West says new Sudan army-led council breaches democracy transition

FILE PHOTO: Sudan's General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan attends a news conference in Paris, France, May 17, 2021. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool/File Photo

CAIRO (Reuters) - The United States and other Western powers expressed grave concern on Friday over the appointment of a new Sudanese ruling council by the general who led last month's coup, saying it complicated efforts to restore a transition to democracy.

The United States, Britain, Norway, the European Union and Switzerland also urged the security services to respect the right to free speech "without fear of violence or detention" ahead of protests set for Saturday by critics of the army's move.