U.S. Designates North Korea as Non-Cooperative in Counterterrorism Efforts

Washington: The U.S. State Department announced the designation of North Korea, along with Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, as countries not fully cooperating with U.S. counterterrorism efforts. This designation restricts the sale or export of defense articles and services to these nations. According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea has been a part of the "not fully cooperating countries" list since 1997, and was also redesignated as a state sponsor of terrorism in November 2017. The U.S. State Department stated its commitment to international cooperation on counterterrorism, emphasizing accountability for countries that do not stand against terrorism. In terms of Cuba's designation, the department highlighted the presence of at least 11 U.S. fugitives in Cuba, some with terrorism-related charges. The Cuban government's unwillingness to discuss their extradition to the U.S. was cited as a key factor in their designation. Additionally, the department noted the Cuban regime's lack of cooperation on terrori sm-related law enforcement issues, rendering counterterrorism efforts ineffective.