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Search for Indonesian Sub Intensifies; Navalny Ending Hunger Strike; CNN Goes Inside Yemen. Aired 10-11a ET
Aired April 23, 2021 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(MUSIC)
[10:00:16]
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN ANCHOR: This hour, the search for a missing Indonesian submarine ramps up with just hours of oxygen left for the crew.
Alexey Navalny is ending his hunger strike in jail. We'll be live in Moscow for you.
Plus --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Soldiers tell us that there's fighting around here every day for the past few months. The reason
we're driving so fast, well, that's because of the danger. And the guy at the wheel, that's the army chief of staff.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: CNN takes you inside Yemen. We are on Marib's front line as attacks on the oil-rich city from the Houthi rebels intensify.
(MUSIC)
ANDERSON: I'm Becky Anderson. It is 6:00 in the evening here in Abu Dhabi. Welcome to CONNECT THE WORLD.
Five hours and counting. That is likely all the time left before oxygen runs out on a missing submarine off Indonesia with 53 crew members aboard.
The dwindling oxygen supply adding urgency to the high-stakes search and rescue operation playing out in the Bali Strait and drawing international
attention with the United States and at least four other countries now offering help to Indonesia.
They're all looking for this submarine seen here in the video which meant missing early on Wednesday morning during training exercises, exercises
which included firing a live torpedo. Well, earlier Friday, an Indonesian navy ship spotted a magnetic object below the surface, but it is unclear
exactly what that is.
Well, CNN's Blake Essig is following the story for us from Tokyo. He explains why hopes are fading that the crew will be found alive.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BLAKE ESSIG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): An Indonesian submarine with 53 souls on board. The KRI Nanggala 402 went missing early Wednesday
morning, about 100 kilometers off the coast of Bali during a military training exercise.
Sadly, the facts as we know right now don't paint a positive picture for the 53 crew on board. If the crew is still alive, it's a big if at this
point, Navy officials say the submarine only has enough oxygen for the crew to survive for a few more hours.
ADMIRAL YUDO MARGONO, INDONESIAN NAVY CHIEF OF STAFF: So the ability of KRI oxygen in a blackout condition can last for 72 hours or three days so
that if contact is lost at 3:00, so that it will last until Saturday at 3:00.
ESSIG: Navy officials say this particular sub has a dive capability of 500 meters but is currently believed to be at a depth of about 700 meters. If
that's the case, experts say the submarine could implode under the pressure.
It's also worth noting that this particular submarine was originally built in the late 1970s.
And according to submarine rescue expert Frank Owen --
FRANK OWEN, SUBMARINE RESCUE EXPERT: This submarine is not designed to sit on the bottom and wait for rescue forces to come along because it doesn't
have a rescue seat. So, its salvation is entirely on its own hands.
ESSIG: For now, families of those on board, including Berda Asmara, are left in limbo, anxiously waiting for word on their loved ones.
BERDA ASMARA, WIFE OF MISSING CREW MEMBER: Hopefully, he is safe and my husband and all the Nanggala crews can reunite with family. Until now,
there has been no official news.
ESSIG: Indonesia's president says he's dedicating every resource possible to recover the sub and its crew. That includes 21 warships, three
submarines and five airplanes. Officials say several ships are equipped with sonar technology to map the ocean floor, and one that can precisely
detect the vessel's position.
JOKO WIDODO, INDONESIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): I have ordered the military navy chief of staff, and the search and rescue agency to use all
possible efforts and capabilities to carry out optimal search and rescue operation. The main priority is the safety of the 53 crew members.
ESSIG: Other countries have also joined in to help the search and rescue efforts. Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and India have all sent ships,
while the United States is sending airborne assets. A massive international effort in a race against time to bring the 53-person crew back home alive.
Blake Essig, CNN, Tokyo.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDRESON: Well, Espen Engebretsen is with the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office, joining me via Skype from London. His
group has a team on the way to assist in the search.
And your team on their way to Indonesia.
[10:05:02]
We know there are just hours of air supply left. What's the latest as far as the scale and timeline on this rescue operation, and how have you been
briefed?
