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Zimbabwe's government has accused U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell of resorting to "blatant lies" in an effort to drive President Robert Mugabe from power.

Information Minister Johnathon Moyo was responding to Mr. Powell's column published Tuesday in the New York Times, in which he called on Zimbabwe's neighbors to help rescue its people from the rule of President Robert Mugabe.

Mr. Powell also described President Mugabe's government as a ruthless and corrupt regime that has left Zimbabwe's once vibrant economy on the brink of collapse.

In an article in the state-run Herald newspaper Thursday, Mr. Moyo said the secretary of state's comments show the United States is getting desperate in its campaign against Zimbabwe.

Mr. Moyo accused Mr. Powell of being among people of color who have sold out to a white establishment at the expense of social justice.

President Bush echoed Mr. Powell's comments during a speech on Africa policy earlier Thursday. He said regional leaders should encourage the return of democracy in Zimbabwe and said freedom of dignity is under assault in the southern African nation.