Malaysia has urged major powers to negotiate with North Korea and refrain military power following its declared nuclear test.

"The mistake that was committed in Iraq must not be repeated. North Korea now has nuclear arms," Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar was quoted as saying by Bernama in Johore.

Syed Hamid said the UN Security Council must avoid any military conflict with North Korea since Kim Jong-Il's government has nuclear capability.

Return to talks

Malaysia however hoped North Korea "will view with concern the region's fear following the nuclear test" and will return to the six-party talks, he said.

Syed Hamid said use of force to change the North Korean regime would perpetuate instability in the region.

Kuala Lumpur has close diplomatic and trade ties with North Korea and the regime has a mission in the Malaysian capital.