Here is a transcript of Annan’s remarks, reported Thursday in the Washington Post.  Well worth reading as an alternative to simplistic characterizations of Annan’s position.

Here is a summary of his statement, from CNN, with the following excerpt:

The secretary-general blamed Hezbollah for triggering the crisis and
accused it of holding Lebanon hostage with its campaign against Israel.

“While
Hezbollah’s actions are deplorable and, as I’ve said, Israel has a
right to defend itself, the excessive use of force is to be condemned,”
Annan told the U.N. Security Council. (Watch as Annan pleads for peace, saying both sides are to blame — 1:28)

Annan
said that the continued bombardments and the destruction of roads and
airports have made it impossible for U.N. and other humanitarian groups
to provide services.

He said that arranging a cease-fire would be difficult, but he called for the council to take strong action.

“Both
the deliberate targeting by Hezbollah of Israeli population centers
with hundreds of indiscriminate weapons and Israel’s disproportionate
use of force and collective punishment of the Lebanese people must
stop,” Annan said.

The Lebanese people “have been brutally dragged back into war,” he said.

He also called for the release of the abducted Israeli troops and for Israel to allow humanitarian groups to reach civilians.

Also from CNN:

Mideast crisis aid groups

The following are links to aid group Web
sites who are assisting civilians in the Mideast crisis (some sites may
respond slowly due to increased traffic):