North Korea's claims of airspace violations unfounded: US

ANKARA

The US said Wednesday that claims by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong that US Air Force planes violated her country's airspace during reconnaissance flights are "unfounded."

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller was answering a reporter’s question on North Korea's allegations at a daily press conference.

Calling Kim's "air espionage" allegations "baseless" and "unlawful," Miller urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as it is formally known, to refrain from "escalatory actions."

He emphasized that the US remains “committed to diplomacy and reiterate our interest in dialogue with Pyongyang without preconditions.”

"As a matter of international law, the DPRK's recent statements that US flights above its claimed exclusive economic zone are unlawful are unfounded, as high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply in such areas."

North Korea, arguing that its airspace was violated, has threatened to shoot down US reconnaissance planes if the US did not stop such "provocative activities"

"The US will have an unforgettable flight experience if it continues illegal violations," Kim added.

*Writing by Emre Basaran

ANKARA

The US said Wednesday that claims by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong that US Air Force planes violated her country's airspace during reconnaissance flights are "unfounded."

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller was answering a reporter’s question on North Korea's allegations at a daily press conference.

Calling Kim's "air espionage" allegations "baseless" and "unlawful," Miller urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as it is formally known, to refrain from "escalatory actions."

He emphasized that the US remains “committed to diplomacy and reiterate our interest in dialogue with Pyongyang without preconditions.”

North Korea, arguing that its airspace was violated, has threatened to shoot down US reconnaissance planes if the US did not stop such "provocative activities"

"The US will have an unforgettable flight experience if it continues illegal violations," Kim added.

*Writing by Emre Basaran