Top stories from DAWNS Digest.
Kofi Annan Resigns as Syrian Envoy: “I Can’t Want Peace More than the Protagonists”
Two weeks after a Security Council resolution that would compel Syria to abide by his plan faced a double veto, the former Secretary General has resigned from his post. Here’s Annan in his own words: “The increasing militarization on the ground and the clear lack of unity in the Security Council, have fundamentally changed the circumstances for the effective exercise of my role. Yet the bloodshed continues, most of all because of the Syrian government’s intransigence, and continuing refusal to implement the six-point plan, and also because of the escalating military campaign of the opposition – all of which is compounded by the disunity of the international community. At a time when we need – when the Syrian people desperately need action – there continues to be finger-pointing and name-calling in the Security Council. The Geneva Communiqué, endorsed by the Action Group for Syria on 30 June, provided an international agreement on a framework for a political transition. This should have been automatically endorsed by the Security Council and something the international community should have built on. Without serious, purposeful and united international pressure, including from the powers of the region, it is impossible for me, or anyone, to compel the Syrian government in the first place, and also the opposition, to take the steps necessary to begin a political process. You have to understand: as an Envoy, I can’t want peace more than the protagonists, more than the Security Council or the international community for that matter.” (UN http://bit.ly/NMY4Hy)
Money Quote From a Donor, BEYONCE Edition! The singer will join forces with the UN for World Humanitarian Day on August 19. “We all see the headlines and we think what can I really do to help?”, said Beyoncé. “World Humanitarian Day is an opportunity for all of us to work together to make a difference. This is our time to leave our mark on the world and show that we were here and we care.” (IwasHere http://bit.ly/NN7ra4)