Syria to recognize independence of self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics

Syria has decided to recognize the independence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, according to a statement by the country's Foreign Ministry, RIA Novosti reports.

"The Syrian Arab Republic has decided to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic," the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published by the Syrian state agency SANA.