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CNN Wolf Blitzer Reports

Bishop Robinson Faces Confirmation Vote; Terror Blast Kills at Least 10 in Indonesia; Interview With Mark Cuban

Aired August 05, 2003 - 17:00   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.


WOLF BLITZER, HOST: Twenty-four hours ago there were ugly accusations hurled against the first openly gay bishop-elect in the Episcopal Church. An 11th hour investigation is now over and we're standing by for a confirmation vote that could seriously split this divided church.
We're live in Minneapolis. WOLF BLITZER REPORTS starts right now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Hotel bombing, a massive terror blast at a Marriott in Indonesia. Is there an al Qaeda connection?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A lot of fire and all the taxi drivers and the taxis were on fire (unintelligible) and there's a couple of the drivers that (unintelligible).

Terror alert, why screeners will have their eyes on your cell phone, camera, and radio, we'll take you to the airport.

The Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, a controversial owner says it's great for the NBA. I'll speak with Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks and Pat O'Brien of "Access Hollywood."

Prince Charles gets a new pad, we'll tell you who else is moving in.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: CNN live this hour, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, live from the nation's capital with correspondents from around the world. WOLF BLITZER REPORTS starts now.

BLITZER: It's Tuesday, August 05, 2003. Hello from Washington, I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting.

We'll get to that terror attack at the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in just a moment.

First, though, it's happening right now, the closely-watched vote on the man who would be the Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop. It was postponed yesterday after eleventh hour allegations surfaced. CNN's Jeff Flock is following all of these developments, late- breaking developments. He's joining us now live from Minneapolis -- Jeff.

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, I'm standing in an off position here because I'm trying to keep my eye and see what's going on inside the House of Bishops meeting. It is convened now and just moments ago began taking up the case of Canon Robinson, Gene Robinson the man who has been nominated to become a bishop of New Hampshire.

Bishop Scruton of Massachusetts has been tasked with investigation these allegations against Bishop-elect Robinson has just been starting his report to the bishops saying that the exchange, as we reported earlier today, this exchange with this gentleman who charged he had an inappropriate touch from Bishop-elect Robinson back in 1998 or 1999 was interviewed by the bishop for Massachusetts and told him that essentially these took place in a public convocation.

It involved Bishop Robinson, or Bishop-elect Robinson putting his hand on the man's shoulder at one point, putting his hand on his arm at another point. Certainly these were sort of acts that arguably may not have been objectionable. It was nothing beyond that, at least that's the report so far.

So, we'll continue to watch this, Wolf. At the conclusion of this report they're going to go ahead and vote on Bishop-elect Robinson, so we'll give that to you just as soon as we're able -- back to you.

BLITZER: All right, Jeff, we're going to be standing by. We'll be coming back to you. We'll be standing by for this crucial vote in the Episcopal Church. Thanks, Jeff, very much.

Let's move on now to that devastating terror attack at a U.S.- owned hotel in the heart of Indonesia's capital. The car bombing killed at least 10 people and wounded more than 100. Fingers are being pointed at a group linked to al Qaeda.

CNN's Atika Shubert reports from Jakarta.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Indonesia a target again, this time the J.W. Marriott an American luxury hotel catering to Indonesia's wealthy elite and international executives.

The attack happened at 12:30 in the afternoon right in the middle of a busy lunch hour. Police say a car laden with explosives pulled up to the lobby entrance as though to drop off passengers. Instead, it detonated initiating a wave of destruction.

"I was just coming back to work when it happened" this woman told us. "I was inside when I heard this huge explosion. I rushed out and saw smoke everywhere. People were lying on the ground unconscious and injured." Dozens of wounded were rushed to hospitals, many in critical condition, several with severe burns over 90 percent of their bodies. Doctors warn that the death toll is likely to rise. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast. Police have yet to name any suspects. Forensics teams are still sifting through the wreckage for clues.

