Zuma: My trial won't affect the ANC

MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE - Jul 30 2008 11:47

Jacob Zuma's trial on corruption charges will not damage the African National Congress (ANC), the party's president said in Mozambique on Tuesday night.

"The trial will not affect the ANC at all. If there are charges that the state thinks need to be answered, no citizen can refuse. If there are charges, I'm more than ready to defend myself and prove my innocence," he told reporters at the start of a two-day official visit to the country.

Zuma, who said he was visiting his "comrades", also stressed the importance of strengthening relations between the ANC and Frelimo, Mozambique's ruling party.

On Zimbabwe, he reiterated previous remarks on the need for a negotiated settlement between that country's ruling Zanu-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.

"The leadership on both sides should realise that negotiations are a matter of give and take and of compromise."

He said Zimbabwe did not "pose any threat" to the planned economic integration of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

"The question of integration is strategic for all SADC members. Zimbabwe will be back on its feet," he said.

On Wednesday Zuma was scheduled to visit South African-owned businesses in Maputo after laying a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Heroes Acre.

He was expected to meet Mozambique President Armando Guebuza on Thursday. -- Sapa

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