UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon yesterday accused Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of exploiting Monday's racism conference for political purposes.

"It is very regretful that the conference was misused by the Iranian President for political purposes. Before the speech I had a long meeting with President Ahmadinejad and urged him to give a balanced and constructive contribution to the conference because he was the only head of state present," Mr Ban said.

Mr Ahmadinejad apparently ignored Mr Ban's advice.

United Nations officials yesterday insisted the conference in Geneva was back on track after Monday's setback, which saw European delegations walk out in protest during President Ahmadinejad's address.

The maverick President, known for such stunts, branded Israel "racist" prompting EU delegates to walk out of the conference, which had already been blighted by a boycott from other countries.

Speaking at a press conference after meeting Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Mr Ban expressed his hope that the conference would still deliver a strong document.

He expressed regret that some countries had stayed away, referring to a boycott led by the US and Israel, which resulted in about a dozen nations, including neighbouring Italy, to snub the meeting.

Mr Ban said Mr Ahmadinejad had been invited to speak first because he was the only head of state at the conference, although invitations had been issued to all heads of states. He said he would be meeting the Iranian President and the other countries that had issues with the conference to discuss the situation.