But, for many here, the attack was all too familiar, a frightening repeat of last year's nightclub bombings in Indonesia's resort island of Bali. More than 200 died that night. Police then blamed the Jemaah Islamiyah, an al Qaeda linked terror network that has sworn to carry out a jihad or holy war against westerners and others they consider to be enemies of Islam.

The timing of the Marriott attack may be significant, just two days before judges handed down the first verdict in the trial of a confessed Bali bomber, suspected of being a member of Jemaah Islamiyah and less than a month after authorities uncovered a huge cache of explosives stashed away by the group.

Police warned then that Jemaah Islamiyah was planning more attacks and that a number of explosives were yet to be recovered. Investigators say they fear Jemaah Islamiyah may have struck again.

Indonesia's President Megawati Sukarnoputri visited the site straight from an emergency cabinet meeting attempting to bring some calm to a city on edge.

Jakarta is bracing for the possibility of more terrorist attacks. Police are on high alert throughout the city and the country and they warn that the people who carried out today's attack are still at large. People here are frightened that what happened in Jakarta today could happen again.

Atika Shubert, CNN, Jakarta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Forensics experts are already saying that one of the bomb ingredients was potassium chlorate the same chemical that was used in that Bali nightclub bombing and was also found in that raid last month on a suspected terrorist bomb factory.

Indonesia is, of course, one of a number of world hot spots targeted for terror by al Qaeda and kindred spirits for a number of reasons.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Al Qaeda, clearly weakened since September 11 but the world's best known terror group and its brother in arms still active choosing countries and targets attractive for their symbolism, allegiances, shortcomings, and counterterrorism officials tell CNN native sympathizers willing to take part.

Indonesia, twice now the victim of major attacks since 9/11, the radical Islamic group Jemaah Islamiyah or JI suspected in today's attack also blamed for the devastating blast in Bali in October of last year. Some 200 people were killed, most of them Australian.

ROHAN GUNARATNA, TERRORISM EXPERT: JI as an organization is very much intact in Indonesia. It has been disrupted in Malaysia, in Singapore, and to some extent in Thailand and in northern Philippines but the group is still very much intact and operational in Indonesia and in the southern Philippines.

BLITZER: Other countries, many predominantly Muslim, most with pro-western leanings, seem to be high on target lists.

April 11, 2002, on the Tunisian island of Jerba, the first major post-September 11 attack, 20 people visiting the oldest synagogue in Africa killed when a homemade gas truck is detonated.

November 28, 2002, Mombasa, Kenya, an Israeli-owned hotel near this resort town is rammed by a car packed with explosives, at least 15 people killed. A nearly simultaneous attack on an Israeli passenger jet taking off from the Mombasa Airport, two stinger missiles fired from the ground and miss.

May 12 of this year, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, three compounds housing westerners attacked by suicide bombers in cars, at least 35 people killed. It's called the Saudi September 11. The Saudi Government moves quickly to find suspects but only slightly deflects ongoing criticism of the U.S.-Saudi relationship.

ROBERT BAER, FORMER CIA CASE OFFICER: We have this deference to Saudi Arabia which I think is undermining the war on terrorism.

BLITZER: May 16, 2003, Casablanca, Morocco, a suicide bombing at a nightclub kills more than 30 innocent people.

Another U.S. ally fighting its own war on terror very security conscious still not immune, Russia in its ongoing war on Chechen separatists suffers three horrific attacks in less than a year.

A hostage standoff at a Moscow theater, suicide bombings at a concert at an airfield, and just last week a truck bomb slams into a military hospital near the Chechen border. The casualty count from all three more than 200 killed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And U.S. counterterrorism officials say they're on alert for yet more strikes against U.S. related targets around the world.

Let's move now to the Kobe Bryant story here in the United States. Media from around the world are in the small town of Eagle, Colorado, where the NBA superstar Kobe Bryant is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow on sexual assault charges.

Our National Correspondent Gary Tuchman is there. He's joining us now live with a preview. Gary, 24 hours from now, almost exactly, Kobe Bryant will be there. We're hearing he's coming with his wife. Is that what you're hearing?

