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Theresa May Seeks Brexit Delay in Brussels; May Blames Parliament for Blocking Brexit; Northern Ireland's Pressure on the DUP's Brexit Vote; At Least 10,000 People are Still Believed to Be Stranded from Cyclone Idai; South African Team Rescuing People After Cyclone; New Zealand Prime Minister Announces Ban on Military-Style Assault Rifles; Pompeo Visits Holiest Site in Judaism with Netanyahu; K-Pop Image Shattered Amid Growing Sex Scandal. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired March 21, 2019 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00] ROBYN CURNOW, CNN HOST: Hi. Welcome to CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Robyn Curnow in Atlanta.
And we begin in Brussels. Because that is the scene this hour of a high stake's crisis. Talks between Europe and the British Prime Minister. This
as Britain speeds towards a cliff-edge exit from the European Union on March 29th. With eight days to go, Mrs. May is appealing to Europe for a
Brexit delay to June 30th. Sources tell CNN that the EU is likely to turn her down but instead push for exit in May. And the European have already
said that any extension comes with a hefty condition that Mrs. May gets her deal through Parliament. But that looks like a pretty big ask, doesn't
it? Particularly after she made her own job harder last night by actually blaming the collapse of her Brexit plans on the very lawmakers, she needs
to get it past. Take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
THERESA MAY, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: You the public have had enough. You're tired of the infighting. You're tired of the political games and
the arcane procedural rows. Tires of MPs talking about nothing else but Brexit when you have real concerns about our children's schools, our
national health service, knife crime. You want in stage of the Brexit process to be over and done with.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CURNOW: So, Bianca Nobilo joins us from outside of Parliament. But Erin McLaughlin is at the EU headquarters in Brussels. Erin, to you first
because that's where the action is taking place at this hour. We're going to be watching -- there is a roundtable I think which just happened.
Either way, what is Mrs. May coming to do? She is basically coming to ask the EU to help her, isn't she?
ERIN MCLAUGHLIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, absolutely, Robyn. And we understand that she is now addressing the 27 leaders. In this is a
humbling moment for the British Prime Minister. Essentially what she is doing right now is standing in a room and acknowledging to the most
powerful leaders in Europe that she has failed, that she's failed to get her deal across the line in time for March 29th as promised. And she is
requesting their help. She wants them to grant her this three-month extension. In principle they say they are willing to do that with a
condition that she is able to get it finally across the line next week. Take a listen to what the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the French
President Emmanuel Macron had to say when they arrived at the Summit.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK RUTTE, DUTCH PRIME MINISTER: And my assumption is that today we will nod yes in principle but then put if fairly and squarely at the door of the
British Parliament to make that call, to say yes to the whole thing. And what if scenario that they would say no. I don't speculate.
EMMANUEL MACRON, French President: We did can agree on an extension if it's technical extension in case of a yes vote on the agreement, in case of
no vote, or no, I mean, directly it will guide everybody to a no-deal.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MCLAUGHLIN: And you heard the French President there say that a no vote will guide everyone to that dreaded no-deal scenario, seen as catastrophic
for both sides of the English Channel.
The Xavier Bettel, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, put it this way. He said, we are in the fire exit looking for a solution.
But Theresa May is going to have to meet them halfway. They're going to want to hear from her tonight to spell out exactly her plans. What are the
next steps if this deal does not go through? And there is a pessimistic mood here in Brussels that she'll be able to pull this off next week.
CURNOW: Yes, eight days to go. Bianca, you're there outside the Houses of Parliament. And as we played a little bit earlier on, Mrs. May seeming to
blame the folks working in the building behind you for all of this mess.
BIANCA NOBILO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: She did. She said that Parliament was to blame for the lack of progress when it came to Brexit. The fact that
there had been continued infighting. She said it was high time for a decision to be made. But the way that's interpreted by members of
Parliament will not help the Prime Minister. She has aggravated further the exact members of Parliament that she needs to win over to pass her
deal.
And this idea that she has blamed Parliament has truly resonated in the House of Commons. The Speaker, John Bercow, even having to intervene today
in telling MPs you are not traitors. You are doing your job by standing up for what you think is right.
The debate also expanded to security issues. The fact that the Prime Minister is blaming members of Parliament for not delivering on Brexit.
[11:05:00] When there have been warnings by the metropolitan police about potential social disorder in the event that Brexit isn't executed. One MP
said that the Prime Minister is aware that members of Parliament received credible death threats on a weekly basis. But to deem so by the police and
this kind of incendiary rhetoric they think won't help that at all at a time when Parliament needs to come together. In fact the Prime Minister
used similar words herself, this will go nowhere to trying to win her friends, to get her deal across the line.
