It has been reported that North Korea has suspended a tourism partnership with South Korea, citing fears of SARS.

It has recently tightened inspections at its borders, sea ports and airports to guard against the disease, says Associated Press.

However, there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in either country and a spokesperson from Seoul's Unification Ministry said that they are trying to figure out North Korea's real intentions'.

The move - which involves cruises run by South Korea's Hyundai conglomerate to the North's scenic Diamond Mountain region in the east of the country just beyond the demilitarised zone - comes amid heightened tensions over North Korea's recent acknowledgement that it possesses nuclear weapons.

The tours have been losing money recently because of a lack of tourists.