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CNN NEWSROOM

Ukrainian President Addresses Congress; House Approves Plan To Arm, Train Syrian Rebels; Black Market Oil Funds ISIS Terror; Remembering Slain PA Trooper

Aired September 18, 2014 - 10:00   ET

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


JIM SCIUTTO, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: This was a big moment. It was a few weeks ago that Poroshenko was elected democratically in Ukraine. He's a western-leaning Ukrainian. He wants Ukraine closer to the E.U., closer to NATO and standing up for Russia.

I was there for the election and this was not an easy one. In Eastern Ukraine you had pro-Russian separatists disrupting the vote, burning down polling stations but Ukrainians voted. They chose a man like Poroshenko and they know what Poroshenko wants.

He wants a closer relationship with the U.S., a closer relationship with Europe. He's fighting a war on his territory right now. He calls it a Russian invasion. His troops were doing well against Russia's forces until a couple weeks ago, pro-Russian separatists until Russia sent in Russian forces, artillery units and so on and helped push them back.

This is a country in a precarious situation now and he's coming here for help. He wants American military aid, more lethal military aid, not the body armor and MREAs that the U.S. has been sending to this point.

He wants tougher sanctions against Russia. It's the view of Ukrainian officials and I speak to them regularly in private that the sanctions so far by Europe and the U.S. have been too weak and too slow.

They want real penalties to change Russia's behavior. Will he get that here? It doesn't seem likely. The administration seems satisfied with its policies so far, but I think you can hear, Carol, you will hear in this pitch to Congress an appeal for stronger aid, more robust aid.

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Well, explain this to me. It wasn't so long ago that President Obama stood before the world and said, we support you, Ukraine, we will do whatever it takes to help you defeat these pro-Russian rebels. Now Poroshenko is going to ask for aid and he's probably not going to get much?

SCIUTTO: Well, not to the degree that they want it. Again, this will be the difference between the public message and private message. Carol, when you speak to Ukrainian officials privately, they're clearly not satisfied. They have reason. They have reason to be concerned. There are Russian troops on Eastern Ukrainian territory right now. Those Russian troops are making a difference. As I was saying, Ukrainian forces were pushing back the separatists. Russia sent in more forces, real units, artillery units, not just secret guys out of uniform.

They sent full military units into Eastern Ukraine and helped push the Ukrainians back. So the Ukrainian president has an argument to make here. It's the view of some administration officials, the administration, that further U.S. military aid will make the situation worse. They will antagonize Russia.

They're still looking for a way out. They place hope in the cease- fire that is currently under way in Eastern Ukraine which, when you speak to Ukrainians, they don't place quite as much hope in that cease-fire as some U.S. officials are.

COSTELLO: All right, Jim Sciutto, I'll step away from this hearing although it appears that President Poroshenko might be speaking rather soon. When he begins speaking, we'll come back to you and come back to this joint meeting of Congress and take it for our audience live. Thank you, Jim Sciutto.

Have to talk about the fight against ISIS at the moment though. President Obama's strategy to arm moderate Syrian rebels gets the green light from lawmakers in the House.

The big question now, will the president's plan get a stamp of approval from the Senate? In the meantime the White House is hammering down the message of no boots on the ground. Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel prepare for another day of scrutiny on Capitol Hill.

Already a House intelligence hearing on the threat of ISIS is under way. You're looking at live pictures of that. Lawmakers are expected to discuss the dangerous ISIS and other groups pose to the international community.

So let's talk about that with former U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns. Good morning, sir.

AMBASSADOR NICHOLAS BURNS, FORMER UNDER SECRETARY OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Good morning, Carol.

COSTELLO: Thanks for being with me. I want to talk about these moderate Syrian rebels. The House has already voted to fund the training of these Syrian rebels. The senate is going to consider that today. Should the senate vote to do the same, you think?

BURNS: Well, I would certainly hope so. What the president is trying to do here is to stop ISIS by having both an Iraq and Syria strategy. We won't be able to destroy ISII, which is the president's words, to feed is, unless we strike at their base of support in Syria.

That's why the president has put forth this plan to arm moderate rebel groups and train them, to build them up as legitimate force opposed to ISIS. So I think you've got to have a strategy that encompasses both of these countries because is, of course, is present in both countries.

I think the administration will take some heart from the House vote yesterday.

COSTELLO: Here is the thing. When you talk to lawmakers about supporting these moderate rebels in Syria, they say, well, we've got to do something. We might as well do this. That concerns me. Does it concern you?

