"I Am a Proud African".(President Robert Mugabe)(Brief Article)(Interview)

Fresh from a campaign rally last weekend, President Robert Mugabe met for 90 minutes with NEWSWEEK's Newton Kanhema. Excerpts:

KANHEMA: What effect has the issue of the assassination plot had on the election campaign?

MUGABE: When the news came out it generated greater opposition to the MDC [Movement for Democratic Change]. I see that as we go around with our campaign. The swing has been overwhelming toward our party.

The opposition has claimed there would never be a free election in this current environment. How do you respond to that?

They are deliberately trying to paint Zimbabwe in turmoil. The incidents which they report to Britain are exaggerated.

Your harsh statements against whites have attracted comments that you're a racist. Are you?

No. I am a proud African. I don't want insults from anybody. I am proud of being a Zimbabwean, very proud of having led a revolution. And proud also that we extended the hand of reconciliation... It has not borne fruit because the whites have stood aloof, maintaining their racist superiority, not wanting to be integrated into our society, wanting their little schools, wanting their little sporting activities, even institutions.