Kofi Annan is stepping down. The U.N.-Arab League mediator on Syria made the announcement on Thursday.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: KOFI ANNAN, U.N.-ARAB LEAGUE SPECIAL ENVOY, SAYING:<br/> <br />"I do not intend to continue my mission when my mandate expires at the end of August."<br/> <br />The former U.N. Secretary General expressed frustration over a job he characterized as 'impossible.'<br/> <br />Violence in Syria -- most recently in Aleppo and now in the capital Damascus --- has spiraled over the past few months. Multiple trips to Damascus appeared to do little to halt the killing of civilians including children in several cities.<br/> <br />Speaking to reporters in Switzerland, Annan did not hide his frustration.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Kofi Annan, U.N.-Arab League Special Envoy, Saying:<br/> <br />"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."<br/> <br />Following the announcement, France's ambassador Gerard Araud said divisions within the Security Council are beyond repair.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: GERARD ARAUD, FRENCH U.N. AMBASSADOR, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Unfortunately the divisions of the council are very, very deep. I think it's irreconcilable on political terms. We will try to regroup the council at least around the humanitarian situation. We do hope that there couldn't be a division about the fact that we shouldn't help millions of Syrians who are suffering. I hope."<br/> <br />The anti-Assad uprising -- now in its 17 month -- has claimed an estimated 18,000 lives.<br/> <br />Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
