Speaking to reporters in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, she said certain US media had "sowed disinformation which could poison relations between the peoples of the two countries."

"There are many lies and defamatory statements against France by some newspapers, and the editors of those papers bear a heavy responsibility," said Alliot-Marie after talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

She reiterated France's stand against the US-British military campaign to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, but said the most pressing issue now was to ensure a better quality of life for the people of Iraq and to allow them to choose their own government.

Alliot-Marie arrived in Malaysia Thursday on the first leg of a tour that will also take her to Singapore and the Gulf state of Bahrain.

Mahathir, who is the acting chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement representing the developing world, is due to leave for France Friday to join a meeting of leaders of the Group of Eight industrialised nations

The French government has repeatedly complained about some US newspapers, most notably a report in the Washington Times alleging Iraqi officials managed to flee the country with French passports.

WAR.WIRE