ESPEN ENGEBRETSEN, INTERNATIONAL SUBMARINE ESCAPE AND RESCUE LIAISON OFFICE: Well, I'm being briefed every now and then from the Indonesian
authorities. We have a website which we use for coordinating office operation so we can receive requests from Indonesia and offers from several
nations. Our website host members from 40 different submarine nations. And even though we are representing NATO, we do support all submarine-operating
nations when a crisis like this occurs.
When it comes to the amount of air left, that is what we heard from the news. I will say there is a lot of uncertainty related to how much air
supply they have. So our hope, they hope is that it's found if it's possible to resupply more air oxygen so they can extend on bottom.
ANDERSON: Just how concerned are you about the crew at this point?
ENGEBRETSEN: Obviously, I am very concerned. The situation is very serious. And it is very difficult for Indonesian naval authorities to
handle this. The search process for a submarine is very difficult. Submarines are designed not to be found. So a distress, does not respond or
do not send any distress, release any signals, it is very difficult to localize it.
ANDERSON: What are the key challenges then in finding this vessel? You say, rightly, that submarines are designed not to be found. So, how does
this effort unfold, as it were?
ENGEBRETSEN: Well, that is a difficult question because why are they not releasing any kind of emergency signals to the surface? So that is
concerning as well. That is a concern. There is obviously uncertainty about this position.
But, as I mentioned, the key challenge now first is to localize, there are search operations going on. They're using sonar, which hopefully are able
to detect the distressed submarine as soon as possible so they can establish what kind of status this submarine is in at the moment.
ANDERSON: What sort of drill would the crew have been through in training for an incident like this?
ENGEBRETSEN: Well, that depends on several things. It depends on the submarine design itself, what kind of design it has. If I compare to
similar designs, we have possibility to escape, single escape down to about 200 meters. Then you also have the ability to connect with rescue eagles
down to depths of around 600 meters. This is what we normally call the rescue-able waters.
Obviously, if this is an open submarine, if it's several compartments, it also affects the ability to -- circumstances like this.
ANDERSON: So at a depth of more than 600 meters, and at this point it is not clear just how deep this submarine is. What you're saying is, the
rescue vehicles that would normally be used won't be able to go that low, correct?
ENGEBRETSEN: Yeah, that is correct. That is normally what we're saying is that 600 meters roughly is the limit of what we call rescue-able waters.
ANDERSON: So, what does happen when this ship is located? What happens next?
[10:10:01]
ENGEBRETSEN: Well, then they will start using different methods to investigate what kind of status this submarine is in. Obviously then, what
depths the submarine is in and what efforts can be done to first normally restart what we call intervention processes, and hopefully be able to
communicate, tap codes if we can establish some kind of resupply of air. That can be CO2 scrubbers.
So there is resupply equipment to help them to keep the time going longer so that we can prepare for the next stage, which is then obviously the
rescue stage of an operation like this.
ANDERSON: Engebretsen, Espen Engebretsen, whose agency is helping with the rescue mission for this ship, we thank you very much indeed for joining us.
And do please stay in touch.
Well, we've got new developments on some prominent Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny who announced on Instagram just a short time ago that he is ending
his hunger strike. He began that hunger strike more than three weeks ago in the Russian prison where he was being held. He has been demanding access to
the doctor of his choice rather than the prison doctor.
Navalny says he is now losing sensitivity in his arms and in his legs. Of course, this all comes after surviving an attack with a nerve agent in
August.
Let's get to Moscow and to Frederik Pleitgen.
Fred, the advice, it seems, from his doctor end the hunger immediately, or else.
FREDERIK PLEITGEN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENTT: Yeah. Yeah, you're absolutely right, Becky. And I think that was one of the key points.
Alexey Navalny himself says that was one of the key reasons why he's now decided to end that hunger strike, at least for the time being.
He said that so far, he's actually been evaluated twice by what he calls independent doctors. Now these are not his own physicians, but these are at
least not the prison physician, they're civilian physicians. And he essentially said that his doctor's advice to end that hunger strike is
something that obviously weighed very deeply on him and is one of the main reasons why he's decided to end that strike.
He said them saying that pretty soon if he continues this that there won't be any sort of person to heal anymore because they believe he could die
very quickly. That is certainly something that really persuaded. The other thing he said also was the solidarity that he's been getting. There were
some organizations, like, for instance, the Mothers of Beslan here in Russia that in solidarity with him also went on hunger strike. He said that
moved him so much that he then decided that he didn't want other people to suffer simply because he was going through the suffering there in that jail
in Russia and of course being on that hunger strike.