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's what we're hearing too but nothing is guaranteed until he arrives, including how he's getting here. We assume he'll be flying on a private plane to a nearby airport but that hasn't even been guaranteed just yet.

What's interesting, Wolf is that Kobe Bryant will be on national TV twice tomorrow, two completely different appearances. He'll be on the teen award show called "Teen Choice." It was taped this weekend. He won an award for best male athlete. It's being broadcast nationwide tomorrow night.

But, before that, he'll have his initial appearance in court in the courthouse behind me here in Eagle, Colorado, and you're right hundreds of journalists from all over the world are arriving. Most of them started coming here yesterday. We expect even more will be here tomorrow but inside the courtroom there are only 22 seats for journalists.

Now, if you put a zero after that 22, you still wouldn't have enough seats if you had 220 seats. So, most of the journalists who are here are going to go into an overflow tent where they have a TV to watch the proceedings.

Now, we talked to the judge today, Judge Frederick Gannett, and he has guaranteed us this will be a five or ten minute hearing at the most. He says don't expect to hear anything out of Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant will not be issuing a plea. It's a procedural hearing, the judge says. He will be telling Kobe Bryant his rights, the charges against him, and then they will likely schedule another hearing.

Now, this judge is very interesting. He told us that he is flabbergasted at all the attention this case has gotten and he tells us, yes, he is a sports fan. He is a basketball fan. He played recreational basketball for many years but since then he's had seven knee surgeries so he gave up on basketball and skiing which is a very important sport around here and now concentrates on golf.

So, Judge Gannett says this will be a very short hearing. One other thing we want to point out to you, Wolf, news media attorneys have asked for records in this case to be released. Defense attorneys and prosecutors both agreed they should be sealed. The judge tells us he will decide the week of August 18 most likely if he will unseal some of the records in this case.

Before we go I want to show you one more thing regarding all the people here. Cottage industry locals here, this woman is just passing out this little pamphlet. Two rooms for rent, tonight only, for Kobe's trial. Obviously, the trial hasn't begun but we understand what she's trying to do, make a buck -- Wolf, back to you.

BLITZER: A lot of people are trying to do that. Gary Tuchman thanks very much. You're going to be a busy guy over the next few hours and days.

What effect will the Kobe Bryant case have on the NBA? One team owner is raising eyebrows saying the scandal is actually good for the league.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK CUBAN, DALLAS MAVERICKS OWNER: It's reality TV. People love train wreck TV and you hate to admit that that's the facts but that's reality today and so people will be intrigued. People will come out just for that reason.

And, when we have opening night with the Mavs with Gary Payton, with Carl Malone and what they've done and then with Kobe it's just -- people -- it's going to be must-see TV and people are going to be excited to see it and then we'll go from there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Mark Cuban speaking with Pat O'Brien only yesterday. Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks joins us now live. Mr. Cuban thanks very much for joining us.

You've caused an uproar by saying this potentially could be good for the NBA. Maybe you'd like to elaborate.

CUBAN: Well, first I mean you have to put it in context with that conversation. We were having a greater discussion about media and building up notoriety and what's the impacts on businesses when you do built notoriety.

I think, you know, if you look at people who have become notorious, look at Mike Tyson as an example. He's the number one selling pay per view feature for boxing.

I'm not saying this is a good thing and I think it's abhorrent to think that someone thinks I'm trying to take advantage of a tragedy. That's not the case.

I'm just looking at the facts and facing the reality and that conversation was just to that point that people follow notoriety and that more people who might otherwise not have watched the games with Kobe are going to come to watch to see how he responds, to see how people respond to him and that will build ratings and the unfortunate reality is that that will have a positive financial impact on the NBA.

BLITZER: Inadvertently. Let me tell you what the NBA Commissioner David Stern, he's just issued a statement reacting to your comment yesterday on "Access Hollywood." Let me read to you what he said.