CURNOW: Well, and Erin, back to you as you were playing Mr. Macron saying that a no-deal is potentially likely. How is Europe preparing for what
seems to be an increasingly inevitable situation? What will be the immediate effects in Europe, on Europe on Friday if this doesn't go
through?
MCLAUGHLIN: Yes, well European leaders, the commission specifically has been preparing for that dreaded no-deal scenario for quite some time,
getting all of the legislation in place. I've been speaking to senior EU officials here in Brussels. They've been filling their day with this very
topic, making sure certain sectors such as the border, such as the planes, what happens to the air space over the United Kingdom will remain safe and
working. Really critical sectors they're identifying that need immediate legislative help.
Because the fact of the matter is that a no-deal really -- a no-deal scenario would essentially bring the economy there in the United Kingdom to
a halt. It'll also have serious repercussions for other EU member states. Ireland, the Netherlands, also serious repercussions for Germany.
Also keep in mind that the financial district there in London is really seen as the heart of the EU's financial system. So all of that being
furiously prepared for now. The hope at this point, though there is little hope, is that Theresa May will be able to finally get this deal across the
line next week. And that there will be a short extension if she doesn't -- if she isn't able to do that, how EU leaders will respond will the really
depend on what the British Prime Minister asks in terms of next steps.
CURNOW: Yes, I mean what kind of hail Mary pass can they offer? We just don't know if it comes to that. Erin and Bianca there, appreciate it,
ladies. We'll speak again.
Now as we have mentioned, Theresa May is certainly coming under a lot of criticism for that speech she made late Wednesday. I just want to show you
how the U.K. press is reacting to that.
The "Daily Mirror" front page reads May's deluded defiance, it's not my fault. It goes on to say arrogant PM refuses to take any responsibility
for her Brexit shambles.
Meanwhile, the "Daily Express" takes a more sympathetic tone. Writing that, May expresses great regret over failure to deliver Brexit on time and
warns bickering MPs to get on with it.
And here's what the "Daily Telegraph" portrayed Mrs. May as. Capitulating, it writes. Mrs. May risks -- Theresa May risks leading
Britain to a national humiliation by going on bended knee to the EU and asking for a Brexit delay. Senior Eurosceptics have warned.
Meanwhile the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland insists on an unbreakable bond with mainland U.K. But as Nic Robertson now reports, some
in the country are worried that the DUP might not stick up for them when it matters most.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: This is DUP heartland territory, the Democratic Unionist Party. And what voters here think could
impact Theresa May's final days of negotiations with the European Union. It is Lisburn, Northern Ireland's third largest city. Relatively
prosperous, probably loyal to mainland U.K. but increasingly worried about their place in it.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are part of the U.K. And I see myself as part of the U.K. But I don't know, does Ireland want this? No. Does the U.K. want
this? No. Maybe not. So that is quite worrying.
ROBERTSON (on camera): Do you think Theresa May is going to look after the interests of the people of Northern Ireland?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't think so.
ROBERTSON: Why not?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because I don't think she should've signed it in the first place.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): Many here are counting on the DUP to stick up for them ensure Northern Ireland's bonds to the U.K. remain unchanged.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well DUP's role now is critical. They've got a responsibility and I don't know whether that responsibility for them is
going to be absolutely deliverable.
ROBERTSON(on camera): Do you feel that Theresa May's not listening to the DUP at the minute?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think she is listening. But she's backed herself in a corner. If there was a deal that suited Theresa May she could dump
Northern Ireland.
ROBERTSON: And what political cost would that be for the DUP here do you think?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it could be a very significant cost.
[11:10:00] ROBERTSON (voice-over): Some already sensing the DUP might abandon its red lines and shift blame to May's hardliners.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The DUP said there are only 10 politicians but yet there's quite a few more hundred. Saying the same thing as them. They
could hardly blame the DUP if things do go wrong.
ROBERTSON: And other contemplating what their parents' generation would never have done, turning their back on their unionist roots.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think we've tried governing ourselves. We've tried being governed by Westminster. So maybe the option is to be governed by
Dublin.
ROBERTSON (on camera): United Ireland? Do you think the DUP is afraid of that?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, of course. Of course they are. Of course they're going to kick up.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): She was right about the anger without any prompting the passerby jumps in.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No matter what you think --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That's not what I said.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: -- or what you say -- no, no matter what you think there'll never be a united Ireland in our lifetime.
ROBERTSON (on camera): I was going to ask you that question in your lifetime do you think it will happen.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes.
