Return to Transcripts main page

Connect the World

Tunisia Arrests Eight In Connection With Recent Terrorist Attacks; Markets React to Greek Uncertainty; Former Israeli President Shimon Peres on Iranian Nuclear Talks; Can Libya Force Unity Government? Aired 11:00a- 12:00p ET

Aired July 02, 2015 - 11:00   ET

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

[11:00:19] BECKY ANDERSON, HOST: After the terror on the beach, new arrests and leads in the Tunisian resort massacre.

Hello, and welcome from Abu Dhabi. Coming up, we're going to explore the suspect's link to extremists in Libya.

Also ahead this hour, fighting terror a week after Kuwait's worst terrorist attack in years. We'll ask the country's parliament speaker what

the country is doing to prevent a repeat.

And later, these celebrity pranks gone viral. Paris Hilton is punked over the skies of Dubai -- or was it a hoax?

ANNOUNCER: Live from CNN Abu Dhabi, this is Connect the World with Becky Anderson.

ANDERSON: And just after 7:00 in the evening, a very good evening from the UAE here. Tunisian authorities are reporting major progress in

the investigation of a mass shooting in Sousse. They say the terror network behind the attack has been, and I quote, uncovered, or at least one

suspect they say is still at large. Authorities now say eight suspects have been arrested, including a woman.

A lone gunman massacred 38 people at a beach resort last Friday, 30 of them were British tourists.

Let's get the very latest now from Phil Black who tonight is in Tunisian capital for you.

And by uncovered, what do authorities mean, Phil?

PHIL BLACK, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: What we think they mean, Becky, is that they have discovered a cache of information, likely part of

the telephone that the gunmen through into the sea when he'd largely completed his massacre. They say they have his laptop as well.

And so they say they are working to disrupt this dangerous, they say, terror network. That's according to a prosecutor that we spoke to today.

But they're deliberately being cautious in the information that they're releasing publicly, because they don't want to tip off the people

they are still hunting. Eight, you're right, they have in custody so far, including a woman, but they are still looking for more.

Today, the interior ministry again released a photo of a specific suspect that they are looking for. They've done it twice before, this

week. In this case, a 29-year-old man. who they say played a role not only in the resort attack at Sousse, but also in the Bardo museum attack here in

the capital Tunis back in March in which 22 people were killed.

It fits, because the authorities say they are pursuing a theory that both of these events were linked, that the gunmen involved in both

massacres trained together in Libya -- Becky.

ANDERSON: Meantime, more victims have been identified, more bodies flown home. And a vow by Tunisia to up its security not only in these

tourist resorts, but around the country as well with credible reports, I have to say, certainly that's what I was hearing when I was in Tunisia over

the past five days of more threats or possible attacks to come.

BLACK: That's right. So, in terms of the victims, they have all now finally been identified formally, at last. That total, 38, the figure for

the British citizens confirmed at 30. You've then got three Irish, two German and then one each form Belgium, Portugal and Russia.

In addition to that, all the injured have now been released from the hospitals or moved from the hospitals in the immediate area around the

resort where the attack happened.

And when it comes to the tourism industry more broadly here, yes, all of the hotels and resorts have been sent a decree about meeting new

standards, tightening up their security largely pointing to the need for greater surveillance, improved security and video cameras, that sort of

thing.

And as we speak, the number of armed guards patrolling tourist areas is being ramped up as well. In some cases, it's visible security in

uniform. In others, the government says, it will be people in civilian clothing, plain clothing so that tourists are not made to feel

uncomfortable about enjoying holidays beneath the eyes of armed security forces, Becky.

ANDERSON: Yeah. Phil Black is in Tunis in Tunisia for you this evening. Thank you, Phil.

As we mentioned, the vast majority of those killed in last week's beach massacre were British. Today, there were discussions in Britain's

parliament over the UK's role in fighting ISIS, and specifically using airstrikes in Syria.

Now, at the moment, the UK only bombing targets in Iraq.

I want to get you live to London now and speak to CNN's Max Foster.

And the British government clearly feels it needs to do more to stop the scourge that is ISIS at source. What's the likelihood, though, Max, of

British airstrikes, for example, over Syria, particularly as an earlier effort to do just that back in 2013, was vetoed by the House of Commons.

[11:05:17] MAX FOSTER, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it was actually -- yeah, they tried two years ago. Actually, the prime minister

could go ahead without the permission of the houses of parliament and the House of Commons. But actually their policy is to always get approval from

most of the other MPs in the country.