"Any suggestion that there will be some economic or promotional benefit to the NBA arising from the charge pending against Kobe Bryant is both misinformed and unseemly. That idea does not reflect the views of the NBA, NBA owners generally, or other associated with our sport."

He's obviously taking a different stance than you.

CUBAN: I don't think so at all. I think what he's taking a different stance on is all the media commentary. You know what the "USA Today" did by putting that headline is completely irresponsible. That doesn't reflect what I was saying at all and, you know, if anything it makes my point that there is so much media buildup.

If anybody is being opportunistic it's media news shows who are taking every opportunity to trumpet this and the fact of life in our nation today is we enjoy train wreck TV. We enjoy reality TV and the numbers show that out.

I'm not putting any personal spin on this. I hate the fact that Kobe is going through this, that his family is going through this, that this woman is going through it and her family is going through it.

But if we look at this objectively and we look historically what happens to the people who are put in notorious positions and are trumpeted as such, you see a ratings impact and that in turn turns into a financial impact.

It happens for CNN. It happens for all media news outlets and, in this case, because Kobe is a member of the NBA, it will impact the NBA and that was the point I was making contrary to any headlines or however anybody else is positioning it.

BLITZER: The other point you made in a separate interview with "USA Today" in the paper today, beyond the interview with Pat O'Brien, was that when Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers show up in Dallas or show up here in Washington to play the Wizards that's going to be a packed house. People are going to want to come there in part to see Kobe Bryant or in large measure.

What was the point you were trying to say there that they want to see this train wreck potentially on the basketball court?

CUBAN: Wolf, there's a reason why you have a live reporter at the courthouse and that's not because there's a lack of interest. That's because there's significant interest and CNN works hard to build that interest.

As a result of your efforts and as a result of CNN and others' efforts, there's going to be increased interest in what Kobe Bryant does, whether it's at the MTV or the Teen Choice Music Awards, whatever it was, or whether it's at a Washington Wizard's game.

I'm simply stating the obvious and stating the facts. I'm not influencing it. I'm not building it. I'm not saying we should be opportunistic.

What I'm saying is as a result of your work there is going to be a financial impact and that's going to be butts in the seat to watch. I don't like the fact. I'm not saying we should take advantage of it in any way but that is hard, cold fact and reality.

BLITZER: We don't have a lot of time, Mr. Cuban, but how surprised were you when these sexual assault charges were leveled against Kobe Bryant knowing this ballplayer as you obviously do? CUBAN: Well, I don't know him very well but from the conversations I've had with Kobe I was shocked. You know it's not reflective of the Kobe that I know and, you know, as I said it's tragic on both sides.

It's tragic for Kobe and his family and what he's going through and it's just as tragic for the woman and her family. So, it was a complete surprise to me and hopefully, you know, it will be rectified in a fair manner for both parties.

BLITZER: A lot of speculation out there about the lifestyles of many of these NBA stars. Has this served as a wakeup call to them if, in fact, they decide that they're going to have a little bit of too much excitement, too much fun off the basketball court?

CUBAN: I don't think there's any question about it. I think there was a lot of trepidation on the part of all professional athletes whenever they venture outside and into the public and this is just going to heighten their awareness and, you know, their concerns for their own security and well being.

BLITZER: Mark Cuban, he's the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, always outspoken. Thanks for clarifying exactly what you had to say.

CUBAN: Thanks, Wolf, I appreciate the opportunity.

BLITZER: Thank you.

And, Mark Cuban first made his controversial comments to "Access Hollywood's" Pat O'Brien. Later this hour, I'll be speaking with Pat O'Brien. I'll get his assessment on how the Kobe Bryant story is playing in Hollywood and beyond, especially in Los Angeles, the hometown of the Los Angeles Lakers obviously. Pat O'Brien, that's coming up later this hour.

Here's your turn to weigh in on this story. Our web question of the day is this. "Has the Kobe Bryant case increased or decreased your interest in the NBA?" We'll have the results later in this broadcast. You can vote at cnn.com/wolf.