Now, he did say that he does still want to see his own independent physicians and get different medical care. I want to read you the reasoning
that Alexey Navalny gave on that Instagram post. He said, quote, I do not withdraw the requirement to admit the necessary doctor to me. I am losing
sensitivity in parts of my arms and legs, and I want to understand what it is and how to treat it.
But taking into account the progress and all the circumstances, I am starting to get out of the hunger strike. He said to get out of the hunger
strike that he's been on for 24 days, it'll take another 24 days to get him back to actually eating and actually taking in food again. So, that is
certainly a pretty long process, all as he continues to languish in that prison about three hours outside of Moscow.
At the same time, of course, Becky, this week has been a really big one as far as the Navalny movement is concerned. A couple days ago we had those
large protests in Moscow and other places around the country.
And Alexey Navalny did say he felt pride and hope at the fact that so many people were coming out to support him, Becky.
ANDERSON: Fred Pleitgen is in Moscow, thank you, Fred.
India sending out an SOS in the midst of a brutal second wave of COVID-19. Its hospitals are in a terrible shape. Its leadership seems to have been
tone-deaf to the risks. Its healthcare system being crushed by staggering infection rates, setting global records for two straight days.
One lawmaker slamming the country's leadership, tweeting, quote: This is on you, government of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been taking heavy criticism, in part, because of his political rallies attracting tens of thousands of people
with no social distancing.
In the next hour of CONNECT THE WORLD, I'll take you live to India to talk to Dr. Arvind Kumar, chairman of the institute of chest surgery there. He
says something drastic now needs to be done to control this crisis.
Well, compared to India, the COVID situation in Japan may seem very mild. Still, the government there has decided to impose a new state of emergency.
[10:15:00]
Ahead on this show, how that might affect the Summer Olympic Games.
And --
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ROBERTSON: We're pulling back from the front line. The commander felt it was just getting too dangerous, that exchange of gun fire was heating up
and it wasn't quite clear to him how it was going to play out.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: On the front lines in Yemen. CNN takes you to the oil-rich town of Marib, the fight which could define what happens in the conflict-ridden
country, going forward.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: In Yemen, fierce clashes in the internationally recognized government's last major northern stronghold could mark a turning point in
the deadly six-year conflict. Now the oil-rich city of Marib is at the center of a military escalation by Iran-backed Houthi rebels attempting to
extend their control further east with a devastating campaign of drone and missile attacks from both Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi-backed government forces say President Joe Biden's decision to reverse Donald Trump's widely criticized designation of the Houthis as a
foreign terrorist organization which came into force just before the end of Trump's term in office has only emboldened the rebel group.
CNN's international diplomatic Nic Robertson gained access to Marib's frontline where the battle for control in the ancient desert city is raging
on.
(BEGIN VDIEOTAPE)
ROBERTSON (voice-over): (INAUDIBLE) writhes in pain, the 13-year-old hit by a Houthi missile in the Yemeni city of Marib. I can't breathe, I can't
breathe, he cries.
Still recovering a week later, he tells me what happened.
We were playing football, the missile hit, my leg was injured, I couldn't breathe. One of my friends was dead, and the other looked like he was about
to die.
In another ward, the hospital's deputy director shows me his friend.
And what's his decision?
Under sedation, he is clinging to life.
He's in a bad way.
How is it that you as a doctor to see so many injured children come in from all these rockets after all this time?
An ophthalmologist by training, he says he has no words to describe the suffering, no choice but keep trying to help and hope that the fighting
will end.
The Houthis are trying to come towards Marib.
[10:20:01]
They're trying to push this way towards Marib?
But, as Yemen's defense minister shows me, Marib's situation is getting worse, long a target of the Houthis, they've stepped up attacks from three
directions.
He blames President Biden for an escalation that brought the Houthis to within ten kilometers of the city, and will blame him if the city falls.
LT. GEN. MOHAMMED ALI AL-MAQDASHI, YEMENI MINISTER OF DEFENSE (through translator): The American administration holds a big responsibility for
this crime. They removed the Houthis from the terrorism list, but there is no greater terrorist than the Houthis. They should support us, and we
expect that they will because our fight is righteous and because we are fighting for democracy.
