THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL

...The Charter also empowers the Secretary-General to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security".

...One of the most vital roles played by the Secretary-General is the use of his "good offices" -- steps taken publicly and in private, drawing upon his independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

[source : THE ROLE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL, United Nations, http://www.un.org/sg/sg_role.shtml, 08/06/2012]

It is one thing to bring to the attention of the world a potential civil war in Syria.

But it is quite another to say that a particular government is illegitimate.

Why is the government of Qatar legitimate, even though they are financing the Syrian opposition contrary to Annan's apparent wishes?

Why is the government of the USA legitimate, even though there is a massive controversy over who the hell Obama really is?

The role of the UN Secretary General is as Chief Administrative Officer. It does not involve taking sides.

Ban Ki Moon has taken sides.

He has to go (along with William Hague).