WEST VOICES CONCERN OVER ARMY-LED COUNCIL

The United States and other Western powers expressed grave concern on Friday over the appointment of a new Sudanese ruling council, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-burhan, pictured, who led last month's coup, saying it complicated efforts to restore a transition to democracy.

The U.S., Britain, Norway, the EU and Switzerland also urged security services to respect the right to free speech ahead of protests set for Saturday.

The council replaces the power-sharing body al-burhan dissolved last month.