TOKYO: North Korea has denounced the “Joint Statement of 10 Countries” that criticized its launch of a satellite, accusing the United States and other countries of double standards.

Kim Sun-yuk, Undersecretary for International Organization in North Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement on Monday saying the 10 countries declaration showed that the United Nations was “dysfunctional.”

“The ‘joint statement’ signed by some permanent members who are steeped in extreme prejudice and double standards and some UN member states who are accustomed to blindly acting before distinguishing right or wrong in the words of the United States is a conspiracy document,” Kim’s statement said, adding that the UN document “has no international legal effect or political influence.”

“The launch of the reconnaissance satellite carried out by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is legal and correct for the purpose of accurately grasping and thoroughly preparing for the serious military movements of the United States and its followers, which are becoming more and more aggressive. It is the exercise of the right of defense.”

“The claim of the United States and its followers that only the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea cannot enjoy the space development rights that any member of the United Nations can enjoy is simply a matter of discrimination and dual standards.”

The sole goal of the United States, Kim said, is “to suppress and violate the sovereign rights of independent countries with power and threats.”

Kim accused the West of interfering in North Korea’s internal affairs, signing off with a warning: “If the United States and its followers try to violate the autonomy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea again in accordance with the lawless United Nations Security Council ‘resolution,’ they will take full responsibility for any consequences it brings.”