Having not much to do because of industrial action in other countries, Portuguese air traffic controllers scannned the airwaves. Apart from the usual 'Find Madeline' broadcasts, the BBC World Service and the occasional inbound flight to the Algarve, they intercepted a short-wave radio conversation between three Middle-Eastern gents.
Although they were speaking in Arabic, the Lisbon ATC men did manage to pick up the words 'Eiffel', Bin Laden, 'Brothers of Islam', Airliner' Pouffe' and 'flambe'. They immediately passed on their suspicions to the French Intelligence.
The famous Parisian landmark is 1,060ft high and attracts an average of more than 16,000 visitors a day. If successful, an air strike could cost thousands of lives.
However, Inspector Jacques Clouseau told In Seine News;
"There is nothing to worry about because the message intercepted was nothing more than 3 brothers who worked in the catering department for Emirates airlines who were planning a birthday surprise for one of Bin Laden's relations on a flight into Paris. As the airliner came into view of the tower, they would bring in a 'Chocolate Bombe Flambe' and sing 'Bon Anniversaire' to their eminent guest."
LET'S HOPE HE'S RIGHT!
Clouseau added:
"Muslim's worldwide have had nothing but bad press since 9/11, but it is really a peaceful religion. Those brothers of Islam were simply trying to show their kindness by such a gesture. Why are people so suspicious?"
