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Connect the World
Three Players Banned Over Cricket Ball-Tampering; North and South Korea Officials Set Summit Date; Brexit has One Year to Go and Some Pushing for a New Vote. Aired 11-12n ET
Aired March 29, 2018 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[16:00:00] BECKY ANDERSON, CNN ANCHOR: With a year to go before Brexit becomes a reality, these campaigners are trying to change people's minds
about the impending divorce. We'll go inside one of their strategy sessions later this hour.
Well, hello, and welcome. I'm Becky Anderson. This is CONNECT THE WORLD from our Abu Dhabi studios, just after 7:00 in the evening here.
There is new upheaval for Australia's cricket team. Cricket considered a gentleman's game but a cheating scandal involving Australia has exposed an
ugly side of the sport. Now, five days in, the head coach says he is stepping down. Darryl Lehmann says he'll leave after tomorrow's test match
against South Africa. Lehmann hasn't been named in the scandal, but he said ultimately, he is responsible for the team culture and this is the
right time, he said, to step away. Well, meantime, the three players banned over tampering with the ball have arrived back in Australia. Let's
kick this off with CNN's Andrew Stevens who has more on what was their emotional return.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANDREW STEVENS, CNN ASIA PACIFIC EDITOR (voice-over): Australia's champion cricket captain is not used to this sort of homecoming.
STEVE SMITH, FORMER CRICKET AUSTRALIA CAPTAIN: It's devastating and I'm truly sorry.
STEVENS: Steve Smith, ranked the best batsman in the world, now ban furry year for cheating. On Thursday, he faced the media and a cricket mad
nation that prides itself on winning fair.
SMITH: Cricket is the greatest game in the world. It's been my life, and I hope it can be again. I'm sorry, and I'm absolutely devastated.
STEVENS: Starring at defeat against South Africa in Cape Town, cameras caught Cameron Bancroft purposely damaging the ball in a way that would
make it more difficult for the opposition batsman to hit. Cricket Australia investigators say vice-captain David Warner was the architect of
the plan and it was Warner who convinced Bancroft to tamper with the ball. It was on Smith's watch. He and Warner have been hit with one-year bans,
up and coming young player Bancroft won't play for nine months.
CAMERON BANCROFT, BANNED CRICKET PLAYER: Not a second has gone by since last Saturday evening when I haven't wished to turn back time and do the
right thing during the lunch break. It is something I will regret for the rest of my life.
STEVENS: The cheating ploy was unlikely to change the final outcome of the match, but it's deeply affected an Australian public that had put the
players on a pedestal.
KEVIN RUDD, FORMER AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER: How on earth could Australians have done this? Because we're seen as a fair-minded people who
believe in the principles of fair play. And that image has now been violated.
STEVENS: Major sponsors of cricket in Australia are now dumping a team that once could do wrong. Smith and Warner have lost their million-dollar
contracts to play in India's domestic league. Instead, Cricket Australia says the players must return to play and support the game at its grassroots
where they hope to earn back the respect of heartbroken cricket fans at home and around the world. Andrew Stevens, CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: I want to do more on this with "WORLD SPORT's" Patrick Snell, who is today in Atlanta. Patrick, can these players regain their
reputations as that report was suggesting they'd been asked effectively to do?
PATRICK SNELL, CNN WORLD SPORT: Well, it all starts now, doesn't it Becky, for these three. Though interestingly, we've not heard in term of a press
conference from David Warner, but we certainly heard from an emotional Steve Smith there. We've heard from Cameron Bancroft as well. Just a
little addendum for you, well, we already knew that Smith and Warner had lost their highly lucrative Indian private league contracts, which Andrew
referenced in his piece. We now know that Cameron Bancroft has lost the opportunity to play for English County championship team Somerset. So,
he's lost that deal. He will not be their overseas player. So, that's a huge blow to him at 25 years of age, still a player looking to make his
mark in the game as a player with terrific talent.
Remember Steve Smith is the world's leading batsman with over 6,000 test runs to his name. And over 23 test centuries as well. But boy did we see
the emotions there. And a little nugget as well from what we didn't hear, he also spoke about and kind of gave an impassioned plea to kids in
Australia. He said, look, when you're weighing up a serious decision in life which you know could go either way, just think of the impact it has on
your parents. I thought that was really poignant as well.
