The U.S. State Department downplayed the potential effect of putting North Korea back on the list of countries that sponsor terrorism.
 
State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf addressed the issue on Tuesday in a regular news briefing.
 
[Sound bite: U.S. State Department Deputy Spokeswoman Marie Harf (English)]
"There would not be a huge practical effect from a sanctions standpoint if they were put back on.  Obviously, it’s symbolic and there may be some sanctions effect..."

Harf added that though the North has been removed from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, it is “one of the most heavily sanctioned countries on Earth.”
 
She noted that the North faces a ban on arms related exports and sales and controls over exports of dual-use items. She said that restrictions on foreign assistance and certain blocking financial sanctions associated with being on the list remain in place for the North under other sanctions authorities.
 
The spokeswoman said that in order for any country to be designated, there is a process to follow as the State Secretary must determine the government of that country has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. 
 
She added that U.S. President Barack Obama mentioned putting North Korea back on the list in light of some of the North’s recent activities but that the U.S. doesn’t want to prejudge the outcome and it might not be the best way to respond.