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Iran Nuclear Talks Resume After Long Break; U.K. Detects Community Transmission Of Omicron Variant; Japan Suspending All Arrivals Of Foreign Nationals. Aired 10-11a ET

Aired November 29, 2021 - 10:00:00   ET

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

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:00:23]

BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: As countries tighten border controls over the Omicron variants spread South Africa calls the travel

bans unfair. Stocks in the oil market stabilize after Friday's big sell off but confidence is fragile. And talks to revive the Iran Nuclear Deal have

just kicked off but how will Tehrans' new government approach negotiations?

7:00 p.m. here in Abu Dhabi. I'm Becky Anderson. Hello and welcome to CONNECT THE WORLD. Scientists are in an urgent race for answers and the

world is bracing to see what the full impact from this Omicron variant will be. That sick coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa. It has

now been found in more than a dozen other countries on nearly every continent. Already some countries are taking all out measures to control

the spread.

Japan and Morocco marked in yellow here are closing their borders completely. Australia delaying reopening its international borders. You see

U.S. travel bans being imposed marked in red. And in pink are countries imposing travel restrictions. Well, today, the World Health Organization

said the variance global risk is very high. But there are still many questions about this strain.

Can it spread more easily than other variants? Is it more dangerous if you're infected? How much do existing vaccines protect against it? These

are questions that we asked on Friday when we first heard about the emergence of this variant and it could take weeks before scientists know

the answers. Well, the U.K.'s vaccine advisory bodies moments away from announcing its decision on whether to expand the country's booster scheme.

Right now, well, Salma Abdelaziz standing by live from Downing Street with more on that. First to David McKenzie who is live from Pretoria in South

Africa. And Omicron is now the dominant coronavirus strain in South Africa as we understand it less than two weeks after it was first detected yet the

country has been criticizing other countries' decisions to impose border restrictions. Just tell us where things stand at present, David.

DAVID MCKENZIE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I think we had a bit of a holding pattern. I know the world wants answers straight away about this

virus variant and what it means. But we won't have those answers for a while. And yes, at this stage it appears, stress that appears that this

variant is dominating infections in the province where I'm sitting right now, but some scientists stress that that could be based on a isolated

outbreak.

And it also will we'll take several days to really get a sense of -- if this is more transmissible than the very transmissible Delta variant. There

have been a great deal of criticism about the travel bans on this part of Southern Africa in particular, since there now appears at least some

anecdotal evidence of community spread without any linkages to Southern Africa travelers in the last few hours. I asked one of the top vaccine

experts in the country whether these bands are worth it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SHABIR MADHI, DEAN FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES AT UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND: We need to adapt our mindset. And we need to start to

understand that it's not about eliminating the virus, which is what much of the travel ban is centered around this misconception that we still got the

tools to be able to eliminate the virus. We need to accept that the virus is with us. But we do have the tools to protect against severe disease.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MCKENZIE: And those tools include vaccinations. Now there's some good news, potentially, Becky, that the early signs are that the majority of those in

hospitals in South Africa are unvaccinated people as you might expect even in areas where they believe that this variant is dominating. There will be

a lab work going on almost 24 hours a day here in this part of the country and in Durban and Cape Town trying to figure out through a lab test whether

this virus variant has any impact on previous infection and the vaccines.

Now there's some expectation given the amount of mutations that it will have some ability to reinfect people who are -- have immunity from previous

variants much like Delta did.

[10:05:04]

MCKENZIE: But there's at least some level of optimism that vaccines will have a positive effect on this variant. Becky?

ANDERSON: How long is it going to take us to find out exactly what is going on? There are so many more questions and answers. Very, very important

questions than answers at present. And we're talking about weeks at this point, you know, do we know?

MCKENZIE: I think we should get some kind of idea, maybe sooner than weeks, maybe in a week, or just under two weeks. Because there are some clues that

previous versions of this virus that weren't fully classified, that variant can tell scientists who are working in the lab can kind of predict what the

effect might be. But even then you won't get a definitive answer. What they really need to see is what clinical impact this has.

