Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Today

Carter to Deliver Short, Important Speech This Evening

Aired May 14, 2002 - 13:28   ET

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

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Jimmy Carter's historic visit to Cuba now in its second full day there, and tonight the former president will address the Cuban people, a live broadcast said to last about 20 minutes, give or take.

John Zarrella in Havana with more on what we may anticipate later tonight -- good afternoon.

JOHN ZARRELLA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good afternoon, Bill.

It is a hugely important day for the former president, perhaps the most important of his entire trip here to the communist island simply because no one really knows exactly what he will say in his speech broadcast live on Cuban television and Cuban radio too. The 11-plus million people here on the island, they will certainly be listening with intent, as will other people wanting to know exactly what the president -- the former president's message will be to the Cuban people, because that is who he will speaking to tonight, the Cuban people.

Now, he has said that it will be a short, brief speech because what he wants to do is get over to the baseball game at the stadium this evening, which starts at 8:00 pm. It is an all-star game between the Eastern Stars versus the Western Stars here on the island. The president said he loves baseball, loves the Atlanta Braves, and doesn't want to miss that.

Now, earlier today -- his day started with a visit to a sanatorium where AIDS patients are treated. He spent, oh, about an hour there, and then from there he left and moved on to an agricultural co-op where groups of farmers have gotten together. They produce food, they produce vegetables, they produce livestock, and this is sold to the state, to the government, and then they are paid for what they produce. There you can see the former president touring that facility outside of Havana about two hours or so -- again.

So, a very, very busy day once again for the former president. But his trip most likely be punctuated and highlighted this evening with this very big address. No advance copies, Bill, have been given out. We understand even the Cuban government does not know what former President Jimmy Carter is likely to say when he addresses the Cuban people this evening -- Bill.

HEMMER: It could be one of great significance. We will see you later tonight. John, thank you. John Zarrella live in Havana.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com