Syria situation 'bleak' says Annan

International envoy Kofi Annan has told the United Nations Security Council that the situation in Syria is “bleak” and expressed alarm at reports that government troops are still carrying out military operations in towns where UN observers are not present.

He expressed particular concern at media reports that government troops entered the central city of Hama on Monday after UN observers departed, firing automatic weapons and killing a significant number of people. Activists said more than 30 people were killed.