PARIS, July 12: Syria and Lebanon have decided to open embassies in each other’s country for the first time in their troubled relations, French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced on Saturday.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, Sarkozy said: “I would like to say what a historic step forward it is for France that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is determined to open a diplomatic representation in Lebanon, and that Lebanon should open a diplomatic representation in Syria.”

President Sarkozy said both leaders had authorised him to make the announcement.

—Reuters