Kofi Annan announced he would resign from his post as the UN and the Arab League mediator for the Syrian crisis, a statement issued Thursday by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, indicated.
The Ghanaian diplomat informed the UN and Arab League "of its intention not to renew his mandate when it expires on August 31." The Former UN Secretary General was appointed on February 23 but his peace plan which included six points to resolve the conflict in Syria has never been implemented.
"Kofi Annan deserves our deep admiration for the unselfish manner in which he put his formidable skills and prestige to the mission which is very difficult and potentially unrewarding," said Ban Ki-moon, who stressed his "deep regret" at the move. He said he had begun consultations with the Secretary General of the Arab League Nabil al-Arabi for "quickly appointing a successor who can continue these essential efforts for peace."
