South Korea diverts flights

South Korea orders passenger planes that fly over the east coast to change their route.

South Korea has stopped its commercial planes from flying close to its communist neighbour.

They are being diverted after North Korea said it was planning to test its longest-range missile and could not guarantee the safety of passenger flights.

Pyongyang linked its warning to South Korea's upcoming military drills with the United States.

In this broadcast a few days ago North Korea described the military exercise as a prelude to war.

Seoul has urged its neighbour to withdraw what it sees as a threat to its aircraft.

(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREA'S UNIFICATION MINISTRY SPOKESMAN KIM HO-NYEON SAYING:

"Threatening civilian airliners' normal operations under international aviation regulations is not only against the international rules but is an act against humanity."

South Korea is used to threats from the North, but this latest war of words came ahead of rare talks between North Korean generals and the U.S led UN command.

The UNC has also told the North to stop its threats to airliners whilst the North wants the joint military exercises called off.

Basmah Fahim, Reuters.