So, they tried that two years ago and it was voted down. And opposition Labour Party really citing at the time that they didn't see it

as appropriate to have a mission to unseat President Assad, that wasn't enough, who would fill the vacuum. That was why it was voted down two

years ago.

But, well, the defense secretary today was doing was really paving the way for another vote in parliament on airstrikes in Syria as well as Iraq,

as you point out. But the mission this time would be to attack ISIS.

So, the opposition Labour Party have indicated they would support that because the mission isn't to unseat President Assad.

So, very careful language around this,a s you can hear now from the defense secretary.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BRITISH DEFENSE SECRETARY: Our position, therefore, remains that we would return to this house for approval before conducting airstrikes in

Syria, the exception, as the House knows, is that there was a critical national -- British national interest at stake, or the need to act to

prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

But we are also clear that any action we take must not provide any succor to Assad or Assad's regime.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: Well, all of the language, really, around the responses, the political responses, Becky, since the attack in Tunisia from the UK has

always brought in this global fight against terror. It's brought in ISIS. So this has been a talking point over the last week as the fallout, the

British fallout, specifically, from Tunisia has set in.

ANDERSON: Max Foster reporting for you.

Egypt vowing to crush an Islamic insurgency in the Sinai after the deadliest clashes there in years. We are hearing reports that the

government launched new airstrikes today, killing nearly two dozens militants.

Now SIIS is claiming responsibility for Wednesday's coordinated attacks against security forces that focus on the town of Sheikh Zuweid.

Military called in air support to help regain control of the situation. Egypt says 17 soldiers and some 100 militants were killed.

Now Israel among those keeping a close eye on developments saying terrorists are knocking at its borders.

(BEGIN VDIEO CLIP)

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: We've seen ISIS at the gates across the border in the Golan, across the border in Egypt.

We sent our condolences to the government and people Egypt for the fallen Egyptians slayed by ISIS terror.

We must stand up to all the forces of militant Islam: those led by Iran, those led by ISIS.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well, why the Sinai attacks were underway, police in Cairo raided an apartment killing nine Muslim Brotherhood members. They say the

men were plotting terror attacks when opened fire when approached.

Well, the Brotherhood denies that and says the men were killed in cold blood and it's now calling for a revolt against the government of Abdel

Fattah el-Sisi.

The Brotherhood issued a statement saying, quote, "this unjust tyrant has done his worst. Rise in revolt to defend your homeland, your lives and

your children. Oust the heinous murderer. Reclaim Egypt once against."

The statement from the Muslim Brotherhood.

Well, Egypt pledged tougher anti-terror measures after the country's attorney general was assassinated in a car bombing on Monday.

Other judges have been targeted as well in recent weeks. Militants have called for revenge for what they say are death sentences handed down

to hundreds of Islamists.

You're watching Connect the World with me Becky Anderson out of the UAE this evening. At nine minutes past 7:00 still to come, as the queues

grow longer, patience begins to wear thin, confusion and frustration reign in Greece as bailout talks grind to a halt ahead of what is now a key vote

on Sunday.

And as Kuwait mourns its dead from last week's mosque attack, it also prepares a new line of defense. I'll be speaking to the speaker of

parliament about plans for a DNA database and how the Iran nuclear talks are rattling the region. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:12:05] ANDERSON: You're watching CNN. This is Connect the World with me Becky Anderson. 11 minutes past 7:00 in the UAE. A very good

evening to you.

Nearly one week ago, a bomb ripped through a Kuwaiti mosque during Friday prayer, I'm sure you will remember that. 27 people were killed in

the attack claimed by ISIS, the latest on Shia Muslims in recent weeks.

CNN's Ian Lee gained exclusive access to the scene of the crime in the following days, the carnage, and got a sense of a country determined to

resist attempts to sow sectarian strife.

Let's remind ourselves of what he found. A warning, though, some viewers may find these images disturbing.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

IAN LEE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Carnage frozen in time. Pieces of lives lost. An ISIS suicide bomber terrorizing a house of

worship.

YAQOUB AL-HAMAD, WITNESS: We did not do anything to instigate this. God, we were just praying for god's sake.

LEE: Video obtained by CNN shows the chaos seconds after the explosion that killed at least 27 and injured more than 200.

The perpetrator named as this man Fahad al-Gabbaa, a Saudi national. Despite multiple arrests, many feel uneasy.

