Sudan's Bashir doubtful on sanctions, vows to punish South

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AFP) - Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir voiced doubt on Thursday over UN talk of sanctions against South Sudan, but said his country will impose a punishment of its own.

In a continuation of war rhetoric which has draw expressions of concern from the United States, Bashir told a rally of paramilitary troops that Sudan will teach "a lesson by force" to the South Sudanese government.

"America will not invoke sanctions on them, and the Security Council will not, but the Sudanese people are going to punish them," declared Bashir, who holds the rank of field marshal and was dressed in desert camouflage and a beret.

On Tuesday the UN Security Council discussed possible sanctions against both Sudan and South Sudan in a bid to halt a wider war after border fighting began on April 10.