ROBERTSON: Once a fabled desert oasis, Marib is now wartime sanctuary to more than 2 million people, gateway to much of Yemen's gas and oil wealth
and is the internationally recognized government's last major stronghold in northern Yemen.
Marib is too important for the government to lose. It's vital leverage in any future peace talks. What happens here now is pivotal to the future of
the country.
In Marib's many internally displaced people or IDP camps, life is lived in the balance. Nine-year-old Dua (ph) has been throwing up, can't eat. Her
mother worries she'll starve. She tells us Houthi attacks are making Dua very afraid. When we hear the missiles land close by, we're all scared, she
says.
Around the city, tent camps have recently displaced are growing. The government claims there are more than 2.7 million IDPs, although the U.N.
believes it's less. What they both agree on is that a Houthi offensive could force many to flee again, and it would be harder to help them.
NAIMA TAHIR, SHELTER OFFICER, INTERTNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION: Because they keep moving now. We have a lot of IDPs. We've been displaced
for the third or fourth time. There will be a lot of other movements for people, and then adding to the suffering.
ROBERTSON: A Yemeni military trip to the front line reveals how precarious the city is.
Soldiers tell us that there's fighting around here every day for the past few months. The reason we're driving so fast, well, that's because of the
danger. And the guy at the wheel, that's the army chief of staff.
On the way, he stops, greets tribal leaders, without whose fighters he can't hold the front line.
And another stop this time with his own troops, both he and the information minister promising them the morale stopping pay arrears will be sorted.
The front itself a small dirt berm. Dust rises from Houthi vehicles and shooting starts.
(GUNFIRE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That is from the enemy.
ROBERTSON: You can see the Houthi?
(INAUDIBLE)
ROBERTSON: His answer, yes, in some places. The mountains they have and the open areas we are doing better, and vows they'll never take Marib.
Three years ago, commanders took us to their front line. It was on top of the mountains overlooking the capital. They were confident they'd be able
to take it. Now they're on the back foot defending their own city.
We're pulling back from the front line. The commander felt it was just getting too dangerous, that exchange of gunfire was heating up and it
wasn't quite clear to him how it was going to play out.
We stop near a ramshackle gun emplacement. Military hardware here is old, scattered, and scarce. Nothing here that couldn't be overrun in a hurry.
They're relying on Saudi coalition airstrikes to hold the Houthis back and feel weakened by Biden's decision to end American military support for it.
GEN. SAGHEER BIN AZIZ, CHIEF OF STAFF, YEMENI NATIONAL ARMY (through translator): America's decision hurt us, and we hope that the American
administration will go back on their decision.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Nic Robertson joining us now from London back from that trip. Nic, just how --what is going on around Marib complicate the
administration's efforts to reach a ceasefire, which of course is what is needed to end this bloody six-year conflict?
[10:25:08]
ROBERTSON: Well, what is done, what the U.S. administration has done is in the words of the State Department is to try to end the conflict and they're
trying to do it through diplomacy. They've taken off the designation of the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization so that more humanitarian aid
can fly more readily into the country.
So, while President Biden is putting all this pressure on both sides, on all sides because it's a multi-sided conflict to come together, the
Houthi's response has been to try to up attacks on Marib in particular because they recognize if they can take that, then a lot of the
internationally recognized government standing, their legitimacy, is eroded, it is their last major stronghold in the north.
But what is happening behind the scenes is there does seem to be from the Saudi side and in part from the Houthis as well and other international
diplomats an effort to -- actually bearing a little fruit, that meetings and talks are actually happening. The Saudis put forward a ceasefire
proposal. The Houthis didn't completely block it, but they wanted a split version. They wanted an end to the Saudi airstrikes along the borders, then
in the country before they would actually go on to a ceasefire.
So it is very complicated, but it is creating something. Biden's policy is actually creating some change. But just what isn't clear is what the
outcome of that change is going to be.
Is Marib going to go into fall? I would say today that doesn't look like that's happening, but potentially in the future if they don't change their
tactics, it's in a weakened position.
ANDERSON: Nic Robertson is on the very latest. Nic, super reporting. Thank you very much indeed.
You are watching CONNECT THE WORLD with me Becky Anderson. They talk the talk, but will they walk the walk as the world refocuses on the climate
crisis.