UNIDENITIFIED MALE: How am I supposed to convince my son, my 13-year- old son, to come to Friday -- just come to the mosque next time. What guarantees to I have to give them?

LEE: Among the rubble of Imam Sadiq mosque, we find Ali al-Moqman (ph) praying. The ISIS bomber killed four of his close friends.

Police show me where the massive explosion ripped through the mosque.

Dr. Nael al-Hasem (ph) aided the victims, but only after searching for his sons.

UNIDENIFIED MALE: The only thing I was thinking about were my kids. And then I went back to look for them. And then just like they were just

coming -- doing the same thing, running to me. And they were coming to me and holding me. And I was looking at my son and he had blood coming from

his hand and his foot.

And I told him, are you OK, but he was in so shocked mood that he could not even talk.

LEE: The boys would be OK, but many others wouldn't be.

In Kuwait's main hospital, we find some of the youngest victims. Family members have yet to tell 9-year-old Ali his father was killed.

For now, they distract him with cartoons.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Structural engineer.

LEE: 14-year-old Mohammed al-Atar (ph) dreams of being an engineer.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And shockwave sent me flying. So I fell. And beside me was like a library, so I was distracted and it fell on me.

But then my father picked -- pulled me away from the carnage and he took me outside.

LEE: Mohammed (ph) lost a toe, but some of the damage you can't see.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: But I feel incapable, because I can't work. I can't like do anything, just sit here, and I can't do anything. And I --

like I feel alone, because if a lot of family members come visit me, but because I can't hear very well so it's like I'm isolated alone.

LEE: There's a sense of unity in Kuwait, a rare commodity these days in the Middle East. Sunni and Shiite coming together in the face of

terror.

A local youth group delivers flowers to the victims. A heavy door saved Saleh al-Hasem's (ph) life while everyone around him was killed.

Are you angry or how do you feel now?

UNIDENIFIED MALE: No, no. I'm not angry. I'm happy. That's what's happened make the Kuwaitis together again, more. I see love. I see love

in the Kuwaiti eyes.

LEE: In the aftermath of the worst of humanity, the best shines through.

Ian Lee, CNN, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: Well, for more on what this Gulf nation is grappling with I'm joined now by Marzouq al-Ghanim the speaker of the Kuwaiti parliament.

And, sir, we thank you for joining us. A determination, then, not to let the attacks divide the country as we saw in Ian's report, but ISIS intent

on doing just that, creating sectarian havoc. What are you doing to ensure the country doesn't become even more of a victim?

All right, sounds as if we haven't established decent communications with our guest. I'm going to move on, take a break, establish our guest

for you and come back. Doing this at 15 minutes past 7:00 -- 90 seconds or so.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:17:08] ANDERSON: You want to go with it?

All right, we just before the break we were talking about how the Gulf nation of Kuwait is grappling with the fallout from the terror attack, of

course, last Friday.

I'm joined by Marzouq al-Ghanim, the speaker of the Kuwaiti parliament who I think now can hear us.

I was saying, a determination not to let the attacks divide your country, but these militant groups are intent on doing just that. What are

you doing to ensure the country's security?

MARZOUQ AL-GHANIM, SPEAKER, KUWAIT PARLIAMENT: Yes, hi, Becky. The Kuwait -- the mood between the government, parliament, the people, the

whole public. We are united and the solidarity at the highest level. So we're all trying to do whatever it takes to ensure such attacks do not

occur again.

The parliament, which is representing all shades of the community held an emergency meetings immediately after the attack and we held many

meetings with the government. And as a matter of fact yesterday we passed two security laws that should help in preventing such attacks from

happening in the future.

One of them was a database -- DNA database for all Kuwaitis and all visitors. And the weapon collection in addition to many previous laws.

So, many -- this is a shock to the Kuwaiti community. We are a very small community. We know the objectives of the attackers. And I think

from day one, the Kuwaitis -- or from the very first moments Kuwaitis have painted a very beautiful painting of cohesion and solidarity and unity.

So, we're doing everything. We're doing whatever it takes to prevent such cowardly acts from happening again.

ANDERSON: OK. This DNA testing of every citizens and foreign resident in the country, that is more than 4 million people.

Let's talk about that. That law was passed by parliament on Wednesday and is pending government approval. A lawmaker in attendance, Halil al-

Salaa (ph) told CNN that anybody entering Kuwaiti territory, even as a tourist, will also have to have their DNA on file.

AL-GHANIM: Can you slow down, Becky, please, because I can't hear you.