The rehabilitation process, Becky, starts right now. These players have been encouraged to give back to the game. They can only play at club level
in Australia. They're not eligible for international competition. Never mind domestic professional cricket down under in Australia. They're only
eligible to play at club level and get involved in the community, rehabilitate themselves and a year from now, in theory at least, they could
all be playing again at the we shall see.
[11:05:02] ANDERSON: Well, look, a cheating scandal in any sport, Patrick, is a big deal. It's a big story. Cricket is massive. The big
competitions like the T20 World Cup can pull in half a billion viewers. What are the consequences for this team, do you think, but also for the
game in general?
SNELL: The spotlight is on this team like never before. We're going to get the fourth test of the current series with the pro-tiers that we South
African national cricket team. That one starts in Johannesburg on Friday. But as far as this trio is concerned, you know, they're the ones that have
held up their hands and said, look, we are responsible for this. Steve Smith says the buck stops with him. It was only the team's leadership that
knows. But broadening this out, I tell you what, the scrutiny on the international game is going to be like never before moving forward. There
have been many, many people who have been very quick to condemn. Let's just see what happens moving forward.
But I want to bring it back to the Australian head coach. I should now say the former Australian head coach, Darren Lehmann. He had said 24 hours ago
he was not resigning. Earlier today, he changed his tune and he came out with this. Let's take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DARREN LEHMANN, AUSTRALIAN CRICKET TEAM COACH: As I've stated before, I had no prior knowledge of the incident and do not condone what happened at
all, but good people can make mistakes. My family and I have had a lot of abuse over the last week and it's taken its toll on them. As many who sit
in this road, you know life on the road means a lot of time away from our loved ones and after speaking at length over the last few days. This is
the right time to step away.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SNELL: And Becky, let's just put a need bow on all this. This story has many legs to it. It seemingly developing with each and every passing hour,
following every step of the way. A little earlier within the last couple of hours, the CEO of Cricket Australia, James Sutherland, called a hasty
press conference, there was much speculation about that. But Sutherland coming out thinking Lehmann for his services and he would not, he
Sutherland, would not be resigning. Back to you.
ANDERSON: Fascinating. Patrick, always a pleasure. Thank you.
I want to get you to the Korean Peninsula now, viewers, where a remarkable meeting has laid the groundwork for what will be a very rare summit.
Senior officials from North and South Korea shook hands today in neutral territory, holding talks in what is known as the demilitarized zone. They
set a date for only the third summit ever between their respective countries. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will meet with the South Korean
president on April 27th. The latest in Kim's high series of high-level talks.
Let's bring in Ivan Watson he's following developments tonight from Seoul. And we have suggested that this is merely unique. Just how significant is
what we are seeing? And what are the consequences? We know that there is dialogue potentially between the U.S. and North Korea. Where are we at
with all of this?
IVAN WATSON, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, we've just had a summit between the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, and the Chinese
leader, Xi Jinping. We now have a fixed date for a one-day summit between the North Korean leader and the South Korean president. That's April 27th.
Again, along the demilitarized zone. And we know that President Trump has indicated that he's looking forward to a possible meeting with Kim Jong-un.
And as of now, it looks like it might take place at some point in May.
What we're seeing now is in relatively short order, Kim Jong-un going from being an international pariah with international sanctions being piled on
to him to now potentially meeting with a head of state month after month, three months in a row, and the leaders of China and the U.S., the two most
powerful countries in the world. It's a remarkable reversal, Becky. And on top of that, you have the Japanese now saying that they would like to
explore the possibility of a summit between Kim Jong-un and the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
So, a remarkable transformation in where North Korea sits from just a few months ago to today where it looks like heads of state are lining up to get
their chance to speak to the young dictator from Pyongyang -- Becky.
ANDERSON: Ivan Watson in Seoul for you, thank you.
[11:10:00] ANDERSON: Let's get you up to speed on some of the other stories that are on our radar right now. Venezuela's head prosecutor says
at least 68 people were killed in a prison fire west of Caracas. Family members demanded answers as they faced off with police in riot gear outside
the jail. It is not known what caused the fire or how many of the dead were visitors.
Protests have been called across Ireland after two international rugby players accused of rape walked free. 21-year-old woman says Paddy Jackson
and Stuart Olding assaulted her in Belfast two years ago, which they denied. The verdict has sparked an outcry in Ireland with thousands
gathering in support of the victim in several cities.
