Mugabe dismisses predictions of national collapse

Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe dismissed predictions his nation, in the throes of chronic economic crisis, was about to collapse, state radio reported today.

Mugabe said Britain, the former colonial ruler, and his opponents sought his demise by stifling the economy, largely through economic sanctions.

"In spite of their heinous attempts to destroy the country and bring down its democratically elected government, Zimbabwe has not collapsed and will not collapse," he said, the radio station reported.

Mugabe was speaking in Harare in a welcome for visiting President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of the oil-rich West African nation of Equatorial Guinea.