09/10/1961
Reds Recognize Syria’s Regime
Associated Press
MOSCOW (AP) - Official recognition of Syria’s new regime by the Communist bloc began Saturday with an announcement by the Soviet Union that it is establishing diplomatic relations with Damascus. Bulgaria quickly followed suit.
The Soviet news agency Tass said ambassadors would be exchanged between the two capitals in response to a request for recognition by the new Syrian premier, Mamoun Kuzbari. He gained power last month in a military coup that split Syria from Egypt and President Gamal Abdul Nasser’s United Arab Republic.
None of the Western powers has recognized the Kuzbari government as yet.