KHARTOUM, Aug 10 (AFP) - Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir lashed out at western powers Tuesday, charging in a televised speech that the international community's humanitarian concerns over war-torn Darfur were merely a figleaf for plans to plunder the region's wealth.
"America and Europe harbour objectives that do not include the safety and prosperity of the people of Darfur ... they are in search of gold and petroleum," he said.
Beshir and his government have come under a barrage of criticism from western governments and human rights groups for unleashing marauding militias on indigenous ethnic minorities in Darfur since the launch of a rebellion there early last year.
The UN Security Council has threatened unspecified "measures" if Khartoum fails to disarm the militias by later this month.