ANDERSON: All right.

Let's talk about this DNA testing. The suggestion that you will be testing every citizen, foreign resident and tourists is quite a tradeoff

between security and privacy isn't it?

AL-GHANIM: Becky, as I said earlier, we are determined to win this war. We did not choose to fight this war, but it was imposed on us. And

we are determined to win against the terrorism and against ISIS in particular. And we will do whatever it takes to win this war.

Now the DNA database was needed. We're very proud of our minister of interior -- all the police power what they did in finding the criminals

within 48 hours, but many things have helped us like collecting the car number and other signs. This might not happen in the future.

So, getting -- or having database, DNA database is of an extreme importance. And everybody has to sacrifice in such a difficult times.

So, we don't see any problem. And as a matter of fact devoting and in the parliament this legislative had a super majority, I mean, 51 out of 52

voted for this.

ANDERSON: All right. We're going to leave it there. Apologies for the communications failure at the top of the interview, but we thank you

very much indeed for joining us. The speaker of parliament in Kuwait.

Let's turn to the crisis in Greece now, and the IMF managing director Christine Lagarde is slamming the country's approach to its debt

negotiations. This comes as the country's creditors put bailout talks on hold until after Sunday's referendum. Let's have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHRISTINE LAGARDE, IMF MANAGING DIRECTOR: Given the level of uncertainty, confusions and constant movement, and I think a bit more

adulthood would still be needed, yeah.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Al right, well the Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is urging voters to reject the bailout terms that creditors demanded last week as the

price of further aid. It essentially leaves the nation and its people in a state of paralysis. Lines like this will remain outside Greek banks as

capital controls are likely to stay in place. The banks have been closed all week, and ATM withdrawals are limited.

Well, let's get the latest now on the situation. CNN's Maggie Lake joining us now live from New York.

Interestingly, and we'll get to the sort of story in Greece. I'm just thinking about what the markets have been doing over the last, what, 24 to

36 hours. Kind of pricing in a result at this point, or at least pricing out the risk and beginning to see past this. But if you're Greek or if

you're a tourist traveling to Greece, this is by no means over, is it Maggie?

MAGGIE LAKE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: No, it's not.

And Becky, you know, I think the markets realize it's not over either. You're not seeing the fallout in markets, because they don't believe this

is a contagion event.

But they do understand that this is a very pivotal moment in Euroe's history, not just Greece's but Europe's history. And they are very

uncertain themselves as to what's going to happen.

So, investors sort of stepping to the sideline, like the rest of us, and taking a wait and see attitude. Everything hinging on this referendum

that is going to take place on Sunday.

And interestingly, our colleague Richard Quest just spoke to the finance minister, one of the men central to this drama, Yani Varoufakis,

and he was absolutely defiant in his tone. The rhetoric remains extremely high and tense between Greece and its European partners.

He accused the European creditors of blackmailing the Greece people, forcing the closure of the banks, resulting in the lines that you see. And

he said that, you know, the decision now lies in the hands of the Greek people in terms of which way they want to move forward. Have a listen to

what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

YANIS VAROUFAKIS, GREEK FINANCE MINISTER: We fought very hard for the Greek people to have the right to say yes or to say no.

If they say yes, we will respect it. How we're going to do it and who will be the minister who signs it into law is neither here nor there.

I've already declared it won't be me, because I am not in the business of extending and pretending. I was elected -- we were elected on a

platform of ending the extend and pretend.

But, if the Greek people, under duress imposed upon them by closed banks from the euro group, decide that they want to say yes to the

institutions. We consider this a kind of acquiescence to blackmail.

But if they want to do it that way, we will surely respect it. And we will do whatever it takes politically to make sure that their decision is

abided by.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[11:25:16] LAKE: Becky, this is very important. The government insisting that a no vote will put them back at the table with their

European creditors and give them the ability and mandate to negotiate a better deal. If it's a yes vote, you heard Varoufakis say he will resign.

Many think that the government itself will step aside to for a new government. We don't know that.

Everyone else, in the markets and the European creditors believe that this referendum is about something different, this referendum is yes I want

to stay in the euro zone, no I do not want to stay in the euro zone. And with a no vote it will be the beginning of a Greek exit of the euro zone.

So, two very different narratives taking place. And I think that has investors concerned.

ANDERSON: Yeah, and I think it has a lot of people concerned about the naivete of a government that is so relatively new, but given such a

mandate to not back these -- what they saw as (inaudible) austerity measures that the Greeks simply decided they didn't want. And that was a

government that was voted in on that mandate, wasn't it.