We'll look at whether countries can follow through on their pledges before it is too late.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: There's talk and then there is action. And when it comes to the climate crisis, the latter is what is needed right now.
The White House summit on climate change is in its second and final day. It is part of the Biden administration's message that the U.S. is back as a
global leader.
[10:30:01]
The president himself Joe Biden speaking just moments ago said the leaders have made great progress, but it is only a start.
The world's top emitters amongst those who are taking part, and we've seen some of them like China renew commitments and taking pledges and
commitments. But there is a gaping lack of detail to how will they achieve those goals?
All of this as they lead up to the U.N. climate change conference known as COP26 in Glasgow this November. The head of the last such COP gathering,
the environment minister for Chile says the private and public sectors must work together.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAROLINA SCHMIDT, PRESIDENT, COP25: The world is watching us, and we'll accept nothing less than a complete and ambitious outcome at COP26 that
must consider mitigation, adaptation, and finance as equally urgent. On the road to Glasgow, we urge all countries and non-state organizations to join
us for people, for the planet, and for a prosperous future for the world.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: The minister from Chile speaking at this summit. Again, the devil in the detail. How do we achieve these ambitious goals?
Carolina Schmidt joining us now via Skype from Santiago, in Chile.
And it's good to have you. First of all, before we talk about what happens next, what are your key takeaways from this gathering at the White House?
SCHMIDT: First, this is great news that we can see United States fully back on the Paris agreement. United States and China were the two
architects of the Paris agreement. And, you know, when (INAUDIBLE) of this Paris agreement, there is a lot of trust in the system that the goals of
the Paris agreement can really be reached. Now with the Biden administration and with the summit yesterday is concrete action that show
the leadership of one of the architects of the Paris agreement back with concrete announcements that is very, very important for other big emitters
to move and that we have a chance to really go and accomplish the goals of the Paris agreement.
ANDRESON: So, is there evidence that there is more than just talk at this point? Just, walk our viewers through what you know. And you are imbued in
this stuff. We heard talk in Paris in 2015. We heard talk 20 years before that.
What's different now?
SCHMIDT: Well, now that we have the tools to really know more, two main changes. First, we have the NDCs. Every five years in the Paris agreement
countries must make commitments, and these must be concrete commitments of mitigation and adaptation.
The commitments made in 2015 were not enough. The science spoke very loud and say that to really go further than 1.5 degrees, we must act now. And at
2030 have at least 45 percent of greenhouse gas emission reduction. And we have the NDCs with the concrete plans to really reach those reductions on
emissions.
What we saw is that last year that -- didn't commit to this reduction of emission. Only 1 percent of you was (AUDIO GAP) now we see something
different with the commitments of the big emitters, their commitments made in -- by the United States of 52 percent of reduction by 2030. The
commitment made by Japan, sixth biggest emitter, that 46 percent in reduction. (INAUDIBLE) the commitment The European Union, that we are
seeing big progress in that.
What we need is that Glasgow, those commitments comes with real plans in NDCs and long-term strategies are the way that you will accomplish those
commitments. And then we have all countries with that.
The second change is that we are seeing revolution for a green economy. And this is the change that the private sector is coming along very strongly.
At COP25, we make this alliance for carbon neutrality at 2050 joining together for the first time countries and non-state actors.
No countries, the countries cannot make alone.
[10:35:00]
We need their innovation, their technology, the resources from the private sector to make this movement as fast as we need. Remember, though, we have
only ten years to make a 45 percent reduction. That means a lot of resources, a lot of innovation, a lot of technology.
(CROSSTALK)
ANDERSON: True. And we know -- and we know that things are going in the wrong direction at the moment. These pledges are called NDCs, nationally
determined contributions. Chile's new NDC maintains the target to phase out coal power plants by 2040.
Why not 2030? After all, the countries have already beaten its national target to January, 20 percent of its power from renewable sources by. You
beat that goal by seven years. Your critics say you are leaving the commitments on coal-fired power stations way too late.
SCHMIDT: Well, first, you know, we have our new NDC in line with the carbon neutrality at 2050. And we are closing all our coal-powered plants.
The thing is that in some regions, we still do not have replacement for that. So, closing all of them we have already closed eight. And we closed
most of them in the next years.
