Kofi Annan, the special envoy responsible for ending the violence in Syria, will step down at the end of the month, he announced at a press conference.
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Annan said he accepted the role when it seemed the international community led by the U.N. Security Council could help end the violence, enforce a cease-fire and bring about a political transition.
As reported by the Associated Press:
The former U.N. secretary-general told reporters he cannot go on when the 15-nation council provides no backing for his role, particularly because of the standoff between its five veto-wielding members: Russia and China on one side, the United States, Britain and France on the other.
He was appointed special envoy in February of last year.
“When the Syrian people desperately need action, there continues to be finger pointing and name calling in the Security Council,” he told reporters. “It is impossible for me or anyone to compel the Syrian government and also the opposition to take the steps to bring about the political process.”
“As an envoy, I can’t want peace more than the protagonists, more than Security council or the international community, for that matter,” he added.
Annan said the failed six-point plan commonly referred to as the Annan plan is, in fact, the Security Council’s plan.
How will the situation in Syria play out now that Annan is out of the picture? Only time will tell.
SOURCE: AP
