Speculations of N.K. nuclear test will hurt inter-Korean ties: Roh

South Korea has no evidence whether or when North Korea will conduct a nuclear test and warned that speculation will only hurt inter-Korean relations, President Roh Moo-hyun said here Thursday.

He said North Korea's missile tests in July were most likely motivated politically and "too meager" to reach the United States but "too big" to be directed at South Korea.

In a press conference following summit talks with Finland's President Tarja Halonen, Roh partly blamed the press for complicating North Korea's missile issue by portraying them more as a show of force than a political move.

"I think this is one of the reasons that makes the issue more difficult," he told reporters through a translator.

Pyongyang defied international warnings and fired seven ballistic missiles in early July, including its long-range Taepodong, believed to be capable of striking the U.S. west coast.

The 15-member U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution condemning North Korea for its actions.

Intelligence analysis indicates the communist regime may now be preparing a nuclear test. North Korea declared itself a nuclear state in February last year.

Asked about the possibilities of further provocative acts by the North such as the nuclear test, Roh warned that talking about hypotheticals without evidence "will only make many people worried."

"It could also harm inter-Korean relations, so it's very difficult for me to answer that question," he said.

Helsinki, Sept. 7 (Yonhap News)