The United States says that a recent U.S. directive will not affect whether it offers food aid to North Korea.

An executive order signed by President Barack Obama went into effect Tuesday. The order bans the direct or indirect imports of goods, service and technologies from North Korea.

United States Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues Robert King said that the U.S. government has not yet made any decision on offering food aid to the poverty-stricken communist country. He added that the decision to provide humanitarian relief is based on humanitarian needs, not political considerations.

King said that the U.S. can independently make a decision to offer aid, but plans to consult with South Korea before any decisions are made.