Top Syrian envoy in the UK quits over Assad’s brutal repression

In a blow to Damascus, charge d’affaires Khaled al-Ayoubi informed the British authorities that he was “no longer willing” to represent the government amid the brutal repression of rebels. The British government said his decision represented the “revulsion and despair” of Syrians and urged others around the world to follow his example and abandon Assad.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “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.

“Mr al-Ayoubi was the most senior Syrian diplomat serving in London. His departure is another blow to the Assad regime. It illustrates the revulsion and despair the regime’s actions are provoking amongst Syrians from all walks of life, inside the country and abroad.

“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 Syrian regime has been hit by a series of defections, including three high-ranking diplomats and a number of military commanders.

The Foreign Office said it did not yet have any confirmation that Mr al-Ayoubi would transfer his support to the rebels. He was staying in a safe location in the UK and was in contact with British officials, the spokesman said.

Mr al-Ayoubi’s departure leaves five staff at the Syrian embassy after his predecessor and two others were expelled at the end of May. There had so far been “no indication that they are leaving their posts”, according to the spokesman.

The announcement came after the United Nations reported that 200,000 Syrians had fled Syria’s largest city, Aleppo, where government forces have been bombarding rebels for 10 days in the latest chapter of the 18-month uprising.

Those fleeing the violence have described incessant shelling, constant gunfire, food shortages and power cuts.

Foreign Secretary William Hague, the MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire, said he would this afternoon be speaking to French foreign minister Laurent Fabius about the crisis. France, which takes over the presidency of the UN Security Council this week, has pledged to push for tougher international action despite Russia and China consistently blocking efforts to secure a new resolution.

Baroness Amos, the top UN official for humanitarian affairs, said: “I am extremely concerned by the impact of shelling and use of tanks and other heavy weapons on people.

“Many people have sought temporary shelter in schools and other public buildings in safer areas,” she added. “They urgently need food, mattresses and blankets, hygiene supplies and drinking water.”

Baroness Amos said UN agencies and the Syrian Red Crescent were working together on supplying those affected by the fighting all over the country with blankets and humanitarian supplies, but many remain out of their reach because of the combat.

“It is not known how many people remain trapped in places where fighting continues today,” she warned.

Aleppo is Syria’s largest city and commercial hub with about three million inhabitants. US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said that the use of heavy weapons, particularly helicopters, is just another nail in President Bashar Assad’s coffin.