Annan alarmed at Syria violence.

UN special envoy Kofi Annan has told the Security Council that Syria is still witnessing unacceptable levels of violence, despite a ceasefire being in place since 12 April, BBC reported.

Briefing the Council in a closed-door meeting, Mr Annan said he was alarmed about surges in violence in Syrian cities after visits by UN monitors.

Activists said 70 people were killed on Monday, mostly in the city of Hama.

The UN wants to increase its monitors in Syria from a handful to 300.

Mr Annan said the overall situation was "entirely contrary to the will of the international community."

He said he was "particularly alarmed" by reports of government forces firing on protesters in Hama.

"If confirmed, this is totally unacceptable and reprehensible," he said.

He also called for the rapid deployment of the observer mission.