ROBERTSON: And why -- you're laughing.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Britain needs Northern Ireland.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): Where unionists were once united, a Pandora's box has been opened. The DUP, Theresa May, the EU, will struggle to put a lid
on it. Nic Robertson CNN, Lisburn, Northern Ireland.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CURNOW: Great perspective there from Nic Robertson, thanks Nic for that.
So I want to take you now to Mozambique where the situation is certainly growing more desperate by the day. A week after the cyclone hit crews are
racing to reach thousands of people trapped on roofs and in trees. And you can see they're using helicopters and they're even swimming to rescue those
who have been stranded.
Thousands of homes in Mozambique and also in Zimbabwe and Malawi washed away. All in all more than 370 people confirmed dead. Nearly half of the
victims are from Mozambique where officials say the final toll could top 1,000.
In the midst of the suffering there is hope. These worshippers are singing in the spot where the church used to be. The building may have been
destroyed in the cyclone, but their spirit was not.
CNN's Farai Sevenzo has been in Mozambique. He has more on the damage and rescues from Beira.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FARAI SEVENZO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: When CNN landed at Beira international airport, you could see the scene as it was at this place, which was the
first landfall of cyclone Idai. There were several choppers belonging to humanitarian agencies, the South African Defense Force were here, as was a
helicopter from the World Food Program. Then you enter the airport and you see a massive hall with a rudimentary, the written words, Idai response.
And in there, according to the Office of The Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations, there are over 22 international
organizations that have come to do this Idai response.
The response of course comes about a week after the cyclone hit. And put so many people's lives at peril. But this is where it first hit, in Beira.
It then moved on up country and created what people are calling inland oceans. Which is masses -- massive bodies of water throughout Mozambique.
And it went on to Zimbabwe where it crushed people in their sleep, breaking down massive mountains. And of course, it is quite unclear how many people
have been killed. What the death toll is either Mozambique or Zimbabwe and indeed in Malawi.
So at the moment, as we are here in Beira, we are trying to see the extent of the damage for ourselves. And of course, what can be done to rescue
people that still need lifting from very heavily drowned and watered-down villages in throughout the interior of the three nations. Farai Sevenzo,
CNN, Beira, Mozambique.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CURNOW: Well countries around the world are sending emergency aid to the region. South Africa has a team on the ground. And it has rescued scores
of people. Paul Herbst is part of that team and he joins me now on the phone from Beira. Paul, hi, great to have you on the show. Just talk us
through what you been seeing.
PAUL HERBST, RESCUER, UPSS MEDICAL (via phone): It's been quite manic. UPSS medical rescue together with Rescue for Africa following the storm on
the 13th and 14th arrived only hours after the storm had hit that night, did multiple water rescues and continuing throughout the week with
helicopter rescues, rescuing people stuck on roofs and trees.
[11:15:00] One week later, (INAUDIBLE) to the rescues and aid has not been brought in. One of the rescue teams has returned to FA today. The relief
team was brought in and rescue efforts will continue.
CURNOW: When you're up there, when they're trying to get a sense of the needs, how many people are still on roofs or clinging onto trees?
HERBST: It will be hard to put a number as the geographical area is so big and vast. On the initial night we tried to save women and children. It
was hard for us to decide -- who to be. We decided to take the women and children. Some of the males and elderly people were also left behind.
When we returned the next morning unfortunately, they were gone. Numerous animals were unable to be saved, as well as livestock. Last time we did a
fly over we did multiple rescues. Obviously, the day ended and there was still a couple of people needing rescuing. But the second it was hard to
put a number on it.
CURNOW: Just give us some sense -- and I know this area. It is large and there are certainly oceans, inland oceans here. Where are you staging
from? Do you have enough fuel? Are there whole areas that helicopters haven't gotten to yet?
HERBST: Unfortunately, the entire Beira is shut down. The main road, the N6 is completely washed away. There are about 500 to 1,000 trucks stuck on
the other side of Beira trying to get in. Which carries the normal supplies of fuel for the aircraft. Fuels for cars in the area. Supplies,
meal supplies and stuff. So all of that has been shut off. Another is a plan being made currently for a bilge to be brought in with ships. But at
this time it's still not -- it's still not been arrived.
CURNOW: So with that in mind, are you concerned that this could get worse?
HERBST: 100 percent. You know, we are getting aid in with aircraft and helicopters, fixed wings. (INAUDIBLE) rescue boats in with trucks and
until that road or an alternative route is fixed, the town is still going be left without supplies.