The U.S. city of Atlanta is still struggling to keep the local government running six days after a ransomware cyber-attack shut down the city's
computer systems. Now the mayor says hackers are demanding $51,000 but wouldn't say whether the city will pay.
Well, the daughter of a former Russian spy poisoned in a nerve agent attack is no longer in critical condition. Salisbury district hospital says Yulia
Skripal had responded well to treatment. Now this news comes as Russia accused the U.K. of blocking access to Skripal and her father. Britain
believes the pair were victims of an assassination attempt by Moscow.
Meanwhile, British police now focusing on Skripal's home in their investigation. For more on all of this, Nima Elbagir, is with us from
London. Good news from Salisbury for the Skripal family. We realize the importance of the Skripal house in the investigation. Now, can we, though,
just start with what we know about the victims at this point?
NIMA ELBAGIR, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, let me start with this welcome respite from the family. I want to read you the
statement from Salisbury hospital. Doctor Christine Blanshard says that I'm pleased to be able to report an improvement in the condition of Yulia
Skripal. She's responded well to treatment but continues to receive expert clinical care 24 hours a day.
Yulia's father, Sergei, Becky, remains in a critical but stable condition and that is a far cry from what the Prime Minister Theresa May expected to
happen. She had been led to believe that the Skripals may not ever recover from what they sustained. And as you say, this all comes as a clear focal
point in this investigation has emerged. Authorities are focusing on the door. Many speculating it's actually the door handle that has become the
locus of this investigation. That is where the highest concentration of this nerve agent has been found. And at least there is now a sense that
perhaps how this nerve agent was administered can finally be unraveled. And that really will be welcome news for many of the residents in Salisbury
who have been genuinely afraid, Becky, that this could be hiding around corners.
ANDERSON: All right. I thought we were just going to have a listen to some sound there. Nima thank you for that.
Live from CNN's Middle East program, we have you all tune in to CONNECT THE WORLD. Ahead --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was always telling us what to do. We want to make our own laws.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, we are making our own laws.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
Well the debates never end, it seems, but Britain's time in the E.U. sure is set to. End, that is. Today is a very big day for that. We're going
to tell you why and how it affects you. Up next.
[11:15:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In the end, the Leave campaign ended with 52 percent of the vote and finishing off a Prime Minister.
Theresa May found herself as the last conservative leadership candidate standing. A Prime Minister by default.
THERESA MAY, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: As we leave the European Union, we will forge a bold new positive role for ourselves in the world.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, that was then. And this is now. In between, well, almost two years of rock and roll politics, election scandals, leaks, firings, all
in the run-up to right now, Britain exactly one year away from breaking up with the EU. Brexit with it closing in so fast, the country's leader,
Theresa May, is whizzing to every corner of the realm today finding out what people from farmers in Belfast to homes London are making of it all.
Well her message along the way, the future is bright. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAY: I believe that we can negotiate a good agreement which is tariff free and frictionless trade as possible, so we maintain those markets in the EU.
But also, that we open up markets around the rest of the world. Brexit provides us with opportunities.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, the Prime Minister isn't the only one going up and down the country. Activists crisscrossing it as well, trying to convince people
that it's not too late to pull a U-turn. Maybe that's understandable. Have a look. The margin of victory, thin. But know this. A new poll
shows that people don't want to vote on this again. They just want to get on with it. CNN's Isa Soares helps us understand.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ISA SOARES, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's a Thursday evening and at this local community center in Birmingham, a last-ditch
effort to stop Brexit is under way.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just want to be a part of the family. We don't want to be isolated and on our own.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: None of it makes sense.
SOARES: it may sound like a therapy session for the news side.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: But Brexit has brought out the worst in certain sections of the British people. We're not like that.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It could mean a number of things really.
SOARES: But they are here to learn how to persuade their friends, their neighbors and elected officials to support a new vote on the final Brexit
deal.
ELOISE TODD, CEO, BEST FOR BRITAIN: We have to build the bridges in this country to get to a point where we all back a public vote on the deal.
SOARES: Eloise Todd heads Best for Britain. The group recently received a $700,000 donation from billionaire investor, George Soros, to hold sessions
like the one in Birmingham up and down the country.
TODD: Rather than just talking to people that might have voted a different way and telling people facts and figures, it's about opening up a
conversation and trying to understand, well, actually, tell me about why you voted to leave the European Union.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a democracy. We won. Get over it.
