The UN-Arab League envoy to Syria Kofi Annan said on Sunday he was “shocked” by the “unacceptable” surge of violence in Syria.

The UN-Arab League envoy to Syria Kofi Annan said on Sunday he was “shocked” by the “unacceptable” surge of violence in Syria.

"I am shocked by recent reports of a surge in violence and atrocities in several towns and villages in Syria, resulting in alarming levels of casualties, refugees and displaced persons, in violation of assurances given to me", Annan said in a statement.

"I remind the Syrian government of the need for full implementation of its commitments and stress that the present escalation of violence is unacceptable", he said, calling on both the government and the opposition to cease all forms of violence by Thursday's deadline.

"This is a time when we must all urgently work towards a full cessation of hostilities, providing the space for humanitarian access and creating the conditions for a political process to address the legitimate aspirations and concerns of the Syrian people", Annan added.

Also on Sunday, Syria said it rejected the withdrawal of its forces from the towns in April 10 if the armed groups didn’t offer a written guarantee to comply with the peace plan offered by Annan.