ExecutiveOrdersEO
Memo 13222MemorandumG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum 13222

Certification of Rescission of North Korea's Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism

Defense & SecurityDefense & SecurityTradeTradeDemocracy & GovernanceDemocracy & Governance

In simple terms

President Bush certified to Congress that North Korea had not supported international terrorism for the preceding 6 months and had provided assurances against future support, thereby rescinding its 1988 designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The Secretary of State was directed to report this certification and its justification to Congress and arrange Federal Register publication.

Federal Register Open PDF 73 FR 37351

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 73 FR 37351

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Report certification and justification memorandum to Congress; arrange Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Certify that North Korea has not supported international terrorism in preceding 6-month period
  • Certify that North Korea has provided assurances against future terrorism support
  • Rescind January 20, 1988 determination designating North Korea as State Sponsor of Terrorism
  • Report certification and attached justification memorandum to Congress
  • Arrange publication of certification in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Prior policyRollback

  • rescinddetermination of January 20, 1988 regarding North Korea as State Sponsor of Terrorism

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

  • Certification takes effect upon signing; rescission of State Sponsor of Terrorism designation
  • Restrictions under Export Administration Act, Foreign Assistance Act, and Arms Export Control Act lifted

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of State reports certification and justification memorandum to Congress
  • Federal Register publication arranged

Long term

  • End of broad terrorism-based sanctions on North Korea
  • Potential normalization of certain trade and diplomatic relations

Risks & tensions

  • Verification risk: 6-month 'clean' period difficult to independently verify for closed regime
  • Assurance non-binding: Future terrorism support assurances lack enforcement mechanism
  • Congressional notification tension: Legislative branch oversight of executive foreign policy certification
  • Reversibility risk: Designation could be reinstated if North Korea resumes support
Presidential Memorandum 13222: Certification of Rescission of North Korea's Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism · Executive Orders