Kofi Annan says he is quitting as special envoy to Syria, effective Aug. 31

GENEVA - Kofi Annan has submitted his resignation as special envoy to Syria, saying he plans to step down effective Aug. 31.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement Thursday he accepted the resignation with "deep regret."

Annan called a last-minute press conference in Geneva to speak to reporters Thursday afternoon.