`I'm no assassin'.

(From The Dominion Post)

Byline: McCURDY Diana

A former Soviet diplomat is still hoping to clear his name of allegations that he was involved in a plot to assassinate former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon.

OF ALL Alexei Makarov's experiences during his 44-year career as a Russian diplomat, being accused of trying to assassinate former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon stands out for him as the most "unbelievably mad".

Today, almost 30 years later, Mr Makarov lives in Russia. He's an old man, whiling away his retirement in Moscow. However, his experiences in New Zealand three decades ago still plague his mind, and he remains determined to clear his name.

The accusations came out in late 1976, at the height of anti-communist fears in New Zealand. A small, right-wing publication, Heed, reported: "Recent statements of (Robert Muldoon) have incensed the Soviets, who see his attitude against their imperialism as an obstacle to their expansion in the South Pacific. His death, whether natural or induced, would cause them much delight." …