DAMASCUS, Syria -- Syria's official news agency says the nation will open an embassy in Lebanon for the first time since the two countries gained independence in the 1940s.

The agency, SANA, says Syrian President Bashar Assad issued a decree Tuesday establishing diplomatic relations with Lebanon.

The decree does not say when the embassy will be opened or give further details.

Lebanon and Syria agreed to establish diplomatic relations during an official visit by the Lebanese president to Damascus in April.

The West and Lebanese anti-Syrian politicians have long demanded Syria recognize Lebanon's sovereignty by establishing official ties. -AP