But it can be one or two or three that in very specific areas that we will meet. So what we have accomplished now is to commit that at the latest, the
last one should be closed. But we are trying accelerate this transition to 2030. But carbon, all the necessities of that decision for workers, for
communities, and for people ensures that we have the energy that we need to all citizens.
ANDERSON: All roads lead to Glasgow in November in Scotland. And we spoke to Alok Sharma who will host that COP26 meeting in Scotland later this
year. I spoke to him yesterday ahead of him speaking at this White House climate summit. Just have a listen to what he told me.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALOK SHARMAA, PRESIDENT, U.N. CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE 26: I think it's good that they have reiterated the target of carbon neutrality before 2060.
I think, frankly, we wanted to see what the further detail is. I think this is an issue for China, it's an issue for indeed all countries to come
forward and explain how having set targets for the middle of the centuries, how we're actually going to get there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: You know what goes into hosting these meetings. 2021 is or certainly is being marketed as the big year in climate crisis. Are you
expecting COP26 to be the platform for detailed plans as Alok has said? What needs to be achieved in Glasgow to ensure that people are confident
that countries are committed?
SCHMIDT: First, you know, in Glasgow, we need to have the NDCs of all countries with the concrete plans on how to reach your reductions of
emissions by 2030 that we need. This is a very important year because in the Paris agreement, it say that updated NDC, to reach that goal must be
presented every five years. And now at COP26, we need all those in there with the concrete plans, with the nations that we need now for 2030.
The second thing that is really important that we finish all the book rule in order to have the real implementation of the Paris agreement. This means
to finish the market mechanism that we need, global market mechanism. And that is the article 6 finish at COP26, as well as a very strong package in
finance.
ANDERSON: Right.
SCHMIDT: We cannot only think (AUDIO GAP) but also -- this is very (AUDIO GAP) together -- we come together with immediate resources for adaptation
for countries that are suffering from the effects of climate change.
ANDERSON: I understand.
SCHMIDT: So, this must be (AUDIO GAP) in order to be successful and rebuild the trust in the process.
ANDERSON: And with that we'll leave it there. We thank you very much indeed for joining us.
CNN is holding a town hall on climate policy where top officials will answer questions on President Joe Biden's climate plans. Please do join if
you can. That's 6:00 Saturday morning in Abu Dhabi, 10:00 in the morning on Hong Kong.
We'll be back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:41:59]
ANDERSON: Well, Japan is planning to enact yet another state of emergency in four prefectures starting on Sunday. That will include Tokyo just three
months before it is set to hold the Olympics. State of emergency will last until May the 11th.
The epicenter of Japan's fourth wave is Osaka. It recorded nearly 1,200 new cases today. That is down from record numbers earlier this week. But
hospitals there are reportedly overwhelmed. Well, the U.K.'s Tokyo 2020 Olympics Game chef de mission said that while it's alarming to hear a state
of emergency, the numbers in Japan are significantly lower than most of the rest of the world.
Hear is what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARK ENGLARD, BRITISH TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES CHEF DE MISSION: The competence and ability of the organizing committee to provide an
environment that allows our athletes to train appropriately to live in an environment (INAUDIBLE) for the Olympic Games, and to compete, you know, as
I said before, I'm pretty confident they will compete pretty successfully.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: World Sport's Alex Thomas is with me.
This must be so discombobulating for the athletes, Alex.
ALEX THOMAS, CNN WORLD SPORT HOST: Of course, because some of them might be peaking for these games, four years ago, five years, now, it would have
been too early in four years, too late. So they are on hooks every time they see a new development.
But as we just heard there, it's different for the organizers who still feel three months is enough time to try and get this under control,
particularly when they've already rolled out international visitors coming in. But they've still got thousands of athletes and officials from around
the world.
We got no more on that on World Sport, we're going to hear from Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp, though, who is asking fans to forgive the Liverpool owners
after the "super league" drama this week.
ANDERSON: Fascinating. More on that in "World Sport," coming up.
(WORLD SPORT)
ANDERSON: Bless him. Thank you, Alex, with "World Sport."
We are back with CONNECT THE WORLD after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: Live from CNN Abu Dhabi, this is CONNECT THE WORLD with Becky Anderson.
ANDERSON: Well, this hour, a living hell.
[11:00:00]
END
