Top Syrian diplomat in London quits over atrocities

Syria's top diplomat in London resigned today in protest against the "violent and oppressive" acts of President Bashar al-Assad's regime, the British Foreign Office said.

The Foreign Office said in a statement that charge d'affaires Khaled al-Ayoubi had informed it today that he had "left his post", describing it as a blow to the Syrian government.

"Mr al-Ayoubi has told us that he is no longer willing to represent a regime that has committed such violent and oppressive acts against its own people, and is therefore unable to continue in his position," it said.

Britain expelled the previous Syrian charge d'affaires, Ghassan Dalla, and two other diplomats in May. Syria had earlier withdrawn its ambassador from London.

"Mr al-Ayoubi was the most senior Syrian diplomat serving in London. His departure is another blow to the Assad regime," the Foreign Office said.

"It illustrates the revulsion and despair the regime's actions are provoking amongst Syrians from all walks of life, inside the country and abroad." It added: "We urge others around Bashar al-Assad to follow Mr al-Ayoubi's example; to disassociate themselves from the crimes being committed against the Syrian people and to support a peaceful and free future for Syria."

The move comes after a series of defections by senior Syrian officials in recent weeks, including diplomats in several countries and top army officers.