BURNS: I think there's no question that this is a little bit of a gamble by the United States, but I think a gamble worth taking. The idea that an entire plan would be comprised of air strikes by the United States and our allies, building up the Peshmerga forces in Iraq.

But also having Syria a part of this, it does make strategic sense. There are risks associated with this. It's certainly preferable to what some of the administration's critics are saying, and that is we should put substantial American forces, combat forces on the ground.

I think the president is right to resist that. We have to have a more limited strategy, especially what we just experienced from 2003 to 2011 with substantial American forces in Iraq.

COSTELLO: I want you to listen to something Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday about resources and capabilities when it comes to the fight against ISIS.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN KERRY, SECRETARY OF STATE: I've also have no doubt whatsoever, we will have the capabilities and resources we need to succeed militarily. President Obama made clear that we will be expanding the military campaign to take on ISIL in Iraq, in Syria, wherever it is found. But this is not the gulf war in 1991. It is not the Iraq war in 2003, and that's true for a number of reasons.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: OK. That's true for a number of reasons. What would those reasons be in your mind?

BURNS: Well, I think primary among them is both in the gulf war in 1991 and the Iraq war in 2003 until 2008, we had a substantial American combat ground presence on the ground. The president is resisting that, has said he won't contemplate that.

The president is trying to deploy a different strategy. Could we build up a coalition where the ground forces are Arab ground force, Iraqi ground forces and moderate Syrians and where the Peshmerga from Iraqi Kurdistan will play a major role?

That's a very different strategy than either President Bush, George H.W. Bush deployed in '91 and George W. Bush deployed in 2003. That's the primary one. Second, the administration is clearly saying our coalition partners have to do more.

I think there's frustration with Turkey, that Turkey won't stand up and commit to more concrete assistance and frustration with Qatar. A lot will depend, Carol, on whether the administration can get substantial European support from NATO members in air strikes.

And also from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Those countries need to do a lot more than they've done in the past. I think the president is saying the United States can't bear the weight of this on its own shoulders. It needs help. I think the administration will leverage some of those other countries to get that help.

COSTELLO: All right, Nicholas Burns, thanks for your insight as usual. I appreciate it.

BURNS: Thank you.

COSTELLO: One of the reasons it's so hard to take on ISIS is because of the group's cash flow. In addition to being one of the most dangerous terrorist groups, it's also one of the richest.

Experts say in addition to selling crude oil on the black market, bank robberies, kidnapping and smuggling all help finance this group. Listen to what Secretary of State John Kerry told lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KERRY: We've been able to trace a one-time lump sum, $140,000 that came through one country from an individual in the region. That's why we're going to have this immediate focus on the movement of money and begin to really get tough in shutting down that flow.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Let's talk about that with CNN business correspondent, Alison Kosik. How difficult will that be to find out where the money is going?

ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: There is some idea where the money is at least coming from. That's really the trick here. The bigger issue is to stop the flow of money to ISIS. Some of the focus at least from the Treasury Department is to focus on these international funders, some of the private donors.

In fact, the U.S. has frozen assets of some supporters in Kuwait believed to be funding ISIS. You make a good point in the beginning of what you said. It's interesting that ISIS is one of the richest terror groups ever.

COSTELLO: It's $3 million a day they bring in.

KOSIK: Yes, it's incredible. Last year, in fact, ISIS reportedly brought in $8 million a month, a month. That was just last year. Things have certainly revved up for this territory group. This is why you hear these comparisons being made that ISIS is operating like the mafia. They use these techniques, kidnap, rob, steal, intimidate. They --

COSTELLO: They sell women into sexual slavery, right?

KOSIK: Exactly. That's part of it as well. Another big bulk where the money is coming from is in these oil fields. They take over territory and sell this oil at lower prices, so it's cheaper and they sell it to neighboring countries. This is also where ISIS is getting its money.

COSTELLO: It makes you wonder who is thinking of these things on ISIS' behalf, who the money men are and whether we can take them out?

KOSIK: It does make you wonder. I don't think you're dealing with sane people though.

COSTELLO: But if you can target the money men -- I'm sure they're working on that.

KOSIK: That certainly is the trick.

COSTELLO: Alison Kosik, thanks so much.

Let's head out to Pennsylvania where there are fear as suspected cop killer may strike again during the funeral of one of the troops he's accused of gunning down. State Trooper Corporal Bryan Dixon was shot and killed on Friday. This is outside the cathedral where his funeral will be held today.