Is there going to be a rapid rise of hospitalizations? If there is is that because well, South Africa was due for a fourth wave anyways, or is it

because of this variant specific characteristics? You remember, in late July, August, we were talking about the emergence of a possible variant of

concern that a lot of people were really worried about. That -- and that ended up being nothing and kind of got obliterated by Delta.

So, you know, every scenario is on the table, including that this kind of (INAUDIBLE) out. And all of this worry was for nothing. Now, wouldn't that

be nice, but I think that might be slightly optimistic, Becky?

ANDERSON: Yes, OK. All right. Well, you are on the story and working your sources. And the more we get from you, of course, our viewers will get

firsthand. Salma, the world is in a race against time with this variant is how the European Commission President described where we are at. That was

over the weekend and certainly it was European countries along with the -- with the Ul.K. who came out the gate very early with travel bans on

Southern African countries, as soon as effectively we knew about the sequencing of this variant.

We are -- as I understand it now expecting to hear from the U.K. government. In fact, I know that a number of people involved in decisions

in the U.K., speaking as you and I speak. What are the major decisions that have been taken in the U.K.? And what more can we expect?

SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN REPORTER: Well, what we're seeing here in the U.K. is one of the higher case counts across Europe. Many European countries have

already detected this variant. Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Belgium, by no means is that a complete list but here in the U.K., already nine

cases identified. Three in England, six in Scotland. And the authorities taking I would say really extraordinary steps here, Becky.

Steps that they've been refusing to take for weeks now. The first being a mask mandate indoors and on public transport that's going to go into place

starting tomorrow. PCR testing will now also be required for all arrivals. That restriction had been rolled back to just a day to lateral flow test.

So upping that restrictions, again, and of course, now we're waiting to find out from the advisory board for vaccines here in the U.K. whether or

not they'll expand the booster program to make all adults eligible.

And this rash decision really shows you, Becky, just how concerned the authorities are about this new variant. And it's very important to remember

London being a travel city, Heathrow, one of the major airports in the region. This is the place that people fly through, travel through, stop by

to during the holiday season. If you were out over the weekend, in Oxford Circus, it was absolutely packed.

So a sense that we're approaching the holiday season here where we're going to see a big rush, a big mass of people traveling through the U.K. or

staying in the U.K. and the authorities really trying to step up the restrictions to try to ease any spread of that virus and also expand the

booster program. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has over and over again, emphasized vaccinations as the way forward with dealing with any variants

with dealing with the spread of this disease.

And you're also going to see across the European region. Remember, we will already in a surge across the European region. So restrictions are now

getting even tougher. And in -- even in countries where this new variant has yet to be detected, Becky, I'm going to give you the example of Norway

here. Offensive measures being taken. Steps being taken by these governments to limit curb the spread of the -- of the variant when and if

it is found among their populations.

Again, all of this falling back on what the World Health Organization said, which is that there is a high risk of this spreading globally, Becky?

ANDERSON: Yes. Listen, nobody wants to hide this. You can understand why governments don't want to be flat footed. But as I say, there are still

more questions than answers. David, you made that point. Thank you. Salma, thank you.

[10:10:00]

ANDERSON: And while you and I have been speaking, Salma, the news out of the U.K. all adults over the age of 18 will now be offered a booster. My

sense is that you will begin to see that many, many parts of the world where of course, there aren't enough supplies of these vaccines. The great

issue though, is sort of course there is such vaccine inequity around the world. The Omicron COVID variant is delaying reopening plans in and around

Asia.

Japan is imposing a travel ban on all foreign nationals, while Australia is putting plans to open up its borders on hold. CNN's Paula Hancocks has more

from Seoul in South Korea.

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It was just a matter of days ago that we were talking about living with COVID that so many

countries in Asia were starting to ease their border restrictions. They were moving away from a zero COVID policy and starting to open up. That has

now all come to a screeching halt because of this new variant. Now, for example, Japan, this Monday has announced that they are going to suspend

the entry of all new arrivals of foreign nationals.

