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CNN LIVE AT DAYBREAK

Family Appeal; Dangerous Cat?; Unlicensed Immigrants; Lingering Storm

Aired September 23, 2004 - 05:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: A British citizen is being held hostage in Iraq. Today, a possible life or death decision.
It is Thursday, September 23. This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you, welcome to the second half-hour of DAYBREAK. From the CNN Global Headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

"Now in the News."

British hostage Kenneth Bigley and his family are appealing to terrorists in Iraq to spare his life. Those terrorists have already beheaded two Americans kidnapped along with Bigley. The British government says it will not negotiate with the hostage takers.

A firefight erupted today after two Palestinian gunmen infiltrated a Jewish settlement in southern Gaza. Israeli soldiers killed the Palestinians, but not before they killed three Israelis and wounded another.

A preliminary hearing is now scheduled this morning in Salt Lake City for Mark Hacking. He is accused of killing his wife, Lori, and then dumping her body in the trash. Police are still searching the county landfill for her body.

To the Forecast Center now and Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: And good morning, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: All right, thank you -- Chad.

MYERS: You're welcome.

COSTELLO: Britain says it will not negotiate with the terrorists who have killed two American hostages in Iraq and are threatening to kill a British hostage. In a video released by the terrorists, this hostage, Kenneth Bigley, made a direct appeal to Prime Minister Tony Blair to meet his captors' demands and save his life.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw had this response.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) JACK STRAW, BRITISH FOREIGN SECRETARY: Well it's adding torture to the appalling situation in which these evil terrorists have placed Mr. Bigley. And of course our hearts go out yet more to him and to his family. But I'm afraid to say it can't alter the position of the British government. And as I've explained to the family, we can't get into a situation of bargaining with terrorists, because this would put many more people's lives at risk, not only in Iraq, but around the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Bigley's captors have beheaded the two Americans kidnapped with him, Eugene Armstrong and Jack Hensley. In a televised appeal, Kenneth Bigley's family pleaded with his abductors today to spare his life.

Diana Muriel has details live from Liverpool, England.

Good morning.

DIANA MURIEL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

I'm standing talking to you outside the home of 86-year-old Lil (ph) Bigley, the mother of Kenneth Bigley. The brown door behind me in this terrorist street (ph) and it was here at this house that family members learned late on Wednesday of the existence of that videotaped appeal by Kenneth Bigley made from his captors in Iraq.

They were taken late last night to the Merseyside Police Station nearby where they then prepared a statement, an appeal to the captors. Sam Bigley and Phil Bigley, Kenneth Bigley's brothers, were there and Craig Bigley, his 33-year-old son, made the appeal directly.

This is what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CRAIG BIGLEY, HOSTAGE'S SON: We have heard what you say and want to continue to listen to you. You have proved to the world that you are committed and determined. Be merciful, as we know you can be. Release Ken back to his wife and family. We ask you, as a family, to be all merciful.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MURIEL: But it's not just the family that have rallied to make these appeals. The whole community of Liverpool, led by the Anglican Bishop James Jones, and by the Chairman of the Liverpool Mosque, Mohammed Akbar Ali (ph), also made appeals, televised appeals, early on Thursday morning, begging for the release of Kenneth Bigley.

And I've just been speaking to the local parish priest, John Thompson (ph), from St. Francis Avia (ph), the Catholic church here. He happens to be a cousin of the prime minister's wife, Cherie Blair. He says he hasn't been in touch with Cherie Blair directly over this matter. But he has come with a message to the Bigley family that the entire community of Walton (ph) here in Liverpool are praying for the family and praying for the release of Kenneth Bigley in Iraq -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Diana Muriel live from Liverpool, England this morning. Thank you.

Want to bring in our senior international editor David Clinch now.

You know yesterday we were talking a lot about this "Dr. Germ."

DAVID CLINCH, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Yes.

COSTELLO: This female Iraqi prisoner that was supposedly going to be released.

CLINCH: Right.

COSTELLO: What's the status on that now?

CLINCH: Well you heard it here first, we talked about this yesterday, I predicted that we would hear from Prime Minister Allawi, who was here in the United States, who might very well have a different opinion than his Justice Minister did. And indeed he did.

He immediately made it clear that any impression that the Iraqi government was negotiating with terrorists was in error. And in fact went further than that and said that the Justice Minister's statement that "Dr. Germ" would be released was also in error. And he's now -- they are almost over compensating at this point in releasing press statements in Baghdad just emphasizing that point, she will not be released.

