Mugabe launches defiant campaign

Mugabe appears undeterred by international pressure

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has launched his campaign for next month's presidential election saying the country faces 'political war' with former colonial ruler Britain.

We are in a state of political war

President Robert Mugabe

The first speech of his campaign followed the passage through parliament of a stringent new media bill, which critics say is aimed at stifling dissent ahead of the polls.

President Mugabe also vowed to finish his controversial programme of redistribution of land seized from white farmers.

As international condemnation of his government mounts, Mr Mugabe cast himself as the defender of the country's black majority.

He portrayed his opponent Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), as a puppet of the British.

Defiance

"We are in a state of political war," President Mugabe was quoted by Reuters as telling a rally in the remote northeastern area of Mutawatawa.

MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai believes he will win if polling is fair

"We are in a war to defend our rights and the interests of our people. The British have decided to take us on through the MDC," he was quoted as saying.

Britain has spearheaded international condemnation of Mr Mugabe's government, echoed by the United States and the European Union.

The 77-year-old president urged his supporters to avoid violence, but drew parallels between his campaign and the country's struggle for independence.

"Whatever (British Prime Minister Tony) Blair tries to do, we will not back down. We went to war. We went to prison," he said.

"We have suffered over the years, but we are not afraid of the struggle." he said.

International condemnation

The presidential elections are likely to be the most fiercely contested since the country's independence in 1980.

Human rights groups have reported a sharp increase in political violence in recent weeks.

Domestic and international critics say a raft of recent legislation curbing civil liberties - including the media bill - is indicative of President Mugabe's determination to stay in power, whatever the cost.

The European Union has threatened to impose sanctions if its observers are not allowed into the country by the weekend.