Syrian envoy rejects $1 mn for defection

The Syrian ambassador to Mauritania has rejected an offer of $1 million to defect in exchange for permanent residence in Qatar, Iran's Press TV reported.

It said the Qatari ambassador to Mauritania allegedly made the offer to Hamad Seed Albni. The Syrian envoy was also promised $20,000 salary for 20 years.

The Syrian diplomat, however, rejected the proposal, calling it a "blatant interference" in Syria's affairs, Press TV said.

Last week, Syrian Prime Minister Riyad Hijab defected to Jordan and joined the opposition.Syrian ambassadors to Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus have also joined the opposition.

The Syrian conflict has between 14,000 and 20,000 lives since March 2011, according to estimates by opposition groups and the UN.