SOARES: And the first step to changing someone's mind, well, getting inside of it. Participants pair up. One person argues the leave side.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He was always telling is what to do. We want to make our own laws.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, we are making our own laws.
SOARES: And the other tries to persuade them that staying in the E.U. is the best solution.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are part of it. We are shaping its future.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Democracy doesn't stop. It's not one single point in time.
SOARES: And the issue brought up most by the Leave role players, immigration.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Speaking polish.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is that why we leave?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We don't, but we believe it.
SOARES: Pro-leave campaigners say the idea of a public vote on the final Brexit deal would threaten democracy in Britain.
RICHARD TICE, COCHAIRMAN, LEAVE MEANS LEAVE: People knew exactly what they were voting for. They were voting to bring back control from an overseas,
unelected bureaucracy back to this country.
[11:20:00] So that we could invoke our own laws, our own trade deals and take control of our own immigration policy. Of course, there's technical
detail to go through but people knew what they were voting for and they voted to leave.
SOARES: Anti-immigrant sentiment drove people to the polls in this part of the country during the 2016 referendum. The region called the West
Midlands voted for Brexit by a 60-40 margin. But a January survey conducted by "The Guardian" found the region would be nearly evenly split
if a new vote were held today. But Eloise Todd says doubt is creeping in now that the details of the deal are starting to emerge.
TODD: It's really important that people in this country know that we still have a choice. And in terms of the democratic nature of this, it's not
democratic to give any government a blank check.
SOARES: Isa Soares, CNN London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: So, what is going to be right with me from the very start, one man has been there helping us make sense of all this. Now we have Quentin
Peel housed from the British capital where he keeps his eye on Europe at the world-famous think tank Chatham House and writes for the esteemed
"Financial Times." Quentin, always a pleasure having you and welcome back. That film and the report that Isa filed, frame the argument to the extent
that Britain still has a choice in all of this. Does it? Let's just get that over and done with.
QUENTIN PEEL, EUROPE PROGAMME, CHATHAM HOUSE: I think there is a -- perhaps a 20 percent chance of this going to another referendum of some
sort. It won't be the same referendum again, in or out. It will be a do you want this deal or not? And at the moment, there are -- there is quite
a large majority who are unhappy with the way the government's negotiating. So, there is a lot of discomfort, and we saw that, really, when Theresa May
was badly punished when she called the general election earlier in the year and lost her majority. So that's the real problem for her. It's actually
the negotiations are looking a real nightmare.
ANDERSON: Well, one of those who is absolutely at the forefront of the discussion, the criticism of her negotiations is the former prime minister,
Tony Blair, speaking just hours ago. He reckons Brexit is becoming less of a sure thing. I want our viewers just to hear what he said. Let's have a
listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TONY BLAIR, FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: I think it's more likely we can stop it now than it was a few months ago. I always say to people, the
likelihood of it happens, but it doesn't have to happen.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The point is at the moment, negotiations, Quentin, are going ahead and a new poll does suggest that there is no real appetite for a
second referendum. So, is Tony Blair part of the out of touch vanguard, as it were, that never saw Brexit coming and so can't actually see it
happening?
PEEL: Well, I think there is a problem with Tony Blair and that is he's not a popular figure any longer. On the other hand, he is actually making
some quite reasonable arguments. So, there is a problem, if you like, that the 48 percent who were Remainers don't have strong political leadership.
And the business community, which is getting very uncomfortable about this whole process, is caught, if you like, between a pro-Brexit Conservative
Party and a very left wing and skeptical Labour Party, and they can't see any good outcome to this process at all.
I think there's, though, one other very important point we need to make, and that is the timetable that is officially out there that in one year's
time, Britain will leave, still looks to be an absurdly fast timetable. There is no way that we will know what the end deal is going to be within a
year.
ANDERSON: And your words are echoed by many. There are also, we must remember, many, many, many millions of people who voted out. You're in
London. All of it voted remain firmly. All of it that is except one part. Let's hear from a leave voter in Romford.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
Graham Givens, Voted to Leave EU: My name is graham givens. I've had a stall in the Romford market for over 20 years and I voted to leave. This
is why. Some of this stuff comes from here. Obviously, I've got the worry that might dry up. And stuff is gotten more expensive. I've had to shop
around more. I've had to change commodities, change lines. But it's a bigger picture. I've got three children. I need to think of them.