So, they clearly feel as if they've -- that they're in a position of power here.

But, it's incredibly confusing. Markets hate uncertainty, as do -- as do all of us, right. The man on the street, the bloke who runs a business

-- I know you've been speaking to Greek business owners. What have they been telling you?

LAKE: That it's a very dire situation, Becky.

And you're right.

And lost in all of this, whether the government is naive or whether they understand something about the euro group that we don't, we just don't

know. I mean, they clearly believe that this troop will talk to them, that they don't really want them.

So, there is a brinkmanship game going on. And we're not at that table.

But one thing that should not be lost on anyone is this is a humanitarian crisis taking place in Greece. There is no doubt about that,

not matter what stat you look at, and now in the week of -- there have been capital controls in place. It is getting harder and harder to, you know,

have ordinary life go on.

For the business people we were talking to, one said, listen, we're not even able to pay foreign suppliers anymore. Our credit card

transactions are not going through. If you hold a credit card that was issued in Greece, even if you are not in Greece, even if you are abroad,

even if you are trying to download an app from an app store, you are getting payment decline.

So, it is getting very hard to have businesses go on, which is only exacerbating the economic dire straits that that country is in.

So, very serious situation. The stakes are so high, Becky.

ANDERSON: Yeah. Another week before this -- it's not another week, in fact, it's Thursday today. So another four -- what, three, four days

before this referendum on Sunday, the result of which will of course be late Sunday night Greek time and into Monday morning.

Maggie, always a pleasure. Thank you.

You can see the rest of Richard's interview with the Greek finance minister coming up on Quest Means Business. That starts at 9p local, 11:00

p.m. in Athens, midnight here in Abu Dhabi only on CNN.

The latest world news headlines, of course, are just ahead at the bottom of this hour.

And a growing ISIS presence in a lawless Libya and the effects are felt by its neighbors. I'll talk to UN envoy to Libya about the prospects

for a political deal.

Before we go, a sombering homecoming -- a somber, sorry, homecoming is once against underway in Britain. These images are coming to us from the

Royal Air force Base at Brize Norton in central England. It was this time on Wednesday that we saw a similar flight bringing eight of the Britons

killed in a Tunisia terror attack home for the last time.

38 people died at the hands of a lone gunman.

As identifications were made of the victims, it quickly became clear Britain had suffered the heaviest loss in the attack, accounting for 30 of

those killed, that makes the rampage the most significant attack against British citizens since the London transport bombings 10 years ago.

Belgium, Germany, France -- sorry, Russia and Ireland also mourning the loss of citizens.

We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:32:00] ANDERSON: You're watching Connect the World with me Becky Anderson. The top stories for you this hour.

At least 38 people have died in a ferry accident in the Philippines. The Red Cross says the boat capsized just minutes after leaving port. More

than 130 people have been rescued, but 17 are still missing. They're feared to be trapped inside the hull of what is a wooden ferry.

Britain's parliament has been discussing the possibility of targeting ISIS in Syria. At the moment, British planes only strike targets in Iraq.

Defense Secretary Michael Fallon told lawmakers the extremist needs to be targeted at their source.

Tunisian authorities say they have uncovered the terror network behind the beach massacre in Sousse. They say they've arrested eight people,

including a woman, but at least one suspect , this man, is still on the loose. 38 tourists were killed in that attack.

Well, as we've learned over the last few days, the Tunisian gunman, like two others who attacked tourists back in March at the Bardo museum was

trained in Libya with ISIS. The group has a growing presence in Libya, taking advantage of infighting between rival governments and a myriad of

militia. And Tunisia is not the only North African state to suffer.

Militant jihadists murdered -- or ISIS themselves murdering 21 Egyptian Christians on a Libyan beach in February, prompting worldwide

revulsion and Egyptian-led airstrikes.

Well, I'm joined by Bernadino Leon, who is the UN special envoy for Libya and the man bring to bring rival factions together into a unity

government.

As we start, do these Tunisian attacks represent a failure of the international community in Libya?

BERNADINO LEON, UN SPECIAL ENVOY TO LIBYA: Well, so far I think it's a collective failure. I think first of all the (inaudible) hurt

themselves. We're not able to agree on a joint project of society after they made the revolution. And I think also the international community

failed to stay and to accompany these processes.

So, we have to go from this collective failure to a collective success, which is what we are trying to do now.

