The PLO office in Washington raised a flag for the first time. \”It\’s about time that this flag that symbolizes the struggle of the Palestinian people for self-determination and statehood is raised in the United States,\” said Palestine Liberation Organization envoy Maen Areikat in a brief ceremony Tuesday outside its Dupont Circle offices. \”We hope that this will help in the international efforts to provide recognition for the Palestinian state.\” The Obama administration granted the delegation, which does not have embassy status, permission to raise the flag last July.