U.N. re-establishing ties with new Libya

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The United Nations is repositioning itself in Tripoli as the country's new leadership starts the necessary preparations for elections, an official said.

The flag of the rebel-backed Transitional National Council replaced the Libyan flag of Moammar Gadhafi this week at the United Nations. Rebels took control over Tripoli in August, ending Gadhafi's grip on power after four decades.

Elections officials with the United Nations are expected to deploy to Tripoli next week as the country lays the foundations for a new leadership.

Ian Martin, U.N. special envoy for Libya and head of the U.N. Support Mission in Libya, said there is a small team already on the ground in Tripoli. Another 200 staff members are expected to work in the country for the mission, he added.

He told reporters following speeches this week at the U.N. General Assembly that "the new Libya faces enormous challenges but it faces them with many positive features."

Critics are worried about disunity among the rebel leadership in Libya and the status of Libya's weapons stockpiles.

Nevertheless, world powers are slowly re-establishing their diplomatic presence inside the country.

A statement posted on the Web site for the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli notes diplomatic operations have resumed at a temporary facility inside the country but it still "faces operational constraints."