UNITED NATIONS ON SYRIA

The United Nations has announced that the UN-Arab League joint special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, is leaving his post. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Mr Annan had decided not to renew his mandate when it expires at the end of August. Mr Annan authored a six-point peace plan for Syria which was intended to bring an end to the fighting. But the plan was never fully adhered to by either side and the violence has continued. Mr Ban said he was making the announcement with "deep regret". He said Mr Annan deserved "our profound admiration for the selfless way in which he has put his formidable skills and prestige to this most difficult and potentially thankless of assignments". Mr Ban said he was in discussion with the Arab League to find a successor to "carry on this crucial peacemaking effort". In his statement, Mr Ban said that the "hand extended to turn away from violence in favour of dialogue and diplomacy - as spelled out in the Six-Point Plan - has not been not taken, even though it still remains the best hope for the people of Syria". Russia, which has vetoed Security Council resolutions on Syria, said it regretted that Mr Annan had chosen to stand down. Activists estimate some 20,000 people have died since anti-government protests erupted in March last year. Tens of thousands of people have also fled the country.