North Korea: New UN sanctions an ‘act of war violating peace and stability’

North Korea reportedly said on Sunday that new sanctions passed by the United Nations (U.N.) are an “act of war” and violate peace and stability in the region. 

“We define this ‘sanctions resolution’ rigged up by the U.S. and its followers as a grave infringement upon the sovereignty of our Republic, as an act of war violating peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and the region and categorically reject the ‘resolution,’ ” a statement from North Korea’s foreign ministry said, Reuters reported, citing the official KCNA news agency.

{mosads}“There is no more fatal blunder than the miscalculation that the U.S. and its followers could check by already worn-out ‘sanctions’ the victorious advance of our people who have brilliantly accomplished the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force”, the statement continued. 

The ministry also threatened to punish those who supported the sanctions, according to the news service. 

“We will further consolidate our self-defensive nuclear deterrence aimed at fundamentally eradicating the U.S. nuclear threats, blackmail and hostile moves by establishing the practical balance of force with the U.S.” 

The comments from Pyongyang come after the U.N. Security Council voted unanimously on Friday to impose new sanctions on North Korea aimed at weakening the country’s economy. 

The resolution aims to cut off roughly 90 percent of refined petroleum product exports to the country while ensuring the return of North Korean citizens working abroad within 24 months. 

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley praised the vote on Friday, saying it “sends the unambiguous message to Pyongyang that further defiance will invite further punishments and isolation.” 

President Trump also voiced his approval of the sanctions in a tweet. 

The United Nations Security Council just voted 15-0 in favor of additional Sanctions on North Korea. The World wants Peace, not Death!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2017

Tensions between North Korea and the global community have increased after Pyongyang launched a series of intercontinental ballistic missiles this year. 

— This report was updated at 8:52 a.m.