North Korea has rejected the U.N. Security Council resolution condemning the communist country’s claimed nuclear test, calling it a U.S.-led declaration of war against the North.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the North Korean Foreign Ministry said that Pyongyang will closely monitor Washington’s moves and take proper countermeasures.

The statement released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency criticized the U.N. Security Council resolution, saying it cannot be construed otherwise than as a declaration of war.

The statement also said North Korea wants peace, but is not afraid of war and that it would deal "merciless blows" against anyone who violates its sovereignty. It said it wouldn't cave in to the pressure and threat of someone at this time when it has become a nuclear weapons states.

The U.N. Security Council adopted Sunday a resolution imposing diplomatic and economic sanctions following the North's nuclear test last week.