While you're there I'd love to hear directly from you, our viewers. Send me your comments. I'll try to read some of them on the air each day at the end of this program. That's also, of course, where you can read my daily online column, cnn.com/wolf.

The new al Qaeda threat at airports around the country what new items are airport screeners looking for right now and how will that impact on you; the story right after a quick break.

Also, a final vote on the gay bishop after rumors of scandal threaten to derail his nomination, we're standing by. That vote is coming up.

And royal residence, three princes and a mistress get a fancy new house, we'll take you to London for the tour. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: We're still waiting for the final results on the vote on Gene Robinson. We'll know whether he will become the first openly- gay bishop in the Episcopal Church.

And, what new precautions are being taken at major airports around the United States to help keep you safe? Our Patty Davis will have a live report. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Is al Qaeda planning to turn every day electronic devices into weapons? Federal authorities today urged airport screeners to keep a sharp lookout.

Let's go live to CNN's Patty Davis. She's over at Reagan National Airport just outside Washington. Patty, tell us what's going on.

PATTY DAVIS, CNN AVIATION CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, that advisory went out today to airports and law enforcement, check those passenger electronics more closely in an effort to stop terrorists.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVIS (voice-over): Heightened security at the nation's airports amid warnings al Qaeda may strike again.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In my carry-on, I have a laptop, cell phone. Everything had to be removed and screened separately and it was quite an ordeal.

DAVIS: Airport screeners warned to look for weapons and explosives hidden inside common electronic items, cameras, cell phones, even keyless remotes.

CHARLES SLEPIAN, SECURITY EXPERT: This is the key to my car. This is the electronic charge on the back for opening the trunk or opening the door. It can be used as a radio frequency remote control to detonate a bomb or if this were a taser gun I could shock you with it.

DAVIS: These machines that screen passengers are designed to detect metal, guns and knives, and screeners are trained to look for outlines of dangerous objects in carry-on bags from weapons to detonators for bombs but security experts say there is still a big gap in passenger screening plastic explosives. They say screeners are not trained on how to spot them.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The explosive that would be used TATP is not necessarily detectable by the machines that are these checkpoints, even when shoes are taken off and passed back through the x-ray machines and that's a real vulnerability.

DAVIS: Aviation security officials say screeners have other ways to check for plastic explosives including trace detention machines but those machines are only used to check for bomb residue if a screener has suspicions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DAVIS: As for lines at passenger screening checkpoints, airports say expect slightly longer waits. Now, the Transportation Security Administration says it believes passengers will understand that this is simply for their own security -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Patty Davis at Reagan National thanks for that important report.

Days of deliberations end for the Episcopal Church, coming up has the church formally elected its first openly-gay bishop? We'll have a live report.

Also, the fight inside Iraq to protect oil pipelines from sabotage. This is a hugely important story involving the future of Iraq.

Later up, up, and away in the U.K., one of the world's biggest hot air balloon festivals gives us a sneak peak at what's ahead this weekend.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: We're following dramatic and indeed historic developments unfolding right now in Minneapolis where a vote is underway on the man who would be the Episcopal Church's first openly- gay bishop and the results of the investigation into some surprising allegations have just been presented.

Once again, let's go back to CNN's Jeff Flock. He's standing by with late-breaking developments -- Jeff.

FLOCK: Indeed, Wolf. As you can see perhaps behind me the hallway has cleared. All the bishops are back in the hall now at this moment debating the fate of Bishop-elect Gene Robinson.

We can show you a picture of him earlier today when he appeared here for a brief time. What they are doing right now in kind of a curious way, they're all getting together. They got together for 15 minutes, all of the bishops in small groups to talk about why they shouldn't vote for Robinson.

Now, they've reconvened in, again, small groups to discuss for 15 minutes why they should, the conclusion of that an hour more of public debate. Then they'll take the vote so we're still a ways away.

But as to that investigation essentially found that on the question of the Web site that the bishop-elect was linked to that had links itself to some pornography they found that his ties to that organization were four or five years old. He hadn't been associated with the organization in years so that was a moot point.

