Syria recognizes Palestinian state with occupied Jerusalem as its capital

The Syrian foreign ministry said Monday that Damascus recognizes a Palestinian state with occupied Jerusalem as its capital within the borders in effect prior to the 1967 Six-Day War.

"Syria recognizes a Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders and east Jerusalem as its capital, and on the basis of the preservation of Palestinian legitimate rights," a statement said.

Syria "will treat the Damascus office of the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) as an embassy upon the publication of this statement," the ministry added.

The Palestinians plan to ask the UN General Assembly to recognize a Palestinian state when the world body gathers in September.