Kofi Annan quits UN Syria role

The UN-Arab League joint special envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, is leaving his post, the UN has announced.

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.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Annan said "at a time when we need action, there continues to be finger pointing and name calling in the Security Council".