[11:25:00] You know, things aren't better. Things have only gotten worse in recent times. So, that's why I think if we leave, things will get
better again. Things will be better. At least not as many people will come here. I'm not prejudiced. I'm not racist. I have no problem with
migration, but not when it's a free for all.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Will the scale of people's hopes and worries to their families and their pockets amongst other things captured there. One colleague of
mine pointing out today that there are a lot of people who are kind of sick of people bringing up the stock Brexit points. It's just going to happen,
so get on with it, is what a lot of people say. Your thoughts?
PEEL: Well, it's an incredibly difficult process. I mean, Pascal Lamy, the former director general of the World Trade Organization, described it
beautifully as saying, you're trying to take an egg out of an omelet. It's actually going to be far more difficult than I think 90 percent of the
voters thought when they had this in/out choice. And it's going to be very uncomfortable for a lot of people.
Look at all the, if you like, the successful parts of the British economy from universities and research and development, they hate the idea of
Brexit. The financial services sector, they're deeply worried about the idea of Brexit. All the motor industry and the farmer industry. So, all
these major successful areas of the British economy are really on hold, waiting to see what the outcome will be. But there is a majority, clearly
there, there was in the referendum for Brexit, but it split the country right down the middle.
ANDERSON: Well, here's a man who was -- or is known as the man who broke the Bank of England, and he bills himself as a member of the liberal
democratic elite, George Soros. As we heard in Isa's piece, he's now giving $700,000, trying to help stop Brexit from going ahead. Quentin,
this is a man who makes big financial bets. Reportedly making more than $1 billion voting against sterling back when the referendum happened in 2016.
So, there will be those who have their suspicions about why he's getting involved and what his end game is. What do you think of this?
PEEL: Well, he has an extraordinary positive track record in trying to build and support democracy right across Central and Eastern Europe and in
the former Soviet Union. This is a man who's actually put his many billions of dollars into some very positive causes. He clearly believes
that Brexit is not a good idea, because it's putting up barriers between nations rather than demolishing those barriers.
But that's the real dilemma at the heart of the whole debate in Britain. It's those who are passionate about remaining part of the European Union
and as close to the rest of Europe as possible and those who really want to have, if you like, the old imperial global Britain which was closer to
Australia and Canada and the United States or indeed India and China, and really wasn't very European.
ANDERSON: Mr. Quentin Peel is CONNECT THE WORLD's main man on Brexit, beaming to us from the very heart of the story in London. Where of course
you work with Chatham House and the FT. Always a pleasure, thank you for joining us, and no doubt we will have you back very soon. Thank you.
Just ahead, Malala returns home. The young activist nearly killed for standing up for girls' education is back in Pakistan. Why? We'll get you
to Islamabad to answer that after this.
[11:30:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, has returned to Pakistan nearly six years after she was attacked by the
Taliban. The 20-year-old activist met with the country's Prime Minister in the capital of Islamabad earlier. She gave a speech and became, well,
quite emotional when speaking about her home.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MALALA YOUSAFZAI, NOBEL LAUREATE IN EDUCATION ACTIVIST (through translator): I still can't believe that -- I am so happy. I still can't
believe that this is actually happening. For the past five years, I have always dreamed that I would come home. When I would be in the plane, in
the car, and I would look at the cities of London or New York, I would tell myself imagine it's home. Imagine it's a city back home that you're
driving in Islamabad. Imagine it's Karachi, but it never was true. And today it is, and I am so happy.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Well, a gunman shot Malala in the head in 2012 because she campaigned for girls' education. CNN producer, Sophia Saifi, joins is now
from Islamabad. And why has she returned home now as you understand it and how has her visit been received, Sophia?
SOPHIA SAIFI, CNN PRODUCER: Well, Becky, there's a lot of secrecy shrouded around her return back to Pakistan. There's been a lot of joy at the fact
that she has come back. But because of security reasons, because of the fact that when she was flown out when she was 14 years old after someone
attacked her and shot her in the head. The Taliban released a statement saying that if she does survive that they're going to make sure that she
doesn't live after that. So, there were lots of security concerns. Which is the reason why she hasn't come back home in all these years.
