Seoul - North Korea warned yesterday of counter measures against Japan for "groundlessly" linking the northern state to a suspected spy ship. The ship sank after a clash with the Japanese coastguard.
A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman denied any involvement in the incident and accused Tokyo of "an unpardonable smear campaign" against Pyongyang.
The boat sank last Saturday after taking a direct hit from Japanese coastguard guns while in China's exclusive economic zone.
AJapanese spokesman said: "We think North Korea's various statements are not necessarily appropriate."
North Korea announced yesterday it would grant an amnesty to "reform through labour" inmates in January to mark the 90th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung, founder of the state.