ANDERSON: Yeah, well let's talk about that.

The recent attack in Tunisia clearly a wakeup call to the warring factions and the international community about the seriousness of the

threat emanating from what is a lawless Libya.

Now you have recently presented a draft of what is being termed a series of political agreements that will help Libya transition out of the

current impasse. What do you say to your critics who say your plane is providing too many concessions to potential, or Islamists who could be

verging on extremism and is simply formalizing a status quo without dealing with any of the outstanding issues?

LEON: I don't think this is fair. We have presented a proposal in which the legitimate parliament that has been the democratically elected

with the one recognized as the only (inaudible). And at the same time, we have proposed that there are (inaudible) of the Libyans can have a say so

that the system in the coming two years will be decided by consensus.

The part that we have seen hard liners in both camps opposing these proposals and moderates in both camps supporting it make us think that we

are in the right way, and that it is something that can be supported by moderates all around Libya.

I think it's a reasonable proposal.

ANDERSON: Are there moderates in the -- are there enough moderates on each side of this? I mean, you talk to anybody who is in the -- of what is

known as the legitimate internationally recognized government and they say quite frankly that the government in Libya, in Tripoli, who you are

speaking to and extending the mandate for, isn't anybody that we should be doing business with, or the international community should be doing

business with.

What do you say?

LEON: Well, the international community has been supporting the legitimacy and keeps still today supporting this legitimacy.

However, the problem in the country is not a legal problem. I would say not even a political problem, it's a problem is a civil war where you

have a country divided with two governments. We are in a (inaudible) at the same time as you very rightly pointed out before, there are attacks by

Daesh. Daesh is not only attacking with terrorist actions in some cities, but it's also occupying part of the Libyans land in the center of the

country.

This is becoming a huge threat and at the same time we are risking an economic collapse.

So, we had to do something to overcome this impasse.

And this is why the international community, and this is what we are doing here in (inaudible) is pushing very strongly for this draft to be

accepted. It's, as I said before, it implies concessions from everyone. It's a reasonable agreement and I hope that the Libyans, especially those

from Tripoli who are rejecting the agreement now will understand that this is the only option.

ANDERSON: I just -- yeah, I just wonder whether getting an agreement is one thing, getting a workable government, unity government, is a

completely different thing. And meantime, Libyans themselves suffering hugely.

I sat down with the Tunisian prime minister this week following the attack in Sousse. He told me the turmoil in Libya has a huge effect on

Tunisia and time running out to stabilize a country.

Have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HABIB ESSID, TUNISIAN PRIME MINISTER: We have 520 kilometers of borders with Libya. Everything could happen through this border. On the

other side you don't have a state, you have groups, you have -- so it's very important for us, the dangers comes from Libya. People are

(inaudible) and people come back to Tunisia.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: That was the Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid speaking to me earlier.

But I do a lay on, as time passes, as we see these attacks in Tunisia, this porous border clearly a concern not just for Tunisia but for the rest

of the region and for Europe and the rest of the world, are you more or less optimistic at this point about the future?

ESSID: Well, I think we have to be realistic. And the situation is not easy.

We didn't have a vote in Tripoli yesterday. And this vote didn't happen because I believe the hard liners in Tripoli, the spoilers, the

people who never wanted a political agreement, the people who represent the most radical groups, do not want the people to vote in Tripoli because they

are -- they are sure that there will be a majority of moderates.

So, I think this is something very serious. This is something we have to take into account. It is going to be difficult in the coming days.

However, I know the moderates in Tripoli are working very hard to try to have a vote. And here in (inaudible) what I can tell you is that the

mood is concerned, but open. Concerned because we have to go ahead, because Libya cannot wait any more and the region cannot wait any more.

And at the same time, it is open. We want to leave the door open for those in Tripoli, those moderates to vote and to join, but not at the price of

the delaying (inaudible) so much that Libya fall in (inaudible) players with terrorism and the financial problems they are facing now.

ANDERSON: You make a very good point.

And for the time being, we'll leave it there, but stay in touch and we'll be chatting to you in the days and weeks to come.

Live from Abu Dhabi, this is Connect the World. Coming up, African Startup, we take a look at a Kenyan company taking traditional Masai

clothing and changing it into urban wear.

