(Eds: Updating with WSJ's reaction)By Lalit K JhaWashington, Jan 14 (PTI) US President Donald Trump todaydenied having told a leading US daily that he shared a "goodrelationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, assertingthat he was "falsely" quoted in the "fake news" story.
In an interview on Thursday, 'The Wall Street Journal'reported that Trump had developed a positive relationship withthe North Korea's leader despite their differences.
"I probably have a very good relationship with Kim JongUn. I have relationships with people. I think you people aresurprised," Trump was quoted as saying in the interview.
Trump said the leading US newspaper knew exactly what hehad said, but simply wanted "fake news".
"The Wall Street Journal stated falsely that I said tothem 'I have a good relationship with Kim Jong Un' (of NKorea). Obviously, I didn't say that," Trump tweeted.
"I said I'd have a good relationship with Kim Jong Un, abig difference. Fortunately, we now record conversations withreporters...and they knew exactly what I said and meant. Theyjust wanted a story. FAKE NEWS!" Trump said.
Moments later, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sandersreleased the audio clip of the interview.
"As you know, I have a great relationship with PrimeMinister Abe of Japan and I would probably have a very goodrelationship with Kim Jong un of North Korea," the Presidentsaid in the audio.
The Wall Street Journal, however, defended its version ofthe interview.
"We have reviewed the audio from our interview withPresident Trump, as well as the transcript provided by anexternal service, and stand by what we reported," the dailytweeted.
It also released the portion of the audio disputed by theWhite House.
"So much Fake News is being reported. They don't even tryto get it right, or correct it when they are wrong. Theypromote the Fake Book of a mentally deranged author, whoknowingly writes false information.
"The Mainstream Media is crazed that WE won theelection!" Trump tweeted, expressing his frustration over hiscoverage by the mainstream media.
Trump has ridiculed Kim in the past, calling him a"maniac" and "little rocket man".
Kim has responded by describing the US president a"mentally deranged US dotard".
Last week, Trump told South Korea's President Moon Jae-inthat he was open to direct talks with North Korea on itsnuclear programme.
"Sure. I always believe in talking. If something canhappen and something can come out of those talks, that wouldbe a great thing for all of humanity," he told reporters.
The president had previously dismissed the idea of directtalks with North Korea, tweeting in October that negotiationswith the country were a waste of time. PTI LKJ MRJMRJ.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.