You can see a heavy police presence on the scene not only to remember him, but protect the funeral from this suspected killer. The suspect, Eric Matthew Frein is still on the run. His father says he's part of the high school's rifle club and when he shoots, quote, "he doesn't miss."

Rosa Flores live with more. Good morning.

ROSA FLORES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. As you can see, a somber moment in this community. Hundreds of state troopers you see in these live pictures of this procession of course preparing for the funeral of Corporal Bryan Dixon.

This has been happening probably for about the last hour, this community remembering and honoring that state trooper. You see a lot of police presence there. We learned that they do have heavy security because, as you know, these investigators do not forget that the suspect here, Eric Frein, made one thing very clear.

And that is he has a grudge against law enforcement and that he is thirsty for mass murder. Now, you see a lot of police presence there. But that doesn't mean that the investigation stops. That continues with new details and new twists.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He is still considered arm and dangerous.

FLORES: New details are emerging as the manhunt continues for Eric Matthew Frein, the suspected cop killer on the run in rural Pennsylvania. Police are painting a picture of Frein as a self- trained survivalist who harbors a long-standing hatred towards law enforcement.

Authorities say Frein belongs to a military simulation group where members assume the role of cold war era soldiers from Eastern European countries.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: in his current frame of mind, Frein now appears to have assumed that role in real life.

FLORES: Investigators say Frein on the run since Friday night recently changed his hair style in preparation for the shootings of Corporal Bryan Dixon and Trooper Alex Douglas. He now wears it shaved on both sides and long on top, wider that a Mohawk.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In the event you're listening to this broadcast on a portable radio while cowering in some cool, damp hiding place, I want you to know one thing, Eric, we are coming for you.

FLORES: Hundreds of officers have joined the search. Frein's family told investigators two guns are missing from the home including an ak- 47.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have a suspect in this case who is anti- government. He is a hunter, he is a woods man and he is alleged to be a survivalist. That is a deadly cocktail.

FLORES: Local schools are closed and Frein's face is on flyers all over town as a community lives in fear.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Especially when closing the store, I make sure I have my weapon with me. Now I have it on a little more often.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: People are uneasy. They want to know are my kids going to be safe.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FLORES: Carol, this morning in the local papers you see that new picture released of Eric Frein. But on the inside you also see a lot of respect and honor for their fallen hero -- Carol.

COSTELLO: All right. Rosa Flores reporting live for us this morning. Thank you so much.

Let's head back to Washington, D.C. to that joint meeting of Congress where the Ukrainian president has now entered the room. He actually did and he's shaking hands as he approaches the podium where he's goings to address this joint meeting of Congress and possibly ask -- I know he's going to ask for more aid for his country.

Our national correspondent, Jim Sciutto is following the story. Good morning, Jim.

JIM SCIUTTO, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol. The Ukrainian billionaire made his money in chocolate, democratically elected a few weeks ago, replacing a pro-Russian Ukrainian president with very much a pro-western one. I think we can expect that sentiment to come through in the joint session of Congress today.

COSTELLO: OK. Let's listen.

PETRO POROSHENKO, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Majority Leader, members of the House, members of the Senate, ladies and gentlemen, it's impossible to imagine what I am feeling right now. How symbolic is the unity of United States Congress and solidarity with Ukraine.

(APPLAUSE)

This is exactly which Ukraine now needs the most, unity and solidarity, not only with the United States Congress, not only with the United States, but with the whole world.

Let me thank you for your warmth and hospitality.

Addressing both houses of the Congress is one of the highest political privileges. Standing here I am grateful and fully aware that this honor goes not to me, but to the people of Ukraine, those brave men and women who are today on the forefront of the global fight for democracy.

(APPLAUSE)

Forty-five (ph) of Ukrainian people now watching this speech and this session of the Congress, and seeing in a (ph) absolutely sure about our solidarity and our joint and common strength.

And, please, allow me to speak on their behalf. I will focus on the one thing that is at the core of Ukraine existence today, freedom. There are moments in history when the freedom is more than just a political concept. At those moments, freedom becomes -- becomes an ultimate choice which defines who you are as a person or as a nation.

Ukraine has lived this moment over its last 10 months and became a scene for the most heroic story of the last decade, a synonym for sacrifice, dedication, unbreakable will to live free.