They say that it is temporary until they can figure out exactly what they're dealing with with this new variant. The Prime Minister saying "In

order to avoid the worst situation, Australia, which has been fairly isolated with its strict border controls throughout the pandemic, they have

started to open up, but they are putting the next phase of opening up on hold. They were going to from December 1st allow international students,

skilled workers, some eligible tourists to go into the country that's been pushed back now to December 15th.

They have already identified five positive cases of this new variant. And when you look at Hong Kong, they've reported a third case of the Omicron

variant. One country that's not having to make any changes is China. And that's because China really has among the strictest border controls of any

country in the world at this point. One infectious experts saying "No major impact on China at this time."

So, from talking about living with COVID, we are now seeing a very sharp about turn from many of these Asian countries. All of the officials saying

the same thing. They just need to buy more time they feel to figure out exactly what they're dealing with. Paula Hancocks, CNN Seoul.

ANDERSON: Well, Israel also taking drastic measures in response to these fears. It was the first country to close its borders to all foreigners in

an attempt to contain the new variant. CNN's Hadas Gold has has more for you from Jerusalem.

HADAS GOLD, CNN JERUSALEM CORRESPONDENT: With two confirmed cases now of the Omicron variant, Israel has officially shut its borders to foreign

nationals for two weeks. Keep in mind that only on November 1st Israel finally opened up to vaccinated tourists. Now officials say this two-week

break is to give experts time to study the new variant, especially how it interacts with the vaccines.

Other restrictions imposed include making all Israelis returning from abroad no matter where they're coming from, quarantine and produce to

negative PCR tests before being released. For those who are vaccinated, the quarantine period is three days. For those who are unvaccinated that

quarantine period is seven days. But Israelis returning from what the government considers red countries which is now most of Africa apart from

the continent's northern countries will now be sent directly to designated quarantine hotels no matter their vaccination or recovery status.

And anyone with a suspected or confirmed case of the new Omicron variant will be tracked via their cell phones by Israel security services the Shin

Bet. But Israeli authorities say they are not imposing any new restrictions otherwise especially on gatherings as the Hanukkah holiday began Sunday

night. And then there's the Miss Universe pageant which is set to take place in less than two weeks in the southern city of Eilat.

Authorities and organizers say that as of now they expect the competition to go on as planned. Hadas Gold, CNN, Jerusalem.

ANDERSON: Well across the world, this might be seen as the start of a nervous week for the global markets. But Wall Street investors at least

trying to hold their nerve echoing activity in Europe. Stocks as we speak on Wall Street trading higher after Friday's big sell off when news of the

Omicron variant first broke. You can see what the markets are doing there. Investors Friday, spooked and fed amid fears that the new variant might

disrupt the global economic recovery.

And look, CNN's Anna Stewart watching all of this for us from London. We have so many questions and so few answers at this point that this could,

you know, this could reverse very quickly if we -- if we learn more which could be detrimental to global economic recovery going forward. But what is

the sentiment today?

[10:15:10]

ANNA STEWART, CNN REPORTER: Well, looking at those markets, I think you can see that there was a modest bounce back, but my goodness, it has not

recovered some of those very steep losses we saw on Friday. We saw a very broad set of so although Wall Street is higher, some of the major European

indices, oil, Becky, up three, four percent here. But they haven't recovered from 10 percent declines on Friday.

So what we're getting here is investors taking stock a bit more calm, I have to say Friday felt like it had a bit of a whiff of spring 2020 panic

in it. But what investors need to know is all the answers all of us need to know. What does this very mean in terms of vaccine immunity and

transmission? What does it mean for the global economy? Does it mean further lockdowns? Allume, does it mean more travel restrictions more

broadly, not just targeting certain countries in southern Africa?

This is what people want to know. And they're gonna have to wait a week, two weeks, it's going tyo take some time for scientists to test out the

various against the vaccines, and figure out whether or not a new vaccine booster is needed, Becky.

