Powell discloses "emotional" meeting with Spann's CIA partner

By The Associated Press

BERLIN – Secretary of State Colin Powell disclosed Monday that he met privately in central Asia with the partner of CIA officer Johnny Michael Spann, the only American to die inside Afghanistan from enemy fire.

"It was a very emotional meeting that we had a few days ago," Powell said.

Powell did not divulge the time or place. But a senior administration official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the meeting took place while Powell was in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Saturday.

Uzbekistan borders northern Afghanistan. The secretary of state has been on an eight-day tour of Europe and central Asia.

"I think we all should be proud there are men like Michael Spann, who are willing to go in harm's way for the nation and to serve the cause of freedom," Powell said.

Spann was shot and killed during a prison uprising in Mazar-e-Sharif on Nov. 25. He was buried Monday at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

The subject came up when Powell was asked, after a meeting with German officials, if he had any thoughts on Spann or on Tuesday's third anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

Powell said he was also able to meet with some of the other members of Spann's unit and "share with them my expression of grief and condolences at their loss."

AP-WS-12-10-01 1638EST