Reporter :

South Korea's defense ministry has slammed the North's claim that its missile launches are "exercises of legitimate sovereignty."In a regular briefing Monday, Defense Ministry Spokesman Kim Min-seok said the firing of ballistic missiles without navigational warning is being discussed at the UN Security Council as an inhuman act, and that the issue is subject to international condemnation.Earlier, North Korea's powerful National Defense Commission gave Seoul and Washington an ultimatum, saying their isolating policies towards Pyongyang would be met with retaliation.Citing its recent proposals to Seoul that the two sides refrain from slandering each other, the commission said it had done everything possible to improve inter-Korean ties and that the time had come for a final decision.The North has also flip-flopped in regards to its participation at the upcoming Asian Games, which will be hosted by the South.North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Sunday highlighted cross-border reconciliation through the sporting event.(Korean: )"Saying the Asian Games will be an important opportunity for the two Koreas to improve ties and alleviate distrust, he added sports are sacred and should not be used as a political bargaining chip for rebellious powers."Pyongyang's state media added North Korea has decided to send a delegation of athletes to the Incheon Asian Games from September 19th to October 4th.The North's apparent flip-flopping is thought to be its way of pressuring the South to return to negotiations.But the South is not wavering."If North Korea really wants to participate in the Asian Games and improve inter-Korean relations, it needs to show sincerity."The spokesman added that the North is distorting the truth by blaming Seoul for the breakdown in last week's talks.Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.