POROSHENKO: The people of Ukraine stood up to the corrupt regime of Yanukovych. They stood their ground during this dramatic winter. More of you were together with us during the last winter. And I thank you for this very important for us gesture of solidarity.

(APPLAUSE)

The defenders of freedom were willing to sacrifice their life for the sake of better future. What is even more amazing, they and we want, armed with only sticks and shield, they attacked (ph) by the special police and chased them away.

The victory gained on the Independence Square in Kiev known now to the whole world as the very international word Maidan was a victory against police brutality, harassment by the state-controlled media, violence, intimidation.

There is nothing more impressive than seeing hundreds of thousands of peaceful people forcing out a violent dictator and changing the course of the history. The second time in our history.

(APPLAUSE)

Day after day, week after week, month after month, thousands upon thousands streamed into the streets of Kiev simply because their dignity didn't allow them to remain passive and silent while their liberty were at stake. The standoff on the Maidan lasted long three months. It culminated on February 20 and 21 when over 100 protesters in one day were shot by snipers. We call them heavenly hundred. We revere them a true national hero, and we applaud their heroism.

(APPLAUSE)

Dear ladies and gentlemen, in February when the world saw that no one could take away Ukraine's freedom, an external aggressor (ph) decided to take away part of Ukrainian territory. The annexation of Crimea became one of the most cynical act of treachery in modern history.

(APPLAUSE)

COSTELLO: We'll step away from President Poroshenko's address to this joint meeting of Congress and bring in our national security correspondent, Jim Sciutto. He got a warm reception. His remarks seem to be strike a cord with lawmakers.

SCIUTTO: For sure. Very emotional remarks, very emotional thanks, talking about the symbolism of the unity and solidarity that the U.S. has shown with Ukraine, both in its support for the protests that help remove the predecessor and what led to his own election and also since then in standing up to Russia.

He had another line that brought a great deal of applause from the joint session of Congress saying there's one thing at the core of Ukraine's existence, that is freedom. This is quite a platform for the Ukrainian president.

He know this is a great honor. He's acknowledging that and also acknowledging American support to this point. You'll remember that during those Maidan protests, which brought down the previous government of the pro-Russian leader, Viktor Yanukovych, you had U.S. officials going out into the square in Kiev, feeding them food.

Calling out Russia when there were accusations that Russian snipers were shooting and killing some of the protesters. So this is a chance not just for President Poroshenko to come here and ask for additional aid, but to express thanks and gratitude to the U.S., members of Congress, to the administration for their support so far.

This has been a difficult year for this country. It's torn by protests. It brought down a government and now by a war on its soil in the middle of Europe. It's a difficult time, and he's taken this chance to thank the U.S. for its support.

COSTELLO: All right, Jim Sciutto, many thanks to you. I have to take a break. We'll be back with much more in the NEWSROOM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: In the wake of felony child abuse charges, NFL star, Adrian Peterson has been deactivated by the Minnesota Vikings and dropped by high profile sponsors. This morning he's getting strong support from someone close to him, his mother, Bonita Jackson.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Jackson tells the "Houston Chronicle" in part, quote, "When you whip those you love, it's not about abuse, it's about love. You want to make them understand they did wrong," end quote.

She said Peterson was using the same discipline he received as a child, noting she and his father were big disciplinarians and trying to prepare their children for the real world.

Also today there is yet another controversy involving an NFL player, as Jonathan Dwyer, backup running back for the Arizona Cardinals finds himself deactivated in the wake of allegations of domestic violence. CNN entertainment correspondent Nischelle Turner joins me with more on that.

NISCHELLE TURNER, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: It's not groundhog's day. With everything going on in the NFL and the spotlight squarely on player conducted and domestic violence, seemingly the last thing we thought was we would wake up this morning and see yet another player arrested for violence against women.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: It's Dwyer, he's in.

TURNER (voice-over): Jonathan Dwyer, a running back for the Arizona Cardinals is the sixth NFL player making headlines for alleged abuse in the past few days. Dwyer arrested at the Cardinals training facility yesterday and making his first court appearance overnight.

This all stemming with a slew of alleged abuse beginning in late July including one count of aggravated assault against a 27-year-old female causing a fracture and another involving his 18-month-old child.

SGT. TRENT CRUMP, PHOENIX POLICE: He has been interviewed by our detectives. He has admitted involvement in the incidents, however, has denied allegations of physical assault.

TURNER: Police say during one incident, he threw a shoe at the 18- month-old then tossed the cell phone of the female victim out the window preventing her from calling police.