Amid the violence, a five-member U.N. team with expertise in politics, peacekeeping and mediation was on the ground in Syria, according to Eduardo del Buey, deputy spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general.

CNN: Syrian rebels move in on key Damascus neighborhood

Rival Lebanese leaders have been unable to reach agreement on a consensus candidate despite intense mediation efforts by European envoys and the U.N. secretary general.

NPR: Lebanese Parliament Fails to Elect President

Meanwhile Tuesday, Annan, the former U.N. secretary-general, launched formal mediation efforts to end the post-election crisis.

NPR: Politician's Slaying Stokes Violence in Kenya