COSTELLO: All right that brings us to something disturbing, and let's just back up a little bit and explain to people the terrorists holding these hostages are demanding that Iraqi women prisoners be released.

CLINCH: Right.

COSTELLO: And that's why we're so into this "Dr. Germ" story.

CLINCH: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, so, they announce that she may be released on bail. Allawi is in the United States says no, no, no. The U.S. says no, no. Who's running Iraq?

CLINCH: Well that's the question. I mean the Iraqi government, they are an interim government and they are obviously newly formed and none of them, for the most part, none of them are professional politicians or necessarily professional bureaucrats. So in this regard, and in everything else that we're covering in Iraq, we, as journalists, and everybody else, are sort of giving the Iraqi government the benefit of the doubt to a certain extent.

There are issues, like, for instance, in the last few days we've seen a transition in Iraq where we are trying to get the death toll each day in violence around Iraq. That used to come to us from the hospitals. Now they have said no, a ministry is handling that. Well they're not handling it very well because we're not getting those figures every day. We don't know what the death toll was yesterday in Iraq. We don't know what the death toll was today.

Obviously the Iraqi government is in a very difficult situation. On the hostage taking and everything else, they are learning on the job. But of course with the situation, the level of violence where it is, I think that forgiveness, that benefit of the doubt will only last so long. They can't make too many mistakes like this.

COSTELLO: No. David Clinch, many thanks.

Ayad Allawi speaks to Congress, by the way, at 10:00 Eastern, and then he will meet with President Bush at the White House. The two leaders then hold a news conference in the Rose Garden. That begins at 12:05 Eastern. Of course CNN will bring that to you live.

The release of a group of Afghan detainees from the U.S. Navy's Guantanamo Bay facility tops our look at other stories in this "Global Minute." The 11 men arrived in Kabul Wednesday. One member of the group says there are as many as 145 other Afghans at the Navy base and Kabul should put pressure on Washington to release them as well.

There have been more U.S. airstrikes on suspected insurgent targets in the east Baghdad slum of Sadr City. Anywhere from 10 to 18 militant fighters have been killed, no reports of any U.S. casualties.

More Syrian troops have left southern Lebanon. The pullback is an apparent response to pressure from Washington and Paris. Three thousand of Syria's 17,000 troops in Lebanon will redeploy in the Becca Valley.

Police in Lima, Peru are on watch today. They clashed Wednesday with students protesting what they say is corruption in the nation's universities. Dozens of students were hurt. Nine were arrested.

Yusuf Islam's brother says he only wants to be an ambassador of peace. But the man formerly known as Cat Stevens is not welcome in the United States. The 56-year-old Islam back in London after being denied entry into the United States. He was taken off a U.S.-bound plane after his name showed up on a terror watch list. Islam spoke upon his arrival back in Britain.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

YUSUF ISLAM, DENIED ENTRY INTO THE U.S.: You know the whole thing is totally ridiculous. Everybody knows who I am, you know, I'm no secret figure. Everybody knows my campaigning for charity, for peace. And there's got to be a whole lot of explanations. Hopefully they will be there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: But is he really as dangerous as the government claims? CNN Justice correspondent Kelli Arena takes a look at that for you.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): His supporters say he's known for advocating peace but U.S. officials say recent information suggests Yusuf Islam has knowingly financed terrorists through Muslim charities and is knowingly associated with potential terrorists but officials would provide no specifics.

TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: Celebrity or an unknown, our job within Homeland Security is to act on information that others have given us. In this instance, there was some relationship between the name and terrorist activity that led to this individual's name being on that no-fly list and the appropriate action was taken.

ARENA: Islam, who is a British citizen, was not stopped before boarding the London to Washington flight. Instead, the plane was forced to land in Maine. The reason, sources say his name, which was recently added to the watch list, was misspelled.

ARSALAN IFTKHAR, COUNCIL ON AMERICAN-ISLAMIC RELATIONS: Mr. Islam has always categorically denied the fact that he has ever knowingly given any money or support to any terrorist group and we are here today to say that if, in fact, these allegations were true by the government, why wasn't Mr. Islam arrested?

ARENA: Formerly known as Cat Stevens, Islam became Muslim in 1977 and founded a Muslim school in London. But this is not the first time he's been accused of financing terrorists. He was denied entry into Israel at least twice for allegedly supporting Hamas.

