The United Nations' envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, submitted his resignation on Thursday, citing finger pointing and divisions within the Security Council as part of his reason for quitting.

Annan announced his decision at a press conference in Geneva. "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," he said.

The New York Times called Annan's announcement "tinged with bitterness and regret."

In a critical op-ed on the Financial Times, Annan called for an end to the stalemate between international powers. "Syria can still be saved from the worst calamity. But this requires courage and leadership, most of all from the permanent members of the Security Council, including from Presidents Putin and Obama," Annan wrote. Read more;