Kofi Annan, Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League for Syria, speaks during a press briefing speaks during a press briefing at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Friday, June 22, 2012. (AP Photo/Keystone, Martial Trezzini)
The United Nations' envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, submitted his resignation on Thursday, citing divisions and finger pointing within the Security Council as part of his reason for quitting.
Annan announced his resignation at a press conference in Geneva. "The clear lack of unity in the Security Council have fundamentally changed the circumstances for the effective exercise of my role," he said.
The Associated Press reports that Annan will step down on August 31.
In an op-ed on the Financial Times, Annan called for an end to the stalemate between international powers. "Syria can still be saved from the worst calamity. But this requires courage and leadership, most of all from the permanent members of the Security Council, including from Presidents Putin and Obama," Annan wrote.
Annan's six-point peace plan for Syria, which included a cease-fire between the Assad regime and opposition, never took hold in the beleaguered country.
When asked whether anyone will succeed him, Annan responded, "The world is full of crazy people like me. So don't be surprised if Secretary General Ban Ki-moon can find someone who can do a better job than me."
The Associated Press reports Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon released a statement accepting Annan's resignation with "deep regret" and will work with the Arab League to seek a successor.
Annan announced his resignation at a press conference in Geneva. "The clear lack of unity in the Security Council have fundamentally changed the circumstances for the effective exercise of my role," he said.
The Associated Press reports that Annan will step down on August 31.
In an op-ed on the Financial Times, Annan called for an end to the stalemate between international powers. "Syria can still be saved from the worst calamity. But this requires courage and leadership, most of all from the permanent members of the Security Council, including from Presidents Putin and Obama," Annan wrote.
Annan's six-point peace plan for Syria, which included a cease-fire between the Assad regime and opposition, never took hold in the beleaguered country.
When asked whether anyone will succeed him, Annan responded, "The world is full of crazy people like me. So don't be surprised if Secretary General Ban Ki-moon can find someone who can do a better job than me."
The Associated Press reports Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon released a statement accepting Annan's resignation with "deep regret" and will work with the Arab League to seek a successor.
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