So, there's a lot of security around her arrival here. Her itinerary keeps changing but she did arrive late last night. There were images that were
broadcast across local media of her smiling, of her reaching Pakistan. And then she gave that very emotional and passionate speech this morning at the
Prime Minister's secretary. Talking about coming back home, about wanting to come back home earlier, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house or
anywhere across the country for anybody who was watching that. Now, although there is a lot of adulation towards Malala, there is a lot of love
towards Malala in Pakistan, there is also a huge amount of society, there's a huge level of people who perhaps are not as fond of her as everyone else
is internationally.
[11:35:00] There has been a backlash against the adulation that she's received, that many have called her a western agent, but she's come back
now. They always used to say, that, you know, is she ever going to come back? She's always making excuses, and she's proven them wrong. This
brave young girl who had to leave Pakistan, she didn't flee. She had to leave to save her life to get that surgery in the U.K., has finally
returned to her home and he finally back home, and everyone is quite happy -- Becky.
ANDERSON: Sofia is in Islamabad for you this evening. Thank you.
Well to Syria and the latest player to emerge in this complicated war. Turkey warning Kurdish militants to leave the northern town of Manbij or
Ankara will take action. Well, Turkey has already taken over the nearby town of Afrin. Thousands fled as Turkish forces there moved in. In an
exclusive record, Ben Wedeman, now tells us now those who left have nowhere to go.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Hands stretch out for the most basic of creature comforts, a mattress, a blanket.
These people fled Turkish troops under Syrian rebel allies, now in control of Afrin. They're caught between the rock of the Turkish invasion and the
hard place of a Syrian government checkpoint on the road to nearby Aleppo. Mohammed's family sleeps in this bus.
He can't go back to Afrin, even though the road to Aleppo is open, he says. You have to pay 400,000 Syrian lire, nearly $1,900 per person to pass. All
their worldly possessions are on this bus. They've lost everything else.
I wanted to die, cries his mother, Fatima. Everything was looted.
Others are living in the open in schools, and in mosques. At night, bitter cold sets in. But the warmth of the flames isn't enough to ward off
illness.
We all sleep on this blanket, says Fudan. There aren't enough blankets. We just want to leave from here. Our children are sick. This one has
bronchitis and we need to get him to hospital.
The World Health Organization estimates nearly 170,000 people are caught in limbo in this corner of northwestern Syria. Documented in this exclusive
video obtained by CNN. Turkish officials insist civilians can return to Afrin but say there is a danger from explosives and IEDs left behind.
Mamahood is a leader of the local council and he is desperate for outside help.
We can't accommodate all these people, he says. Most are on the streets, on sidewalks, in parks and open grounds. They left Afrin with only the
clothing they were wearing.
These two small bags contain everything this young father and his family have left. Our life has been destroyed. Syria has been ruined, he says.
He and his wife, Clovan (ph) and baby son, Ali, have nowhere left to go. Ali is sick.
The future of my son is on the ground, says Clovan. Every time I look at him, I cry. My heart burns. All they can do now is huddle on the street
as night falls. Ben Wedeman, CNN, Afrin.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD live from Abu Dhabi. Coming up, Donald Trump promotes his personal doctor to a cabinet level post.
We'll have the details of what is the latest White House staff shake-up and its consequences. Up next.
[11:40:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, it is relatively hard to keep track as the revolving door continues to shuffle aides in and out of the White House, but there has
been yet another staff shakeup in the Trump administration. The latest official to be shown the door was the only cabinet holdover from Barack
Obama's presidency. Abby Phillip has the details for you.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ABBY PHILLIP, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: President Trump firing embattled veterans' affairs secretary David Shulkin. The latest in a
series of high profile departures in the last month. Sources tell CNN that chief of staff, John Kelly, notifying Shulkin of his termination in a phone
call before the president made the announcement public on Twitter.
His departure was expected after damaging revelations that Shulkin and his wife used taxpayer dollars for a European trip. A trip that at least four
administration officials cautioned him not to take. In a new op-ed, Shulkin claiming he was falsely accused and blasting the toxic chaotic and
disrespectful environment in Washington for preventing him from doing his job. In a surprise move, President Trump tapping his White House
physician, Navy Rear Admiral, Ronny Jackson, as his nominee to head the VA. White House officials tell CNN it's because the president was pleased with
how Jackson handled questions praising his health back in January.
DR. RONNY JACKSON, NOMINATED AS SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: There's no indication whatsoever that he has any cognitive issues.
His overall health is excellent.