CURNOW: I remember covering some of the floods 20 years ago but they were more south. So there was staging areas from Maputo. With that in mind,
there was also the concern in any of these natural disasters is about coordination. How are all of these different organizations, different
countries who want to help, how is the coordination? How is the Mozambique government managing?
HERBST: There is a lot of role players involved in the (INAUDIBLE). I think there has been some bases they are capable of doing. The (INAUDIBLE)
from remote (INAUDIBLE) shape up in the Buzi area, which is the hardest hit. But the entire Buzi DONDO, Red Cross and other organizations are
helping (INAUDIBLE) in some staging areas and are lifting people from Buzi to these staging areas. However, there is only so many resources and so
many helicopters available to rescue efforts. So we are running out of time to rescue these people.
CURNOW: What are they saying to you as you rescue them? What are the stories they're telling? As we're see now images of a man being plucked
out of a tree.
HERBST: They're not saying much. You can look just look at the relief on their faces. They've lost completely everything. The little bit they had
is washed away. There was a family that we picked up and a little girl was rescued on an island. Her the entire family was wiped away. I think she
was 8 years old and she stuck on the island for three days by herself. She was (INAUDIBLE) when we got there. She was just emotionally and crying
there was no words to describe the feeling that she must have gone through during the night and being all by herself.
CURNOW: Paul, as our viewers around the world are listen to this, what is the one thing that needs to be done or could be done or can be done here?
HERBST: There is so much aid. We need aid now. You know, we need aid. We need to get shelter, food, blankets. And if there is any way we can get
more helicopters on the ground -- as I said, I think 36-kilometer radius on the significant amount of water which has been flooded. And we only
reached about not even half of that. So there is still a lot of spaces we haven't even reached. And we need more air and more helicopter or -- yes,
more helicopters out there to go in and rescue these people.
[11:20:00] CURNOW: OK. A call for help. Thanks so much. Paul Herbst, really appreciate you giving us the situation update there from Beira.
Thanks for all your great work. Good luck. Paul Herbst there.
Now to a tragedy unfolding right now in northern Iraq. A ferry has capsized in Tigris River in Mosul, killing at least 55 people. We know
that 12 of the victims are sadly children. Searchers are still scouring the waters. Authorities say the ferry was carrying nearly 150 people to a
tourist island during Kurdish new year celebrations and then it flipped over in high water.
Still to come here at CNN, New Zealand announces sweeping gun law changes less than a week after that massacre at two mosques. Now citizens are
reacting to the new reforms. That's next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JACINDA ARDERN, NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER: New Zealand will ban all military style semiautomatic weapons. We will also ban all assault rifles.
We will ban all high-capacity magazines. We will ban all parts with the ability to convert semiautomatic or any other type of firearm into a
military style semiautomatic weapon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CURNOW: A swift and pretty determined response there by the New Zealand on gun reform as you heard. After a terrorist opened fire at two mosques
murdering 50 people. Now the Prime Minister -- you heard there -- Jacinda Ardern announcing those sweeping changes saying, on March 15 our history
changed forever. Now our laws will too.
Meanwhile, the emotional goodbyes continue, as victims are laid to rest. Police have identified the remains of all 50 killed. Which means they can
now be released to their families.
And a nationwide reflection for lives lost, will held on Friday one week after the attack. Well Martin Savidge is standing by in Christchurch in
New Zealand. And it is already Friday there, early Friday morning in New Zealand. Just talk us threw the reaction to the Prime Minister's
announcement and to the fact that today for you is a week at a terrible anniversary.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The reaction is of course that many people are greatly in favor of these changes and especially how quickly the
Prime Minister has acted on this. There is a great deal of support for her.
[11:25:00] These sweeping changes are impacting a nation that has relatively liberal gun ownership laws compared to neighbors. And the
changes are working on multiple levels. Number one, you will outlaw the ability of people to get these so-called assault style rifles. And then on
top of that you're going to make it very difficult for people who might want to rush out and buy them before this becomes law by changing the
permit immediately. That's already happened. So it's almost impossible to get the permit to buy the gun even if you had access to it.
Then the other is, how do you get the weapons that are already out there? It's estimated about a quarter million New Zealanders have permits for
these kind of weapons. And as a result there could be maybe 1.2 to 1.5 million guns. Now many of those guns are impacted by these laws. So you
need them turned in. One way to do it is a buyback program. That's part of the legislation. Many different ways. Very popular. Here's what the
people on the street are talking about when we spoke to them.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They tell me the last week or so a lot of people have been buying up lots. But they have to look at themselves especially if
they're high paid stuff and they relinquish them. It's simple.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hopefully nothing like this will happen again. I hope the gun laws will stop it from happening again.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it's a step in the right direction. Something must change just based on the last experience. I know some people could
see this as a reaction or class reaction because of one person. But the consequences and what we've seen is terrible. And something must change.
