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization-became the first U.N. agency to admit Palestine as a member state. The ceremony was attended by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Foreign Minister Riad Maliki. Addressing the assembly of delegations and guests, President Abbas said: “Our admission (to UNESCO) is a tremendous source of pride for us … Palestinian writers, artists and researchers have played a vital role trying to preserve the culture and identity of our people. UNESCO has also played a fundamental role-and has been a loyal partner.” Welcoming Palestine to UNESCO, the agency’s Director-General Irina Bokova said: “UNESCO is working on the frontlines today, to build a more peaceful, more democratic and more just world. Human dignity is our starting point and the measure of our success. Solidarity is our guide and our objective.” States voted to admit Palestine to UNESCO on 31 October, during the 36th session of the Organization’s General Conference. --SPA 12:46 LOCAL TIME 09:46 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/952397