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US sanctions against DPRK are counterproductive - North Korean foreign ministry

He said it commenting on the order signed by President Barack Obama, under which the U.S. financial authorities may introduce new sanctions against the DPRK’s leadership and some organisations

PYONGYANG, January 4. /TASS/. The sanctions the U.S. has introduced against the DPRK are counterproductive and do not affect the country, a representative of North Korea’s foreign ministry said commenting on the order signed by President Barack Obama, under which the U.S. financial authorities may introduce new sanctions against the DPRK’s leadership and some organisations.

The statement reads Obama has announced the action “referring to the DPRK’s involvement in the hacker attack on the Sony Pictures Entertainment Company.” The company has produced “a disgusting film, promoting terrorism in a sovereign state.” Pyongyang “has nothing to do with that cyber attack.” The representative stressed Washington had rejected the suggestion about a joint investigation into the hacker attack on Sony Pictures’ electronic resources.

In the New Year, Washington “once again confirmed its intention to continue the hostile policies in order to blackmail by any means reputation of the People’s Republic in the international arena,” the foreign ministry said. Policies of the kind “only improve the will and determination of the DPRK to fight for sovereignty and dignity of the nation.”

“In response to the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s numerous provocations, particularly the recent cyber-attack targeting Sony Pictures Entertainment and the threats against movie theaters and moviegoers, President Obama today signed an Executive Order (E.O.) authorizing the imposition of sanctions against the Government of North Korea and the Workers’ Party of Korea. This step reflects the ongoing commitment of the United States to hold North Korea accountable for its destabilizing, destructive and repressive actions, particularly its efforts to undermine U.S. cyber-security and intimidate U.S. businesses and artists exercising their right of freedom of speech,” the U.S. Department of the Treasury said in a statement of January 2.