I told the president if he got a healthier diet over the last 20 years he might live to be 200 years old, I don't know. I mean, he has incredible
genes.
PHILLIP: A source tells CNN that Mr. Trump has been floating Jackson's name during recent conversations with advisers but wasn't taken seriously.
This upheaval coming as the White House faces new questions about whether President Trump offered to pardon two top advisers at the center of the
Russia probe in exchange for their silence. "The New York Times" reports that the President's former lead lawyer, John Dowd, discussed the idea of
Mr. Trump pardoning fired national security adviser Michael Flynn and former campaign chairman Paul Manafort with their lawyers last year if they
were to be criminally charged in the special counsel's investigation.
"The Washington Post" reports that these conversations took place last summer before Manafort was charged with financial crimes and before Flynn
cut a deal with Mueller in exchange for pleading guilty to lying to the FBI. The White House dodging questions about pardons, reading a statement
from the White House lawyer, Ty Cobb.
SARAH SANDERS, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: No pardons are under discussion or under consideration at the White House.
PHILLIP: Dowd denies having any discussions related to pardons, even after reports surfaced back in July that Mr. Trumps was considering granting
pardons to those under investigation.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE REPORTER: The report does say that the president has even inquired about the ability to pardon himself.
PHILLIP: as recently as December, the president leaving open the possibility of pardoning Flynn.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I don't want to talk about pardons for Michael Flynn yet. We'll see what happens.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: That was Abby Phillip for you. Let's get you to Washington live now. We're joined by CNN political reporter, Dan Merica. And lots of
movement as we suggested that the revolving doors are simply spinning off their hooks really. Haven't they recently In Trump's cabinet? Is there
anybody left to reshuffle or does the whole thing just start again, do you think going forward?
[11:45:00] DAN MERICA, CNN WHITE HOUSE REPORTER: I mean, what we've seen here at the White House is that President Trump can laud someone that he's
hiring and then in a few months sour on them pretty quickly and there's a number of reasons for that. But right now, much of Washington is kind of
chewing over the fact that Ronny Jackson, this -- the White House's physician, who has served under both Republicans and Democratic presidents,
had a great relationship, we're told, with the Obamas, is now being tapped to lead what is the second largest government agency here in Washington.
It's not widely known but the VA is not only an administration that deals with claims from veterans, but it also is a health care provider and has
about 377,000 employees. So, this is a physician that is now being tasked to lead a huge bureaucracy which is leaving many veterans groups to
question whether he is up for that. He is certainly a talented doctor. He has been lauded by, as I said, Democrats and Republicans but this is a
different kind of job and you're exactly right. That revolving door keeps on revolving here at the White House, leaving many in the administration to
wonder who is next.
You got to put yourself in the position of someone who's working for Trump right now. They see people around them going -- falling by the wayside,
being fired. Does that mean if they're on unstable ground, if they make a mistake? It has led to a bit of uncertainty inside the Trump
administration, especially among the upper echelon of people who are in the spotlight, who garner attention from the President, both negative and
positive -- Becky.
ANDERSON: Yes understandably. Now, Mr. Trump is soon to depart from the White House behind you. You're off to Ohio, as I understand it. Why?
MERICA: So, he's headed to Ohio a suburb of Cleveland to do an infrastructure event. But as has been the case for a number of his events,
dedicated to infrastructure, which both Democrats and Republicans agree is a critical problem here in the United States. It's been overshadowed by
events. You have his decision to oust the VA secretary. You have the constant turnover in the White House. You have the fact that he's laid low
for the last five days.
This is going to be the first time we see President Trump in about five days amid all of these questions about Stormy Daniels allegations and the
alleged affair he had with the porn star. She obviously had that bombshell interview with "60 Minutes" on Sunday. He hasn't weighed in since then.
He hasn't tweeted about it. This is the first time we're going to see him in a handful of days.
So, this event, while it's important and he's going to talk about infrastructure and the need for infrastructure reform, something that his
administration has tried to push. I think like most times that he pitches this kind of proposal it has been overshadowed almost completely by other
events.
ANDERSON: Dan Merica at the White House for you, thank you, sir. You are with CONNECT THE WORLD." We are live for you from Abu Dhabi. This is our Middle East programming hub. Coming up, rebuilding the Middle
East's lost ancient art with some very unusual materials. You'll want to see this.
