North Korea accuses South of entering its waters

North Korea accuses South of entering its waters

Thu Oct 15, 2009 1:20am EDT

SEOUL, Oct 15 (Reuters) - North Korea accused the South on Thursday of intruding into its territorial waters, further raising tension on the peninsula already heightened by the North's launch this week of a barrage of short-range missiles.

The reclusive state made the allegations as it appeared ready to end its boycott of international nuclear discussions and agreed to hold talks with its capitalist neighbour this week on inter-Korean issues.

"The reckless military provocations by warships of the South Korean navy have created such a serious situation that a naval clash may break out between the two sides in these waters," the North's KCNA news agency quoted a military official as saying.

Analysts said the North may be trying to show that it is willing to raise the stakes to increase its bargaining leverage with Seoul and regional powers.

South Korean military officials were looking into the North's charges. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Ron Popeski)