This seems to be a preemptive attempt to muddy the waters in advance of the publicity that the 9/11 first responders are bound to get on the upcoming anniversary.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/07/nyregion/07sinai.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1189180839-NTIAuKu+V0w0Lfh1yWmmpQ