Plus, an extension is well underway in talks over limiting Iran's nuclear program, but are negotiators any closer to a deal? All that coming

up after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

[11:43:15] UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A photo shoot in downtown Nairobi, along with the model, the fabric takes center stage.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our dominant fabric is Masai shuka. It's a very ideal, because of its' signature. You can just (inaudible) notice this is

our brand.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A brand paying homage to Kenya's Masai culture by turning traditional wear into fashionable urban wear. The company

behind this vision is Waan Fam.

UNIDENTFIED MALE: The demand for local products has actually gone up. People are actually trying to get more African products so that means it's

actually a big market for local designers.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A market Jeff and Emanuel Wanjala (ph) look to capitalize on when they launched their business in 2009. One of their

major successes came in 2013.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We had a collection called 1963 Collection. It was basically to commemorate 50 years of independence. This was one of the

best sales we ever had, because we had launched it on a Friday (inaudible) collection.

The Letterman collection, they're college jackets. We sold like almost fifty pieces in two weeks.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: These days Wan Faam (ph) says it sells up to 100 units a month. Bags go for $18, Jackets $29.

The company says it makes a good profit, but contends with piracy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Once you make a good product, automatically people start (inaudible). So, the new clients started thinking actually they are

imitating other products.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Changing that perception means keeping their production standards high and maintaining customer loyalty.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We want to create a good products and create demand.

I would tell anyone who is (inaudible) start a local brand, don't compromise on quality. That's number one. And don't give up on whatever

you want to be. Just do what you love. And the rest will fall.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: Welcome back. You're with Connect the World.

And negotiations over Iran's nuclear program have now stretched into what is a second day of overtime.

Iran's foreign minister and negotiators from six world powers are still in Vienna trying to nail down a final agreement. They missed their

initial deadline and have set a new one of next Tuesday.

Well, a short time ago, China's foreign minister said he sees, and I quote, a high possibility of reaching a deal.

But Iran's vice president, or one of them anyway, insists some concessions must be made.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MASOUD SOLTANIFAR, IRANIAN VICE PRESIDENT FOR CULTUR AFFAIRS (through translator): The Iranian side has already shown a serious will to resolve

this issue in the previous negotiations. Hopefully this deal will be finalized and signed. All of this depends on the demands of the P5+1

countries. If they come away from their excessive demands, then for sure an agreement will be signed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well, the negotiations with Iran have been heavily criticized by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But the

country's former President Shimon Peres is voicing support for the talks. He spoke exclusively to CNN's Oren Liebermann who joins us now from

Jerusalem -- Oren.

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And Becky, very different views here from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has been one of these

negotiations and this deal's biggest critics. And then from former President Shimon Peres who says he has faith in the deal and faith in

negotiators to make sure that this deal and Iran with nuclear capabilities could help stabilize the region and ensure the safety of Israel.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHIMON PERES, FRM. PRESIDENT OF ISRAEL: The issue is very hard to even though to belittle or to find an easy solution. And this is really

the key to the situation.

Because in order to make sure not that Iran doesn't have right now a bomb, but they are not going to have a bomb, say, in the coming decade.

The only way is either to keep your soldiers there for the coming 10 years, or to establish a system of verification that makes it true they are

following their agreement. And I think now it's about the nature of verification of inspection, to make sure that what they have promised and

people are skeptical about their promise, will really be accepted by them fully.

I don't think that the president will compromise in it. I think the president keeps his world to this very day said Iran should not become a

nuclear country. And that's their sense of the negotiations.

LIEBERMANN: What would a deal mean for Israel?

PERES: Israel think, too. A, that in order to stop Iran from having a bomb you need a world coalition. And Obama worked very hard to establish

such a coalition that comprises China, Russia, the United Europe, if you don't have a coalition like it, you wouldn't be able to have a deal with

the Iranians.

And it has to have also a coalition at home between the two parties. And it's not the same nature.

But he established the coalition, and that's an important condition.

LIEBERMANN: Does the military option remain on the table, even if there is a deal?

PERES: The deal is to replace the military option. To support it only if they will fight, or they'll change their minds in the middle?

LIEBERMANN: How would you describe specifically on Iran your outlook over the next few weeks and months?

PERES: My answer is it's still in negotiations. In negotiations every party uses tactics and uses declaration.

So, I think none of them gave up the main target for the United States, not the neighbor Iran to become nuclear. I think the president

said clearly if I shall not achieve the major target, I shall not sign. And I believe it.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LIEBERMANN: Former President Shimon Peres says if there is a deal, that deal would contain inspections that are deep enough, that are

penetrating enough, to ensure that Iran does not get a bomb, but he wouldn't say definitively whether there would or wouldn't be a deal. He

says inspections, though, will be a part of that deal if it happens.

