North Korea lashes out at threat of more sanctions

In this image made from video, Pang Kwang Hyok, vice director of the department of international organizations at the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaks during an interview with The Associated Press Television in Pyongyang, North Korea, Monday, Oct. 24, 2016. North Korean officials lashed out Monday at efforts in the United Nations to strengthen sanctions following the North's latest missile launches and nuclear test in September. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

PYONGYANG, North Korea – North Korea is lashing out at U.N. attempts to impose new sanctions following its latest nuclear test in September.

North Korean officials in Pyongyang said Monday that sanctions targeting the country's nuclear and missile tests are "criminal documents" and accused the United States of orchestrating condemnation of the North at the U.N.

North Korea's mission to the U.N. issued a similar statement late last week that was also carried by the North's state media on Monday.

The United Nations has imposed sanctions on North Korea since 2006 for its nuclear tests and rocket launches. The U.N. Security Council recently called on members to "redouble their sanctions efforts."

North Korea insists it will continue its development of nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver them, saying it wants a nuclear deterrent.