The South Korean government has expressed regret over the North’s warning that former First Lady Lee Hee-ho's planned visit to Pyongyang next month could be canceled.
 
The Ministry of Unification said Wednesday that it was regretful that the North criticized Seoul over South Korean media coverage of a new airport in Pyongyang.
 
North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee said in a spokesman's statement on Wednesday that it was a provocative move by South Korean media to argue that the North is trying to promote its new airport in Pyongyang by having the former first lady travel by air. 
 
Seoul's Unification ministry said there is no change in its position that it will support and provide assistance for Lee’s visit.
 
It also reiterated that it would honor the wishes of three rescued North Korean fishermen who expressed their desire to defect while repatriating two others who wish to return.