And I think this is a good decision.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SAVIDGE: This action on the part of the government here is in stark contrast say to what's happened in the United States. Where you have had
many, many mass killings involving the kind of assault style rifles. And despite the significant death toll there has never been significant change
to gun laws there. And many Americans are taking note -- Robyn.
CURNOW: Yes, and New Zealand certainly leading by example in terms of its response. Martin Savidge, thanks so much. Reporting live there from
Christchurch.
Still to come with eight days, just eight days to go before Britain leaves the EU, a cliff-edge Brexit looms. Can the Prime Minister secure a delay
from Brussels? And if so, what will it cost her?
And then standing by a strong ally who's facing tough election fights. How Mike Pompeo's trip to Israel could give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a
boost. That is also just ahead.
[11:30:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CURNOW: You're watching CNN. And this is CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Robyn Curnow. It's been a busy few hours, too much talking. But I do want to
talk about Brexit because there is certainly a lot to talk about. We are returning to Brussels now and our top story.
These images of Theresa May a little bit earlier. The British Prime Minister is currently in crisis talks with EU leaders. She is appealing
for a Brexit delay to June 30th. The current exit date is March the 29th, just eight days away.
Well her trip to Brussels comes amid backlash at home to a TV address on Wednesday in which she blamed Parliament for the collapse of her Brexit
strategy. But as she arrived in Brussels a few hours ago, she once again called on lawmakers to do their part in delivering Brexit.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAY: What is important is that Parliament delivers on the result of the referendum and that we deliver Brexit for the British people. I sincerely
hope that we can do that with a deal. I'm still working on ensuring that Parliament can agree a deal so that we can leave in an orderly way. What
matters is that we deliver on the vote of the British people.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CURNOW: OK. So we are joined now from Brussels by a member of the European Parliament, Marietje Schaake. Thank you very much for speaking to
us. Mrs. May is there having a conversation in Brussels. What is your opinion of how this is going to play out?
MARIETJE SCHAAKE, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT MEMBER: Well, I mean all bets are off. We had hoped to hear from the Prime Minister what the reason for an
extension of the period would be. And we still haven't heard that. And I think it's absolutely fair that government leaders from all member states
are now asking for more of a sense of what the extension would look like. And until then it's hard to say whether there is a chance of any kind of
agreement or meeting of minds.
CURNOW: OK. So if there is an extension given, if there is an agreement to give Mrs. May a hail Mary pass on the condition that her deal goes
through Parliament. We've heard from the French -- the French leader that he doesn't think that's going to happen. Then are we looking at an
inevitability that there will be a crashing out next Friday?
SCHAAKE: Well, that would become more likely. And I think it is most unfortunate. I personally think Brexit in and of itself is most
unfortunate. But now that this is where we are heading let's please think about a parachute before jumping from the plane. And I think that
Brexiteers that are cheering on a hard Brexit and that sort of can't wait until this is all over with, are quite reckless without acknowledging what
the consequences and the potential chaos without a clear plan would be. And I think it's important that there are adults in the room that do look
out for that bigger impact and want to avoid chaos and legal uncertainty for our citizens, our small, medium size enterprises and for our future
relation.
CURNOW: Yes, I want to get to the impact if this happens in just a moment. But I just want to talk about this. If for some reason we get to Tuesday
or Thursday and that Parliament says, listen, we are not OK with this third chance at a deal. Is the EU then willing to step in with some other
alternative parachute? And what would that be?
SCHAAKE: It -- I've heard nothing of at a kind. I think that the parachute is the Withdrawal Agreement. There has been a lot of energy and
good will going into that, also to accommodate additional demands from the U.K. At some point this is what's on the table. 27 governments agree. One
country is in a meltdown. And it is the U.K. So I think that the answers and the clarity will have to come from London. I think that the EU 27 have
done what they could at this point. I mean, negotiations are always an option.
[11:35:00] But you need to know where the other side is coming from. And frankly I feel like the U.K. itself doesn't know what it wants right now.
CURNOW: Yes, and I'm sorry to try and pin down on this because I think when you look at the big picture, it seems to be that this is not going to
get through next week. There is frustration among MPs. Mrs. May hit back at them, the people she needs to get through this deal. So then again, I
want to say, is there any other alternative? Or are we looking at, more increasingly likely, that next Friday the U.K. is going to crash out of the
EU. And then what happens?
