North Korea will take centre-stage at ARF

Preparations for the Asean Regional Forum, where Southeast Asian nations host talks with the world's major powers, have already revealed discord over the issue, with Japan pushing for a sternly worded communique.

"We want a statement to condemn the missile tests," a Japanese diplomat said, referring to North Korea's July 5 tests that angered the international community, particularly Tokyo.

"Asean is preparing a statement but it will not include this North Korean issue because Malaysia is worried that if they push North Korea too hard they won't attend the meeting."

Malaysia, hosting the summit as chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean), has said the gathering would be an ideal venue for progress on the North Korean issue because it brings together all six parties engaged in the issue.

North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam-sun is due to attend the talks along with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and counterparts from China, Japan, South Korea and Russia.

"If we could have a six-party meeting in Kuala Lumpur, I would be very happy to attend," Rice was quoted at the weekend as telling Asian reporters in a Washington briefing.

Six-party talks stalled last November after North Korea objected to US financial sanctions based on accusations that it counterfeited US currency and trafficked drugs. Washington also wants the North to abandon its nuclear weapons activities.