UN Envoy Kofi Annan announced Thursday that he would be resigning at the end of the month as the international community’s chief negotiator in Syria.
“The increasing militarization on the ground and the clear lack of unity in the Security Council, have fundamentally changed the circumstances for the effective exercise of my role.” Annan told reporters in Geneva.
The former Secretary General was tapped by the United Nations and League of Arab States back in February to help negotiate a peace plan and political transition between the Syrian government and opposition groups.
Although Annan was able to initially secure an agreement calling for ceasefire and political transition in April, the deal quickly fell apart after the Syrian government refused to fully withdraw troops and armed rebels continued their military operations.
The former Secretary General Thursday had harsh words for members of the UN Security Council, who he blamed for the increased violence and worsening humanitarian conditions.
“As an Envoy, I can’t want peace more than the protagonists, more than the Security Council or the international community for that matter.” Annan said. “At a time when the Syrian people desperately need action – there continues to be finger-pointing and name-calling in the Security Council.”
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon says he is considering naming new UN envoy to Syria, but Annan says any attempt to broker a political solution or ceasefire will be impossible without the full support of the international community.
“Without serious, purposeful and united international pressure, including from the powers of the region, it is impossible for me, or anyone, to compel the Syrian government in the first place, and also the opposition, to take the steps necessary to begin a political process.” he said.
