President Robert Mugabe, condemned by critics for Zimbabwe's economic meltdown and human rights abuses, was given a warm welcome today at an anti-poverty summit in Langkawi.

Although his presence here has stirred some controversy, participants said he was embraced by some leaders and was playing an active part in round-table discussions.

The Zimbabwean leader is banned from travelling to some parts of the world, notably all 27 European Union states, but has flown here for an annual summit of African and Southeast Asian leaders aimed at tackling poverty.

He used the opportunity of addressing a press panel to challenge the media over its role, asking whether they were taken in by lies.

"Are media reports based on objectivity or do they allow themselves to be swayed by lies and deceit?" he asked a panel of senior Malaysian journalists invited to answer questions.

"To this question, the answer is a definite and certainly, a no," replied Rehman Rashid, associate editor of the New Straits Times.

Mugabe has frequently railed against the international press, charging it with distorting coverage of Zimbabwe, while industry watchdogs in turn accuse his regime of stifling a free press.

'Hugs and kisses'

"Mugabe is actually participating in all the events," a Malaysian delegate said, and had been "hugged and kissed" by some participants at the three-day Langkawi International Dialogue.

The delegate, who did not want to be identified, added that "other people had expressed unhappiness with Mugabe, but not at this conference."

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said participants should focus on sharing experiences rather than politics.

"I think you have to look at the positive side," he told AFP. "There are a lot of lessons to be learned."

"We must not give in to political inputs to everything we do," he went on, referring to criticism of Mugabe's attendance.

Asked whether there had been a negative reaction to the Zimbabwean leader, he said: "There is no problem. African leaders know each other well."

The conference, launched in 1995, is aimed at fostering closer ties between Southeast Asia and poor but resource-rich Africa.

RM5,000 suites in 5-star resort

It is taking place at a five-star beach resort, giving an incongruous sight of delegates talking poverty while bikini-clad western tourists bathe nearby under the tropical sun.

Syed Hamid said the gathering was important and was meant to share success stories to African nations struggling to climb out of poverty.

"It is beneficial to us. It is not for show," he said.

Hotel officials said the foreign leaders were given waterfront presidential suites, costing about RM5,000 a night.

Asked if the millions of dollars spent on the forum could have been better used to help African and Asian poor, Syed Hamid said: "We provide scholarships and skills training. We also invest in Africa. This does not mean we should stop talking."

UN agencies estimate that 854 million people go hungry each day, with the situation most acute in Africa where about 220 million people - one third of its population - are under-nourished.