North Korean state-run media on Monday denounced what it described as an attempt by the U.S. to use the DPRK human rights issue to extract concessions in ongoing bilateral nuclear negotiations.

Citing a recent report on sexual violence against North Korean women by Human Rights Watch and a recent resolution in the UN on human rights, ruling party organ the Rodong Sinmun accused Washington of “shameless and despicable behavior.”

In the commentary, the Rodong said that the U.S. hoped to damage Pyongyang’s image by promoting a “preposterous farce.”

“The U.S…. aims to justify its sanctions and pressure racket and draw