Kofi Annan Quits Role as Syria Envoy

Ban Ki-moon accepts Annan's resignation
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 2, 2012 10:19 AM CDT
Updated Aug 2, 2012 10:52 AM CDT
Kofi Annan Quits Role as Syria Envoy
In this June 30, 2012 file photo, Kofi Annan speaks during a news conference at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.   (Martial Trezzini)

Kofi Annan said today he will step down as special envoy for Syria effective Aug. 31, delivering a blistering criticism of world powers' failure to unite over the country's escalating violence. At an impromptu press conference, Annan 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.

"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. He did not rule out the idea of a successor being appointed by the current UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon, since "the world is full of crazy people like me, so don't be surprised if someone else decides to take it on." Ban said in a statement he accepted the resignation with deep regret, and is discussing possible successors with the Arab League. (More Kofi Annan stories.)

Get breaking news in your inbox.
What you need to know, as soon as we know it.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X