Kofi Annan has said the situation in Syria is "bleak," expressing concern at reports the government was still conducting military operations. But experts say the West’s biased approach is to blame for that.

Addressing the UN Security Council in a videoconference, Annan, the organization’s envoy to Syria, called the situation in the country “unacceptable” and expressed his concern over media reports of government troops attacking the city of Hama, where UN observers are not present.

“If confirmed, this is totally unacceptable and reprehensible,” Annan said.

Annan also called for the speedy deployment of all of the 300 UN observers to monitor the observance of a ceasefire that has formally been in effect since April 30.

Annan’s conference followed a spokesman’s briefing, in which he said satellite imagery and other credible reports show Syria failed to withdraw heavy weaponry from major urban areas despite prior claims to the contrary.