We are all watching, Becky. Always fascinating to get Shimon Peres's perspective.

ANDERSON: Yeah. And it's no real surprise that he holds divergent views to Benjamin Netanyahu. I spoke to him this time last year during the

Gaza conflict and certainly, you know, he had arguments that weren't supportive of the prime minister at the time.

But I wonder how much Shimon Peres' views actually reflect those of the Israeli public as opposed to the position that Benjamin Netanyahu has

taken re: Iran?

[11:50:23] LIEBERMANN: Well, there is very much that's split. Many here agree with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that any deal, or at

least a deal being formulated right now would leave Israel in an unsafe, unsecure position. it would open the door for Iran to get nuclear weapons.

But, as with almost any subject here, there is that split in the public, there is that split in public opinion, and there are some, perhaps

many here, who also agree with President Peres, who see the deal coming together, who see what President Obama and the foreign ministers are trying

to work into this deal. And they believe that it can keep Iran from being, from having nuclear weapons.

So, again, just like many other topics here, there is that split in public opinion between the side or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and

his very vocal side and then the side of the -- the more confident side, the more optimistic side of President Peres.

ANDERSON: Yeah, interesting.

All right, Oren, thank you.

Oren Liebermann is in Jerusalem for you this evening.

We're live in Abu Dhabi. This is Connect the World with me Becky Anderson. Coming up, no don't adjust your TV, it's not 2005, Paris Hilton

back in the news and she's apparently not very happy about it. I'm going to tell you why after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VDIEO CLIP)

DONAL TRUMP, 2016 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: CNN. So they do a poll, a nice poll. And they have me second. It's hard to believe I'm second to

Bush.

Our leaders are stupid people. They are incompetent. ISIS is building a hotel in Syria. They're competing against me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well, that is Mr. Donald Trump, the gift from the news gods that keeps on giving.

However, since launching his presidential campaign it's been a costly few weeks. Derogatory comments about Mexican immigrants threatened to

derail his train to the White House. As you can imagine, the Mexican community not too pleased and reacted by making pinatas of the man who

called them rapists and criminals.

Mind you, being full of chocolate will be one of the nicer things said about a politician in awhile.

Adding further strain for Trump's campaign, his affiliation with the department store Macys has also been ended.

Well, on your Parting Shots tonight, a TV prank in the United Arab Emirates generating a lot more than just laughs. The joke was on celebrity

Paris Hilton who got taken for quite a ride. She didn't find it funny, and yet she may still end up laughing all the way to the bank. Jeanne Moos has

our Partin Shots for you this evening.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Fasten your seatbelt, airplane prankster. TMZ reports Paris Hilton is going to sue.

While promoting a hotel in Dubai, Paris took a ride on a sight- seeing plane at the invitation of this Egyptian TV host and prankster.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What's happening?

MOOS: What's happening is a stunt pilot cuts the engine. The plane dives, Paris surrounded by actors, apparently thinks they're going down.

She later tweeted, "Scariest moment of my life."

They even opened the back door and threw someone out. Though he was wearing a parachute, they braced for a crash, then landed.

To her credit, Paris asked about the man who was thrown out.

[11:55:30] PARIS HILTON: Is that guy OK?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, yes.

MOOS: The host then comes clean about the prank.

This video has succeeded at something rarely achieved. It has made people sympathetic to Paris Hilton. People like Nancy Grace.

NANCY GRACE, TV HOST: I'll tell you what, if I were Paris Hilton, I would take these people to the cleaners.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And it's horrifying and she could suffer severe mental illness because of it.

MOOS: There are doubters.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think that she could have been part of this. Look how she is constantly moving her hair.

MOOS: But a lawsuit would show she wasn't in on it.

TMZ quotes sources as saying she is furious over this stunt and totally freaked out about flying.

CNN couldn't contact Paris or the prankster. NBC, the network that carries the show, told CNN, "We are only the broadcasters. So, we are not

liable for the content."

We have two words: Not funny. To make someone think they're going to die so you can die laughing.

Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: Well, what do you think of that? Send us an email, check out the Facebook site. You can follow working on there during the day.

Just go to Facebook.com/CNNConnect and get in touch with me @BeckyCNN or with the team at CNN Connect.

I'm Becky Anderson, that was Connect the World. From the team here, it's a very good evening from the UAE.

END