Mbeki lashes out at critics

South Africa\'s President Thabo Mbeki has condemned critics within his own African National Congress (ANC) party who are calling for his resignation.



Mr Mbeki has issued a statement attacking the tendency to insult him.



He has also denied suggestions that he intervened in the corruption case against the ANC leader Jacob Zuma.



Mbeki is reportedly being pressured to step down following a court ruling that said there had been political interference in Zuma\'s trial.



The ANC\'s National Executive Committee, which is to debate the issue and is made up of mainly Zuma\'s supporters, cannot force Mbeki to resign as president.



Correspondents say if it cannot persuade him to go they may opt to take their battle to parliament.