Still, his supporters describe him as a moderate and point to his official Web site on which he has consistently opposed terrorist acts. He even donated some music royalties to September 11th families.

(on camera): But good deeds do not get you off watch lists and U.S. officials say they're confident the information that put Islam on one is credible.

Kelli Arena, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: We'll have much more on the Cat Stevens saga or saga coming up in our next hour. CNN's Radio Dick Uliano will join us live with the latest on his status. And CNN security analyst Mike Brooks looks at how the terror watch list affects airline security and how in the world Cat Stevens got on that plane when his name was on the watch list. We'll have much more on that.

Bring back the military draft. Senator John Kerry suggests President Bush might do that if he is reelected. Kerry made the statement during a campaign appearance in West Palm Beach, Florida.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: If George Bush were to be reelected, given the way he has gone about this war and given his avoidance of responsibility in North Korea and Iran and other places, it is possible, I can't tell you. I will tell you this, I will not reinstate the draft.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: President Bush has not responded directly to Kerry's statement, but Bush campaign spokesman Steve Schmidt calls the comment irresponsible.

And that brings us to our e-mail "Question of the Morning," the draft: should it be reinstated? We know that the U.S. military is stretched, and we've been getting in comments already this morning. And we do appreciate it. I'm going to read some of them now.

This is from Aaron (ph) from Post Falls, Idaho. He says the draft should absolutely not be reinstated. The greatest pride of our military men and women is that they are all volunteers who have chosen to serve this country with their lives. And each and every one of us owes them a debt of gratitude for making that choice.

This from John (ph). He says the only reason that we have the best-trained military in the world is because we have a volunteer force. U.S. military has learned many lessons over the years, but the one that will not be forgotten is how to lose a war by implementing a draft, as in Vietnam.

This is from R. James (ph) from Gardenia, California. No, the draft should not be reinstated. Do you notice a theme here? As regular Army, I served with many conscripts in Vietnam. And please believe me when I say that conscripts are the very last thing we need in the military today. We have an all volunteer professional military, and we should make a strenuous effort to keep it that way.

Keep the e-mails coming, DAYBREAK@CNN.com.

The number of dead and missing in Haiti is astounding and the pictures of the devastation in the impoverished nation heartbreaking. The latest on the crisis caused by Tropical Storm Jeanne ahead.

And a California bill that would have given driver's licenses to illegal immigrants is dead, but it doesn't mean the issue is going away. We'll explain.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Thursday morning.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that would have given driver's licenses to as many as two million illegal immigrants. But just because the measure has failed four times doesn't mean it's dead, believe it or not. CNN's Miguel Marquez looks at why.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MIGUEL MARQUEZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Betto (ph) is 40 years old, has lived in California for 16 years and has three kids. She is also an illegal immigrant driving without a license or insurance.

BETTO, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT (through translator): I am afraid to get stopped by the police.

MARQUEZ: Betto says a driver's license would help her get a little piece, such as it is, of the American dream.

BETTO (through translator): I feel a little sad and discriminated against because everyone has the right to opportunity.

MARQUEZ: Driver's licenses for illegal immigrants, once allowed in California, stopped in 1994. During last year's recall, then Governor Gray Davis signed a bill allowing illegal immigrants to once again get driver's licenses, but it was repealed after voters retaliated.

GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA: We can make this again the greatest state of the greatest country in the world.

I want them to have driver's license. I want to have people be able to drive legally, but...

MARQUEZ: But Schwarzenegger says he wants to legalize driving for illegals with a license that could not also be used for identification.

MARGITA THOMPSON, SCHWARZENEGGER PRESS SECRETARY: Once they come here and they have a document, like a driver's license, it becomes a breeder document upon which further identification and further documents are able to be procured.

MARQUEZ: The governor says it's all about protecting national security. One political analyst isn't so sure.

TONY QUINN, POLITICAL ANALYST: This is not about driver's licenses. It's really about the role of immigrants in the state.

MARQUEZ: Quinn says Schwarzenegger finds himself in the position of vetoing the driver's license bill to hold off a drive to deny all services to illegal immigrants.

QUINN: Were he to sign this bill, it would seem to me he would cause himself a lot more political problems and he would probably give something of a push to those who want to go beyond this.

MARQUEZ: Some California hard core conservatives agree, saying Schwarzenegger is a Republican they have to watch. MIKE SPENCE, CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY: There are issues where we don't exactly know where the government comes from or sometimes, you know, he's in the middle.