SCHAAKE: Well, I'm afraid that this worst-case scenario is coming closer if there is not a majority of Parliament for an alternative or for the
Withdrawal Agreements. If there is no concrete proposal from the British side about what an extension could lead to, what the demand would be.
Because an extension for more of the same -- and I think we can all see it unfolding with every day that passes -- is not leading to anything new. In
fact, it's leading to more polarization and less meeting of minds. And so, we cannot solve on the European side the British problems for them. The
people there, the Parliamentarians have to come to their senses and understand what the consequences are of a hard Brexit. Otherwise it's not
what the EU 27 wants. I think there has been clarity and consistency in that message. But it is not in our hands at this moment.
CURNOW: So basically you are saying that there's not going to be a silver bullet offered by the EU. There's no alternative plan or offer that could
help Mrs. May out of this predicament?
SCHAAKE: But, I mean, an offer of sorts would have to have a direction. It would have to have some kind of goal. It would have to have some kind
of landing zone. And that is not articulated whatsoever by the British Parliament or by the Prime Minister. In fact there's only an articulation
of an extension. Where the message from Brussels has been consistent in saying, if you wish to ask for an extension there has to be a proposal of
what it's for. It's not there.
There's been an extension beyond the date which the European commission had recommended would be the limit, namely the European elections. So I feel
like there is not really an appreciation for what is needed in order to even get to an olive branch or a kind of solution from the European side.
I think there is absolute willingness but there is just no playing of ball on the British side.
CURNOW: You've been preparing for a hard Brexit. What is key for you from Europe's side in terms of preparations? If this happens?
SCHAAKE: Well, there have been all kinds of engagements with the private sector, with citizens. And there is an urging for businesses to prepare.
We will have to adopt all kinds of legislative proposals to make sure that we have legal certainty, so there is a whole host of mitigating measures
being taken and every sector, every person should also inform him or herself. And cannot wait to see how this plays out and then potentially
only start thinking about measures that need to be taken.
In the Netherlands, the country I know best, there have been the public broadcasting campaigns going on. The government has been urging people to
make their own preparations and their own assessments. And we'll have to do what we can to make sure that this is as smooth as possible, despite
undoubtedly a lot of bumps in the road that we will all be facing.
CURNOW: Marietje Schaake, thanks so much for joining us and giving us your perspective there from Brussels. Thank you.
Now the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is making clear that Israel's embattled Prime Minister has Washington's full support as he heads into a
very tough election cycle. Now, Mike Pompeo and Benjamin Netanyahu just visited one of the holiest site in Judaism together. It's unprecedented to
see such a high-ranking U.S. official visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem with an Israeli leader. Previous U.S. diplomats and presidents
have avoided that, have avoided this image, believing it to be seen as tacit approval of Israeli control over some of Jerusalem most sensitive
sites. So let's get more from Oren Liebermann in Jerusalem and Michelle Kosinski at the State Department. Oren, to you first. Just talk us
through what's been happening.
OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well this was a visit from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In terms of what was said, especially in the
bilateral meeting yesterday, it was about Iran. But in terms of the bigger picture of what it looks like, it openly and blatantly looks like the U.S.
administration and President Trump campaigning for Netanyahu. And that we saw today at the Western Wall.
Normally when high-level officials, when leaders and ministers and government officials come to visit the Western Wall, they do so on their
own. President Donald Trump came alone. Vice President Mike Pence came alone. And that was an acknowledgement of how sensitive the old city of
Jerusalem itself is.
[11:40:00] The international community considers this occupied territory. So it was touched with sort of light hands to make sure there was a balance
between the Israelis and Palestinians. Not so this time. Pompeo going to the Western Wall with Netanyahu, clearly seen there in the photo ops, as
well as U.S. ambassador to Israel, David Freedman. A very close friend of President Donald Trump. And that gives credence to the argument that this
is basically campaigning for Netanyahu on the part of the Trump administration.
Beyond that, of course, there is Netanyahu heading to Washington in just a few days for APEC. Where he will not only stay in the Blair House -- which
is the official guesthouse of the White House -- but he'll also meet with Trump while he's there. That again, building this argument that Trump
administration appears to openly be campaigning for Netanyahu. Robyn, compare that to 2015 when Netanyahu went there to speak before Congress
just two weeks before the Israeli election. President Barack Obama and the Vice President at that time refused to meet with him, so as not to be seen
as trying to favor one the candidates in the upcoming election.