ANDERSON: Anna Stewart on the markets for you. Anna, thank you there is plenty of uncertainty then over how severe this new variant is. But as

we've been reporting governments around the world, frankly, are waiting to find out with many already imposing fresh travel restrictions, including

the U.S. and that has the country's Travel Association, in a bit of a state saying that the Biden administration should reconsider these new measures.

As of now, the U.S. is denying entry to travelers who aren't citizens that they are coming from South Africa and seven neighboring countries. So we've

got you covered with the very, very latest on the travel restrictions on everything else that is going on. The questions that still don't have

answers. You can find that on your CNN app or if you're at your laptop, just please head to cnn.com.

We're just finding out that the controversial co founder and CEO of Twitter, Jack Dorsey is reportedly stepping down. CNBC reports Dorsey will

step back from Twitter but stay on as CEO of his other company Square which is a major player in the digital payments arena. Dorsey like other social

media executives has recently been accused of not doing enough to control the spread of misinformation on his platform.

Twitter stock is up more than five percent. And it's been higher, to be honest on the news that Dorsey will be leaving. Well, you're watching

CONNECT THE WORLD with me. Becky Anderson from our Middle East programming hub here in Abu Dhabi. Ahead, the Iran nuclear talks resume after a very

long break, while expectations for this seventh round of negotiations are somewhat diminished.

Taiwan scrambles fighter jets as its much bigger neighbor flexes its muscles in the skies over the island nation. The fallout coming up. You're

watching CNN. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:20:17]

ANDERSON: We are keeping a close eye on the fast moving developments on the spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus. A growing number of

countries including Canada now reporting new cases. The variant was discovered by South African health authorities earlier this month. Now at

least 44 countries have imposed travel restrictions from several African countries.

Japan and Israel have gone further and they have imposed travel bans on all foreign nationals. More on that later in the show. Long awaited, highly

anticipated but steeped in uncertainty. The Iran nuclear talks resumed today in Vienna after more than a five-month hiatus. The stakes are high.

U.S. officials warning time is short to reach a diplomatic agreement and get Iran back into compliance and America back into the deal abandoned by

the previous U.S. administration.

Iran's economy remains way down under crippling U.S. sanctions and indeed the pandemic and even as Tehran announces advances that could speed up the

timetable for making a nuclear bomb. CNN's International Diplomatic Editor Nic Robinson has been covering these talks and the agreement since the very

start joining us today from London. It's been more than 100 days since those at the table last met.

And of course, that doesn't include direct negotiations between the U.S. and the Iranians. And what are the expectations here, Nic?

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: I think -- yes, look, the expectations are that this is not going to be an easy process. Yet it

could be, you know, the position of the United States and its allies and partners, particularly here thinking of the United Kingdom is that what the

United States has got on the table, which is entry back into the JCPOA, for lifting of sanctions is a fair and just offer on the table.

But the fact is, and in the eyes of these partners is that Iran's nuclear program is now at its most advanced stage ever. And that every delay by

Iran reduces the value of the JCPOA. Remember, it was meant to be a way to ensure that Iran would take over a year, reduce the pathway to making a

nuclear weapon. They say they're not -- that nuclear interests are all for domestic domestic use, you know, power generation, et cetera.

So, it all comes down to it seems trust and sequencing over the issue of sanctions which Iran wants lifted and the United States getting back into

JCPOA. That's so easy to say that, but this is going into talks with a new Iranian administration. The leadership now in Tehran is viewed as being

more conservative, more hardline, more U.S. skeptic than the previous one that negotiated this deal.

We heard today from the foreign ministry spokesman in Tehran, laying out their sort of view an entry into this. They're serious because of the

quality of their team. This is how it was explained.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SAEED KHATIBZADEH, IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON (through translator): The government has shown its willingness and seriousness by

sending a quality team known to all of the other side shows the same willingness, we will be on the right track to reach an agreement.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROBERTSON: You know, and I think the big takeaway in that statement is because obviously all teams send quality representatives and are serious

when they go. I think the key line in there is known to all and I say that because this is a new leadership in Tehran. And the question mark has been,

how will they -- how will they -- how will they negotiate at this time with those partners while the United States still tries to join the table?

