UN Divided: Kofi Annan steps down as war intensifies in Syria
Geneva (AsiaNews)
- Kofi Annan, former UN secretary-general has resigned from his post as special
envoy in search of a cease-fire in Syria, because of a divided Security Council
and a growing militarization of the conflict.
In
a press conference, Annan spoke of "a clear lack of unity" in the
Security Council, where there continues to be "finger pointing and name calling", while "the intransigence of the Syrian
government" and " a growing
campaign of opposition" have dominated on the ground.
Annan
was appointed six months ago as UN/Arab League special envoy of the to seek a
peaceful solution to the tensions in Syria that started with peaceful
demonstrations in March 2011, that were gradually transformed into a civil war.
The
former UN secretary general's proposal was based on the implementation of a
cease-fire by both sides and on the start of a political transition. Neither condition was
implemented.
The
United States, Britain and France have continuously worked for sanctions
against Assad, demanding he step down, which China and Russia have always resisted, while Saudi Arabia and
Qatar have increasingly backed the armed opposition and the guerrillas and Iran
has promised to always be on the
side of the Syrian regime.
Kofi
Annan said that the problems of Syria have "increased the division of the
international community." "While
the Syrian people are in urgent need of action, we continue to point fingers
and accuse [each other] on the Security Council."
"Syria
- he added - can still
be saved from the worst calamity - if the international community can show the
courage and leadership necessary to compromise on their partial interests for
the sake of the Syrian people - for the men, women and children who have
already suffered far too much. "
On
Annan's announcement of his resignation which shall become effective from
August 31, Russia, United States, Britain and France began to blame each other
for the failure of his mission.
Vitaly
Churkin, Russian ambassador to the UN has accused the "Western
powers" that have blocked "balanced and reasonable proposals",
the White House says it is the fault of Russia and China who did not support
"meaningful resolutions against Assad", William Hague ,
British Foreign Minister, together with France, criticized "vetoes"
posed by Russia and China.
Syria
has expressed regret at the resignation of Annan.
Today,
in a desperate attempt to keep diplomacy alive, the Arab League will seek a UN
General Assembly vote to "express deep concern about the threat of the
Syrian authorities to use chemical and biological weapons." Russia
has already said it will not vote on the resolution because "too
partisan". Even if
the resolution passes, it is not binding.
Meanwhile,
the situation on the ground is increasingly desperate. According
to the Local Coordinating Committee, yesterday 130 people were killed in Syria,
mostly in the two big cities of Damascus and Aleppo. According
to anti-Assad activists, in 17 months of riots more than 20 thousand people,
mostly civilians have died.
While
there is discussion about a greater unity of the international community, Saudi
Arabia and Qatar have increased their financial support to the rebels, Britain
and France have offered them their communication tools for the war, the United
States says it will provide a further 25 million dollars to support
"non-lethal "opposition,
while Russia sells its weapons to Syria.
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02/07/2012
