Paper says bin Laden met CIA in July
Prime terror suspect Osama Bin Laden is alleged to have met the CIA in July, while undergoing kidney treatment at the American Hospital in Dubai, according to a French newspaper.
The report, in Le Figaro, said that a CIA agent visited bin Laden in his hospital room, two months before the September 11 terror attacks, and later bragged about the episode to friends.
The agent was then said to have been swiftly recalled to the US.
Bernard Koval, the American Hospital's chief executive, has denied the story saying that the hospital would have been aware if bin Laden was being treated there.
Doctor Terry Callaway, reported to have treated bin Laden, would not comment on the reports.
The paper's front page said: "The Saudi millionaire was admitted to the extremely well-regarded urological department, run by Doctor Terry Callaway, a specialist in Renus Calculus Disease and male infertility," the paper said.
"During the stay, the local CIA representative, known to many people in Dubai, was seen taking the main hospital lift to visit Osama bin Laden's room.
"A few days later the CIA man was boasting to some friends that he'd visited the Saudi millionaire.
"Authoritative sources say that the CIA agent was recalled by his office on July 15, the day after the departure of bin Laden for Quetta (Pakistan)."
The newspaper said bin Laden remained in the hospital from July 4 to July 14.
It said he was accompanied by his personal doctor and lieutenant, who was believed to be Egyptian Ayman Al-Zawahari.
The newspaper's website said bin Laden had taken delivery of a dialysis machine for his Afghan hideout in Kandahar during 2000.
During his hospitalisation, bin Laden was reported to have received several visits from members of his family and friends..