CURNOW: Obama saying that he didn't want to put thumbs on the scale. So Michelle to you, during their meeting Mr. Netanyahu pressed the Secretary
of State to recognize the occupied Golan Heights. Long disputed between Israel and Syria as Israeli territory. I want you to take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: All of can you imagine what would have happened if Israel were not in the Golan. We would have Iran on
the shores of the sea of Galilee. I think for this reason and for many more I think it's time the international community recognize Israel's stay
in the Golan, the fact that the Golan will always remain part of the state of Israel.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CURNOW: So, Michelle I want to talk about this. Because this follows a human rights report which was released by U.S. State Department last week
where you are. Which describe the Golan Heights as Israeli controlled, rather than the standard Israeli occupied. So my question is, are they
signs that the Trump administration could be moving in Mr. Netanyahu's direction?
MICHELLE KOSINSKI, CNN SENIOR DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT: There are plenty of signs of that. There's even been reporting that this is going to happen
when Netanyahu is here in Washington. I think that would surprise no one. But it is amazing to see this change. And even the subtle change of one
word in a human rights report that isn't exactly read by the general public. Look at the waves that that makes. And the State Department has
been very coy about this. Because this year they just changed that one word from Israeli occupied to Israeli controlled. They didn't herald it,
they didn't make a big deal about it.
But of course reporters notice that. And they've been asking Mike Pompeo repeatedly about what that change means exactly in U.S. policy? And they
haven't wanted to spell it right out there, that the U.S. recognizes Israel's sovereignty there. They just say, well that was a deliberate
change. It reflects the facts. And then you have to go and ask further, well, does that mean that it is not an occupation then? And the Secretary
of State says, well, you know, it means what it says.
So they don't want to make the big deal of spelling it out just yet. But it certainly seems like that is coming. Especially when you look at the
totality of this administration's policy towards Israel. And you know, recently was the first time that the U.S. instead of abstaining, actually
voted against a move in the U.N. to condemn Israeli occupation of these lands. So you see the U.S. openness to it for certain. It's just a matter
of time I think before we see an official recognition.
CURNOW: OK. There at the State Department, Michelle Kosinski and also, Oren Liebermann there in Jerusalem. Thanks to you both for those updates.
Still to come here at CNN, athletes, members of Parliament, top models and international celebrities all coming together to spread a message of
inclusion in Abu Dhabi. More on that next.
Also she is 84 years young, embarking on a new career after her retirement. If you need motivation and inspiration today, don't miss the latest of our
leading woman series, that's also just ahead.
[11:45:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN HOST, NEWS STREAM (voice-over): Inspiration comes from a lot of place. And for in 84-year-old digital evangelist, it started
from her retirement.
MASAKO WAKAMIYA (through translator): I'm Masako Wakamiya, and I'm a senior with a lot of curiosities.
LU STOUT: In Japan one in four people are over the age of 65. And Wakamiya wants to let them know that technology isn't scary.
WAKAMIYA (through translator): As you get older your thoughts tend to get more narrow. For me I want people to find something new. It could be
social media or new electronics, being able to enjoy something new is fantastic.
LU STOUT: As she approached 60, she retired from her job at a bank where she had been working for four decades and began learning about computers in
order to keep up with her friends. At 82 she became one of the world's oldest app developers after launching Hinadan. A game app inspired by
Hinamatsuri Doll Festival aimed at elderly users.
WAKAMIYA (through translator): The older generation in Japan are great because they are eager to improve. They are earnest, passionate and
devoted.
LU STOUT: Her work took notice around the world. And since Wakamiya has traveled the globe to share her story, even meeting Apple CEO Tim Cook and
speaking petition United Nations. Wakamiya uses Excel art to spread her message of hope to those just like her. Creating designs she's even turned
into clothing and crafts.
WAKAMIYA (through translator): Excel may be meaningless for seniors like me. But then I thought of a fun idea which those in my generation in Japan
and overseas can do. Like knitting or arts and crafts.
LU STOUT: Through technology and innovation, Wakamiya believes life begins again at 60, and she is excited for what's to come.
WAKAMIYA (through translator): There are many people who believe it's sad to be wrinkled and unable to do anything without help. Some people deny
the reality of aging but it's like competing against a setting sun. And I find it tiring. I would rather set with the sun and enjoy the sunset.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
[11:50:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (voice-over): With 60 world cup wins Mikaela Shiffrin is already stake a strong claim to being one of the all-time greats. This
season record after record has fallen at her feet. The first skier to win races in all six disciplines. The first to win slalom gold in four
straight world championships and no one has won more slalom titles. But most impressive of all was smashing the World Cup record with 17 wins in a
single season.
MIKAELA SHIFFRIN, 2019 OVERALL CHAMPION: It's a little bit hard to summarize all that. But it's been an amazing season every step of the way.
