Mugabe says 'I won't go'

Zanu-PF leader President Mugabe, in power since Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, yesterday said he will not step down in response to calls from Britain and other countries for a change in government.

Mugabe, who is seeking re-election, told a Japanese news agency that he had given thought to quitting, but had decided against the idea.

Mugabe, in Japan for the three-day Tokyo International Conference for African Development, said he would not heed calls from Britain to step down, as he had taught democracy to the British.

In recent days, the President has reiterated that he is not going to quit, but to slug it out in the next polls, later this year.