North Korea defies U.N. with nuclear test threat

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- North Korea is responding to the United Nations' push for an investigation into Pyongyang human rights violations with a threat to test a nuclear missile.

New satellite images indicate fresh activity at a North Korean nuclear facility.

The human rights committee of the United Nations on Tuesday passed a nonbinding draft resolution calling on the Security Council to refer North Korea to the International Criminal Court for prosecution consideration for alleged crimes against humanity.

Pyongyang said the resolution was based on "fabricated testimonies" and "slander," and accused the United States of orchestrating the vote, calling it a "grave political provocation" by America. Such "aggression," added the statement from North Korea, is "leaving us unable to further refrain from staging a new nuclear test."

It also threatened that its military deterrence "will be beefed up limitlessly" to protect itself against the U.S.

A U.S. State Department spokesman responded: "It would certainly be unfortunate to threaten with that kind of activity in response to the legitimate focus on North Korea's human rights situation by the international community."

The U.N. resolution followed a report earlier this year accusing the nation of "unspeakable atrocities." Observers are skeptical the Security Council would allow North Korea to be tried in the International Criminal Court since Russia and China — which voted against the resolution — sit on the Council and have veto power.