Top Syrian diplomat in London defects

LONDON (AP) — Britain's Foreign Office says Syria's most senior diplomat in London has defected.

The Foreign Office said Monday that Khaled al-Ayoubi, the charge d'affaires in London, had told officials that he wasn't willing to represent the regime any longer.

His departure represents a huge blow to the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Al-Ayoubi joined the Syrian diplomatic service in 2001. His first posting was in Greece as consul from 2003 to 2008.