TRIPOLI - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi refuted reports that he was injured last Thursday during NATO attacks, saying the Western countries are "cowards," according to an audio record broadcast by the state TV on Friday evening.

"You could kill my body but could not kill my soul which lives in the hearts of millions," Gaddafi said.

"I thank all the presidents, ministers, ambassadors and all people in the world who have expressed their deep concerns on my life after the attack," said Gaddafi.

On April 30, NATO attack at Gaddafi's house resulted in the deaths of Saif al-Arab Gaddafi, 29, youngest son of Gaddafi, and three of Gaddafi's grandchildren.