So, you know, they're saying this is a known team. So I think they're hinting at a level of continuity with previous talks. And that's key for

the U.S.

ANDERSON: Fascinating. Couldn't do more of this as we move through the next one hour and a half. For the time being Nic, thank you very much. Indeed.

The heat has just been turned up on the long simmering tensions between China and Taiwan on Sunday. Beijing send 27 warplanes right into Tehran's

air defense identification zone as it's known. The aircraft included fighter jets, nuclear capable bombers, and an aerial refueling plane as

Will Ripley explains. China's goal it seems, is to wear down Taiwan and test its response.

WILL RIPLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: China is once again putting pressure on the self-governing island of Taiwan. An island that it claims as its own

territory and often conducts these flybys and its air defense identification zone as a reminder of the massive mainland military that is

just 100 miles or so off the Taiwanese coast .

[10:25:09]

RIPLEY: On Sunday, China's sent 27 war planes into Taiwan's self-declared air defense identification zone. This is not Taiwanese airspace which

extends 12 nautical miles from its coast, but a larger area patrolled and monitored by the Taiwanese military. And every time China flies these war

planes into the ADIZ, they get radio warnings from Taiwan, Taiwan has to scramble its own fighter jets and they even deploy their anti missile and

aircraft defense systems.

Now this latest aerial incursion on Sunday included 18 fighter jets, five nuclear capable bombers, and for the first time an aerial refueling

aircraft known as the Y-20. This is according to Taiwan's defense ministry, their defense minister saying that they believe this is an effort on the

part of trying to try to exhaust Taiwanese forces to wear them down. But he says they won't be worn down. They want to show China that they have

countermeasures in place.

Actually visited a Taiwanese airbase a couple of weeks ago, where they showcased their newly upgraded F-16V fighters. Fighters that although

formidable would struggle to go up against in direct combat with some of the more advanced Chinese fighter jets that were flown just on Sunday near

the island. Now all of this happening as China's President Xi Jinping was at a military conference.

This is according to Xinhua News Agency where he spoke with the troops there about the importance of China gaining the upper hand in future wars.

China has vowed that it will retake Taiwan by force if necessary if the island is not eventually agreed to and their words reunify with the

mainland, even though China's Communist rulers have never actually controlled Taiwan. Will Ripley CNN, Hong Kong

ANDERSON: Well, more countries detecting cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Travel bans are in effect, but scientists want to know if

the current vaccines will hold up. More on that afternoon after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: All right. Welcome back. It is half past 7:00 here in Abu Dhabi. You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD from our Middle East broadcasting hub.

Updating our top story for you. This rush to contain the Omicron variants of the coronavirus. Governments in many places around the world are already

imposing new travel restrictions to keep the strain out of their countries.

Many of these restrictions focus on Southern Africa where the variant was first detected. This as drugmakers begin work on vaccines that target this

specific strain in case it continues to spread.

[10:30:06]

ANDERSON: The fact that Omicron emerged so quickly serves as a reminder that viruses are unpredictable. CNN Health Reporter Jacqueline Howard is

joining us now with a closer look at what's going on here. Let's start with a reminder. What we do and don't know about this variant if you will.

JACQUELINE HOWARD, CNN HEALTH REPORTER: Absolutely. Because Becky, you know, there's a lot that we still don't know. And there's a lot left to

learn. Scientists say that we will be getting more information in the next two weeks. But for now, here's what we do know. As you mentioned, just last

week, South African health authorities made their big announcement of detecting a case of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

And since then, the variant has been detected in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Italy, the U.K., Germany, Denmark, Israel, and

more. And we also know that the variant has a large number of mutations at least 50 overall and at least 30 of those 50 are on the spike protein. Now,

the World Health Organization designates Omicron as a variant of concern. You see here when WHO tracks variants.

