The US is taking North Korea off its state sponsors of terrorism list in return for a long-awaited declaration by Pyongyang about its nuclear activities.
George W. Bush, US president, announced on Thursday the beginning of the 45-day process to remove North Korea from the list and its immediate exemption from the Trading with the Enemy Act. Both are largely symbolic measures that affect US assistance and trade with Pyongyang.
The deal, under the framework of the six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear programme, is intended to lead eventually to North Korea surrendering its nuclear arsenal – a step that sceptics doubt Pyongyang will take. |