Disappointed New York judge threatens to hold Argentina in contempt over 'false' statements

A U.S. federal judge has threatened to hold Argentina in contempt of court for continuing to make "false and misleading" statements about its debt crisis.

Judge Thomas Griesa on Friday urged both sides to resume negotiations in a dispute over money owed to U.S. hedge funds. No talks have happened since Argentina failed to pay bondholders on July 30.

Griesa warned lawyers for Argentina after he read published statements by the South American republic. He says the statements did not properly acknowledge Argentina's debt to U.S. bondholders.

A lawyer for Argentina said his firm had nothing to do with the statements. He cautioned the judge not to overreact to statements made by political leaders in Argentina who do not consult lawyers first.