It was like a logistical nightmare and just a lot of going, going, going. And after every race move on to next race. And every now and then we took
some time to stop and kind of celebrate a little bit or just take in the emotions.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Alpine edge, in association with Longines.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
FLOYD MAYWEATHER, BOXER: Hi, it's Lloyd Mayweather.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Considered one of the greatest boxers of his time, he is the world's highest paid athlete with a perfect record unbeaten in 50
professional fights.
MAYWEATHER: When you are a legendary icon your name lives forever.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But life outside the ring was less than perfect.
MAYWEATHER: Well my parents is my parents.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This month we sit down with the box in Tokyo, Japan.
MAYWEATHER: You're watching talk Asia, right here on CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CURNOW: Well, the careers appear reputations of five major K-pop stars are tarnished amid a growing sex scandal that threatens South Korea's
multibillion-dollar entertainment industry. Paula Hancocks has the latest on this from Seoul.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He is one of South Korea's biggest pop idols. Seungri was part of the band BIGBANG, the first Korean
boy band to make it worldwide. Before quitting last week last week over a growing sex scandal.
Police say he's being investigated on suspicion of violating the country's prostitution law. He denied the allegations last month. Popstar was on
the board of Burning Sun night club in Seoul. The club faces multiple allegations including securing prostitutes for VIPs, rape, drug trafficking
and drug use, according to police. Police say 40 people face drug-related charges as part of the investigation. Club executives say they are
cooperating with police. Seungri was questioned by police for 16 hours last week.
SEUNGRI, FORMER MEMBER OF BIGBANG (through translator): I lower my head and offer an apology to the public and the people who are hurt and have
suffered.
HANCOCKS: Police say he's also one of about ten members of an online group chat that has shared sexually explicit videos of women filmed without
knowledge or consent. Several high-profile K-pop stars have been implicated.
Jung Joon-young is a singer, songwriter who rose to fame in Korea's version of "American Idol". He has now been arrested follow an initial police
investigation. In a statement published in local media last week he said, I acknowledge all my guilt in relation to the content of the talks about
me. I have filmed women without consent and distributed it over social media. And acted without much guilt during those actions.
Jung has been dropped by his management company. Three more K-pop stars have spoken to police as part of this investigation. Shock among fans is
growing as more revelations emerge
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): This fan says, I thought they were men who had a bit of fun. But I am very disappointed they have committed
such despicable crimes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): They are public figures, this woman says. So they should have been more careful but they weren't. I
think it's ridiculous this wasn't discovered earlier.
HANCOCKS: Police tell CNN some of their own are also under investigation to see if they were corrupt ties between police and the night club Burning
Sun. They say four officers are under investigation.
K-pop is a multibillion-dollar industry. With management companies known to keep tight control of the stars deciding how they dress, who they date,
to preserving their squeaky-clean image, an image which is now been shattered.
HANCOCKS (on camera): This growing scandal comes at a time when treatment of women is front and center here in South Korea. The me-too movement is
taking hold. There has been an epidemic of spy cam cases, hidden cameras in bathrooms and changing rooms with video being uploaded online without
the victim knowing they are filmed. And last year tens of thousands of women took to the streets of Seoul to demand better treatment. Paul
Hancocks, CNN, Seoul.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CURNOW: So in tonight's parting shot, the Special Olympic World Games in Abu Dhabi are coming to a close. India, the UAE, Russia and Syria among
the nations that excelled in the sporting events. All picking up over 100 medals. It was an absolute honor for CONNECT THE WORLD to bring you
stories from inspiring athletes and supporters over the past week. As we have helped spread the message of hope and inclusion, here is a look back.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There are 55,000 people in the stadium.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST: There are as many as 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world. The goal of the Special
Olympic, to reach out to them and their family.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There is a story behind each person here. There is a story behind each family. There is a story behind each coach.
[11:55:00] UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Lurking behind so many bias and so many fears and so many ways in which we other people, lurk beautiful human
beings.
The values of his highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and the founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. What happens at those foundations are about
inclusion, are about humanity.
ANDERSON: You've had a bit of a fabulous haircut. What's that all about?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's called a high fade.
ANDERSON: What do you hope will be achieved here and as a legacy?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hope that the stigma is broken.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: That shame and stigma its really touches every member of the family.
ANDERSON: You're the first from Liberian to win a gold medal and this is the Special Olympics. We are so proud of you, mate.
We can all, all of us do our bit wherever we are in the world to help raise global awareness for people of determination. Here is a message from the
athletes. 3, 2, 1. Be unified!
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CURNOW: I'm Robyn Curnow. That was CONNECT THE WORLD. Thank you so much for watching.
END