MARQUEZ (on camera): But the governor's veto doesn't altogether kill the idea of driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. Both sides say they want to compromise. But for California drivers, it's just another day of gridlock.

Miguel Marquez, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 5:48 Eastern. Here is what's all new this morning.

The family of a British man being held hostage in Iraq anxiously awaits word on his fate. The same Islamic militants holding Ken Bigley already have beheaded the two Americans kidnapped along with him a week ago.

A firefight erupted today after two Palestinian gunmen infiltrated a Jewish settlement in southern Gaza. Israeli soldiers killed the Palestinians, but not before they killed three Israelis and wounded another.

In money news, the tax break continues for married couples after Senate and House negotiators agree on a couple of popular tax breaks. The legislation extends a $1,000 child tax credit for five years and a break for married couples.

In culture, Martha Stewart wants to be prime time. Her company hired producer Mark Burnett to develop some kind of new show starring the embattled Stewart. Burnett's credits include "Survivor" and "The Apprentice."

In sports, the New York Yankees missed their chance to clinch a playoff spot. They lost to the Toronto Blue Jays five to four. The Yanks get another chance today when they face the Tampa Bay Devil Rays -- Chad.

MYERS: And good morning, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Thank you, Chad.

Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.

It has been four days since Tropical Storm Jeanne finished battering Haiti's northern coast. But the ever-present floodwaters serve as a constant reminder of the death and destruction. The death toll has now topped 1,000 with another 1,000 people still missing.

CNN's Karl Penhaul wades through the devastation.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A Haitian woman wades through floodwaters after salvaging her last possessions. Teenage Lily Fed Deliance (ph) sits amid the wreckage of what was once her home, preparing a few scraps for dinner. She and her family were lucky to escape alive as Tropical Storm Jeanne turned up a sea of mud and rain.

We found a ladder and went up to a roof. We thought we were going to die, she says. We stood there but couldn't stay because the water reached us. We jumped from one roof to another to escape, she says.

Many of her neighbors are still camping out on their roofs. Others try in vein to sweep out the tide of destruction.

It will take days yet for the city to dry out. And as it does, United Nations and Haitian officials say the corpses of more victims may emerge.

These men point out two bodies decomposing on this swampy patch of ground.

We didn't know them. They were washed down from a neighborhood a long way up there, he says.

Hundreds of dead so far discovered in Gonaives are hurriedly being buried in mass graves to avoid possible disease.

(on camera): The floodwaters are beginning to subside now. At one point, residents say the water was above roof level. The main challenge now is getting emergency supplies to these people.

(voice-over): Some of these people say the emergency aid effort is slow and they have only had a few mouthfuls of clean drinking water since the storm struck. That desperation was clear when volunteers began distributing soft drinks donated by a local Haitian businessman.

After the storm, these people must survive chaos and even fighting if they hope to get enough to eat and drink to make it through the next few days. Asked Lily Fed Deliance what promise the future holds for her and thousands of other poor Haitians hit by this disaster...

Misery, she says.

Karl Penhaul, CNN, Gonaives, Haiti.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right, we're going to talk about Oprah. Remember that show where she gave away all those brand new cars? Chad, you remember that.

MYERS: Can you sing the song "I Am the Tax Man?"

COSTELLO: This is awful. The car is valued at $28,000 and the taxes on the car $7,800.

MYERS: Not sales tax. Actually, the Oprah show paid for the sales tax. We're talking income tax now. You have to add that to your income, because Uncle Sam says wait a minute, that's income, you received a gift, you have to pay tax now on that income which will come to about $7,000.

COSTELLO: That is just wrong. So these people got the cars, they don't have any money, which is why they got the free cars.

MYERS: Exactly.

COSTELLO: Now they have three choices.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: Either they can sell the car and pay the taxes.

MYERS: Right.

COSTELLO: Or they can pay the taxes.

MYERS: And keep the difference.

COSTELLO: And keep the difference, right.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: And what's the third option, I can't even remember?

MYERS: Give the car back and don't take it at all.

COSTELLO: Exactly. That's just crazy.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: Thank you -- Chad.

MYERS: You're welcome.

COSTELLO: The challenges working mothers face. In the next hour of DAYBREAK, some of the top companies for working moms and some tips for mothers trying to reenter the world of work.

This is DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Pleading for his life. How will the British government respond to a hostage's emotional request?

It is Thursday, September 23. This is DAYBREAK.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


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