Al Jazeera and CNN end relationship over bin Laden row

CNN finally broadcast the interview last night, after Al-Jazeera reportedly denied the tape's existence, despite reports to the contrary.

The interview, conducted by Al-Jazeera's Kabul correspondent, was said to have taken place on October 20 2001 and is said to be the only known television interview given by bin Laden following the attacks on New York. In the interview, bin Laden said: "The battle has moved inside America. We will work to continue this battle, God permitting, until victory or until we meet God."

CNN said Al-Jazeera acknowledged the tape's existence to the broadcasting giant in December 2001.

The interview was recorded shortly after CNN was invited to submit a list of six questions on October 16, which were to be put to bin Laden through the Arab broadcaster.

In the interview, bin Laden said: "If inciting people to do that is terrorism, and if killing those who kill our sons is terrorism, then let history be witness that we are terrorists."

Al-Jazeera is believed to have issued a statement to CNN, in which the Arab TV network denounces the tape's broadcast and is threatening to take unspecified action against CNN, which CNN said it took to mean legal action.

However, a CNN spokeswoman said the network was well within its rights in broadcasting the excerpts. "Our affiliate agreement with Al-Jazeera gives us the express right to air any footage owned or controlled by Al-Jazeera without limitations."

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