North Korea is not bound by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) under any circumstances, the country’s permanent representative to the U.N. said Wednesday, describing efforts to pressure the country into adhering to nonproliferation rules — despite not being a treaty member — as a “wanton violation” of international law.

In a statement published by the state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Thursday, Ambassador Kim Song objected to concerns raised by the U.S., South Korea and other countries about North Korea’s ongoing nuclear program.

“I denounce and reject in the strongest tone the brigandish and shameless acts of certain countries