Variants are categorized as either under monitoring or a variant of interest or a variant of concern. WHO says Omicron is of concern and poses

a very high global risk. But here's what we still do not know. How transmissible is Omicron? How sick does it make people? Do our current

vaccines work against it? And WHO mentions there is a possible risk of reinfection. But we still need data to to really look into that.

So, Becky, there's a lot left to learn, and hopefully, the world will be getting more information in the next couple of weeks.

ANDERSON: OK. Well, that's good to know. We need to be, you know, ensure that we're not being speculative here, because as you say, there are still

so many questions. Given that health officials though, say the variant will, for example, get here in the Gulf and people are saying this in many

parts of the world eventually, might already be here. What actions should we be taking to ensure that we are protecting ourselves to as large an

extent as possible?

HOWARD: Right. And it is important to to take protective measures because, like you said, Becky, there's speculation that in areas where Omicron has

not yet been detected, it could be circulating under the radar, and that's why health officials, world health officials are really recommending to --

if you haven't been vaccinated, get vaccinated. If you're eligible for a booster dose, get your booster dose just to build up that protection.

And of course, work continue to wear masks when you can. And if you have any symptoms of illness, if you have a fever or a cough, get tested.

Testing is the best way to detect the spread of the coronavirus and to determine if someone has been infected with this variant. So it's important

to vaccinate, mask and test, Becky.

ANDERSON: There's now several countries restricting travel from countries in Southern Africa where this variant has been detected. One of the

arguments for and against these sort of travel bans at this point?

HOWARD: There is some debate around this. The argument for is that by implementing a travel ban, it could give time to test and detect the

variant and to learn more about it. But there are arguments against a travel ban specifically that omachron could already be in areas that are

implementing these bans. We heard from South Africa's epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim on CNN's "NEW DAY" morning show earlier today. Have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SALIM ABDOOL KARIM, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CAPRISA PROFESSOR FOR GLOBAL HEALTH IN EPIDEMIOLOGY: By the time we got to know about it, which was pretty

quickly given that the first patient was probably in our system is that about 9th of November, that we're looking at transmission has probably

ceded itself in most countries. So this kind of early knee jerk reaction to block travel is probably just going to slowly receding slightly at best,

but it'll probably have little, if any impact.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOWARD: So Becky, you see there. There's arguments for and against. And of course, as we learn more about the variant, it will be interesting to see

how quickly nations might cancel their travel ban. So, it'd be interesting to watch what unfolds as we learn more about this variant.

ANDERSON: Absolutely. Thank you for that. Well, for years, Portugal was the exception in Europe when it came to far-right politics but a growing

populist movement is on the verge of becoming one of the country's largest political forces. The Chega Party has been accused of xenophobia and racism

for its stance on immigration and minorities. But many important people are buying into its drain the swamp rhetoric. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

[10:35:09]

ANDERSON: And the group's leader tells my colleague Isa Soares he sees some similarities between himself and Donald Trump.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ISA SOARES, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): It's always picking season in (INAUDIBLE) Portugal. An arduous job that in a town

facing an exodus of young people, weighs heavily on the locals. I meet 73- year-old farmer Jose Costa Agulha who today has 296 kilos of olives to process.

JOSE COSTA AGULHA, FARMER (through translator): If people have work and quiet life, it's what people want here anad everywhere. They want work and

enough money.

SOARES: This is a land right for political picking. And Portugal's rising populist parties Chega whose name literally means enough, is plucking away

at their worries and anxieties. Despite this, a Agulha tells me the party leader Andre Ventura won't get his vote in the upcoming snap election in

January.

AGULHA: Chega is an individual who says whatever comes to his mind. He opens his mouth and says whatever and people still haven't realized the

danger behind it.

SOARES: While he turns his back on Portugal's largest far right party since the end of the dictatorship in the local cafe in town.

MARIO CARRASCO, FARMER: So many people living off the state not wanting to do anything.

SOARES: Mario Carrasco tells me he and his entire family are voting for Chega. They've had enough of people receiving benefits.

CARRASO: To keep winning, the other parties go to these people, here is some money, here is some money. They support the corruption.

