President Obama Advises Congress That North Korea Will not be Redesignated as State Sponsor of Terrorism

In a notification required by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, President Obama today sent a letter to Congress stating that the Obama Administraition will not reinstate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism since it "does not meet the the statutory criteria to again be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism."

Former President George W. Bush announced in June 2008 that North Korea would be removed as a state sponsor of terrorism and in October 2008 Secretary of State Rice signed an order rescinding the designation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Currently, Cuba, Iran, Syria and Sudan are designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S.

Although North Korea is no longer designated as a state sponsor of terrorism is rescinded, North Korea is still included in Country Group E:1 and an export license is required to export or reexport any item subject to the EAR to North Korea, except food and medicines classified as EAR99. While many products are subject to the policy of denial of export licenses, certain humanitarian and other products are subject to a licensing policy of approval.

North Korea also remains subject to a U.S. arms embargo and is subject to a variety of OFAC sanctions, including a prohibition on the import of North Korean products.