[11:50:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, CNN is in the -- let me start that again. CNN is in the Antarctic following Greenpeace activists in one of the world's harshest and
this has to be said, most beautiful regions. This, though, is no travel log. The Greenpeace members say they want to protect the fragile ecosystem
and as Arwa Damon reports, they are on a dramatic controversial and dangerous protest. Have a look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ARWA DAMON, SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, CNN (voice-over): Every day brings to that even more beauty and every adventure is magical in its
own unique way. Zoe Buckley Lennox, is one of the Greenpeace activists on board and she was already determined to protect the Antarctic even before
she came.
ZOE BUCKLEY LENNOX, GREENPEACE ACTIVISTS: Yes, to see it feels more intimate and it feels more personal. We could lose a lot of this area, the
climate change and this species and those sorts of things.
DAMON: Perhaps just ask if not more crucial, the Antarctic's waters and its wildlife, especially krill which is a key to our species here, played a
vital role moving carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to the depths of the ocean.
Zoe is part of the team that has been tracking the movements of a Ukrainian krill fishing vessel. A lot of the krill fishing happens off the Antarctic
Peninsula. And because this area is also the main feeding grounds for the wildlife, Greenpeace and others have proposed this as an ocean sanctuary.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Swing around and keep up with them, Marty. Probably abreast like this please.
DAMON: Frank Hewitson (ph) is a Greenpeace veteran.
(on camera): The Greenpeace rift has just placed themselves in between the Ukrainian vessel and the reefer hoping to be able to block the shipment
from taking place.
(voice-over): There is already a Chinese vessel offloading on the other side. Greenpeace makes radio contact with the Ukrainians.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have no intention of taking control of your vessel. Our protest is peaceful.
DAMON: But the Greenpeace inflatables are no match. The team speeds out again.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Get down, get down, get down.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do not touch that rope. Do not touch that rope.
DAMON: Greenpeace believes that protecting the krill now in this vital region may help save the planet later. It's about preserving the balance
of an eco-system that we are all reliant on for our survival. The Greenpeace team's new goal is to prevent the Ukrainian vessel from heading
back out to the fishing grounds. Zoe jumps on the rope. The Ukrainian fisherman cut her down. In to the Antarctic's freezing waters. The team
needs to find a better location. And they aim for the anchor.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Bridge, bridge, Francoise is out. We have Ronnie on the starboard side of the anchor. We must inform the vessel immediately.
Ronnie well done.
DAMON: Krill fishing is not illegal, but the Greenpeace team hopes that their disruptive and controversial actions will generate a reaction and
bring international attention to protect these waters and wildlife.
Zoe is now on top of the signature Greenpeace pod. Activists can actually live in it and this is how Greenpeace occupies its targets in extreme
conditions. But now the Ukrainians are moving. And they are threatening to head out to the fishing grounds full steam.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You have ten minutes. After that I make my speed full ahead, full ahead.
DAMON: It is becoming too risky. Frank needs to get the climbers and if possible the pod down.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Calling on you to slow down and gives a chance to remove our people.
DAMON: The Ukrainian vessel does.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It felt all right. It felt all right. I did this if you just jump on water, which I did twice.
DAMON (on camera): You seem to be kind of fearless.
ZOE BUCKLEY LENNOX, AUSTRALIAN GREENPEACE ACTIVIST: I think I'm internalize my fear.
[11:55:00] Like the truth is I am more scared of environmental destruction than I am of a lot of these things.
DAMON (voice-over): And in this remote and vital region, the Greenpeace message is, we can do something before we reach a crisis point. Arwa
Damon, CNN, the Antarctic.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Well, just time for your parting shots this evening. On an ancient Iraqi work of art reborn in the heart of London. Trafalgar
Square's famous fourth plinth is now home to this version of a 3,000-year- old Syrian sculpture. The original was destroyed by ISIS near Mosul three years ago. When American artist, Michael Rakowitz, used 10,000 empty cans
of date syrup, a traditional Iraqi product, to make it. He has devoted the last 12 years to reconstructing artifacts looted after the U.S. invasion of
Iraq 15 years ago. And now recreates archeological treasures destroyed in the aftermath as well. The statue will be in place for the next two years,
so plenty of time to see it if you are passing that way.
I'm Becky Anderson. That was CONNECT THE WORLD. from our Middle Eastern hub, thank you for watching from the team working with me who are brilliant
here and around the world. Have a very good evening.
END