SOARES: Down the road, Jose Francisco Agostinho, a baker for 25 years says he hasn't made up his mind whether he'll vote for the party.

JOSE FRANCISCO AGOSTINHO, UNDECIDED VOTER: Chega has been strong here, they could chantge things a bit.

SOARES: The economy is struggling with very few jobs in this largely agricultural area. Augustinho says the Roma community is taking advantage

of the system.

AGOSTINHO: There's more of them than here are for us, then they do whatever they want. They want to be in charge and that can't be.

SOARES: While he and others believe that Chega party can improve their quality of life, many in Portugal are fearful about the growing support for

a party they see as xenophobic for its stance on immigration and the Roma community. Maria, a local Roma tells me they've been exploited for votes by

Ventura.

MARIA CARDAS, ROMA, RESIDENT OF POVOA DE SAO MIGUEL: He's very mean against the Romam, there's a lot of racism and he speaks very hadly against us.

SOARES: A Roma mother who does not want to appear on camera goes further.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We want to work, we want to work but who gives work to a Roma?

SOARES: Away from the dusty and sleepy (INAUDIBLE) these concerns are being echoed, some silently in various corners of Portugal, all the way to

Lisbon.

The Chega Party is expected to shake up the political landscape of Parliament here behind me potentially acting as kingmakers in the upcoming

election.

Ventura tells me the party is here to stay. I press him about the accusations of racism.

So you don't consider it racist?

ANDRE VENTURA, PRESIDENT OF CHEGA PARTY: I don't consider myself racist for wanting to solve a problem with a community. What we say is there's

something particular here, there's a dominant section within the community which livers in this patner and we have to fix this issue.

SOARES: Ventura's language during our interview is moderate, more conciliatory, but his policies aren't so. I asked him whether he compares

himself with other populist leaders around the world.

VENTURA: I am close relatively and we've had contracts with Bolsonoro in Brazil. But I don't feel close in terms of style or of substance. I don't

feel close to Donald Trump's style but in terms of substance some policies, in some ideas, we agree with them.

SOARES: Where the some in Portugal like it or not, Chega is joining a new normal across Europe. One of declining traditional parties complex

coalition's and extremes. Isa Soares, CNN, Lisbon, Portugal.

ANDERSON: That's Isa Soares reporting. Well, next on CONNECT THE WORLD. Baby on board. A snowboard that is so why social media is compelling and

you win a game, you lose a game. That's life. What happens if you lose a tooth?

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[10:41:56]

ANDERSON: Talk about finding your feet. Have a look at this. Even though she hasn't mastered walking yet. Snowboarding for this 11-month old in

northern China is no problem at all. Videos of the of the toddler sliding down the slopes have gone viral with her face peeking out from under all

that snow gear. The Beijing Winter Games are just over two months away but that might be rushing things just a little bit for this little one.

Isn't she lovely? Well, it wasn't the easiest of games for the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers but in the end they won against the Indianapolis Colts. But

check out what happened to the Bucs defensive tackle Vita Vea earlier in the game, he got his helmet knocked off, well knocked out a little bit. And

then he got drilled in the chin and then his tooth came flying out. Goodness gracious.

Alex Thomson is -- well, I was going to say you're here with more but I'm not quite sure what more you can add to that. That's pretty broken stuff.

Isn't it?

ALEX THOMSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: They're tough athletes, aren't they? Those NFL players. We can certainly say, I'm not sure I'd be smiling quite as

much having lost a tooth. Imagine how hard he was hit for -- to be actually knocked out without taking a hammer to his dental. So I'm glad that he was

smiling about it. Good news for the Bucs. They win again, potentially a Super Bowl up against Tom Brady's old team. But there's quite a few stages

to get to before we get to that dream scenario.

ANDERSON: Amazing. Just very briefly, how's your snowboarding? As good as that 11 months

old?

THOMSON: I'm a skier. She would absolutely snowboard me off the park.

ANDERSON: Amazing stuff. WORLD SPORT is next with Alex. We'll be back after that with the second half of CONNECT THE WORLD.

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