New economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. on North Korea this week have caused authorities in Pyongyang to “reconfirm” that the U.S. is not genuinely attempting to improve relations, a foreign ministry official said in a statement Thursday morning.

“America should not hold expectations or lingering attachments that its unique dealing method filled with pressure and appeasement, threats and blackmail will someday bear fruit when dealing with our state,” Vice Foreign Minister for U.S. Affairs Kim Un Chol stated, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).