AP Sources: Diplomat Was To Meet Jailed Terrorist

By MATTHEW LEE and P. SOLOMON BANDAAssociated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) – A Qatari diplomat who caused a bomb scareafter sneaking a smoke in an airplane bathroom was traveling for aconsular visit to see an imprisoned al-Qaida agent. A State Department official and another person close to thematter say Mohammed Al-Madadi was going to meet Ali Al-Marri for anofficial visit. Consular officials frequently visit foreigners heldin the United States to make sure they are being treated well. The two sources spoke to The Associated Press on condition ofanonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. Officials say the diplomat will be sent home or transferred toanother country for touching off the bomb scare. — Associated Press writer Matt Apuzzo contributed to this report.Banda contributed from Denver.