And, this other allegation of a man who said the bishop-elect inappropriately touched him they also found very little to substantiate that allegation. He basically came up and put his arm on the man's shoulder, on his arm at one point but nothing much beyond that, the man who announced the results of the investigation, Gordon Scruton who is the bishop of western Massachusetts.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GORDON SCRUTON, BISHOP OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS: There is no necessity to pursue further investigation and no reason on these grounds to prevent the bishops with jurisdiction from going forward with their voting about whether or not to consent to Canon Robinson's consecration.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FLOCK: So, in fact, Wolf, as you hear they will go forward with the vote, of course no time soon. We're still probably a good hour, hour and 15 minutes or so away and, of course, we'll have a live report when it's appropriate -- back to you.

BLITZER: Thanks very much, Jeff. We'll be standing by ready for that vote, the historic vote indeed. Jeff Flock live from the scene, appreciate it very much.

Al Qaeda prisoners in Iran. Will the Pentagon ever get its hands on them? We'll take a closer look. That's coming up.

Plus, sports, celebrity, race and money. How will it all play in the case involving Kobe Bryant? Pat O'Brien of "Access Hollywood" -- he's standing by. He'll join me live to talk about that and more.

And this:

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Along with his sons and Mrs. Parker-Bowles, now have a central London home worthy of the heir to the throne.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: A firsthand tour of the new royal residence that features a few princes and a mistress.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Forest fires raging out of control in Canada. The latest on what's burning and when those fleeing the flames may be able to return to their homes.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: CNN live this hour, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, live from the nation's capital, with correspondents from around the world.

Here now is Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN.

The results of the Episcopal vote on electing the first openly gay bishop is expected any minute now. CNN will have live coverage as soon as the voting results are released. We'll go there live to Minneapolis.

First, though, let's check the latest headlines.

(NEWSBREAK)

BLITZER: Is al Qaeda making a comeback? Let's go back to CNN's Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr. She's joining us now with developments -- Barbara.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, that was the question today at the Pentagon news briefing for Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Is al Qaeda raising its head again in a week when no, today, we have seen this bombing in Indonesia that may be tied to an al Qaeda-related group, and, of course, the tape earlier this week from Ayman Al-Zawahiri, a very close aide to Osama bin Laden.

Now, the Pentagon estimates, very interestingly, that 500 al Qaeda suspects have now been captured in the border area of Pakistan, the area that it is believed where Osama bin Laden is still hiding.

But what about the rest of the organization? Well, intelligence officials have continued now to confirm that top al Qaeda leaders are in Iran, and while the Iranians say they have them under detention, under some sort of house arrest, that remains a very open question. The question is, are these al Qaeda in Iran still operating, still organizing?

This is one of the key men. His name is Saif Al-Adel. The U.S. says he is inside Iran but he may be still operating. The U.S. has been trying to get Iran to turn over these al Qaeda suspects and today Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was very discouraging about that prospect.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: To the extent that they're in one way or another not being allowed to function and operate out of there, that's better. To the extent they would be handed over to us, it would be excellent. The chances of that happening apparently are about zero.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: So a very discouraging note from the Pentagon today. The belief is that the Iranian government still has perhaps three or four very senior al Qaeda officials in Iran, is sheltering them, maybe keeping a close eye on them, but no guarantees that they are not again operating out of Iran -- Wolf.

BLITZER: And what about the mysterious pneumonia that's afflicting some U.S. troops in Iraq? There was an update today, Barbara.

STARR: Indeed, Pentagon health officials updating reporters on this. They have now sent two teams of medical investigators over to the region to try and figure out what exactly is going on.

About 100 military personnel coming down with pneumonia since March 1. But the real issue is about 15 cases so serious that these people had to be put on ventilators and, in fact, two of them have died. Now overall, the numbers, about 100 cases since March -- that's in line statistically, believe it or not, with the number of people in the military that get pneumonia each year. It does happen. But the issue is, what is causing these very severe cases? What are the chances of more fatalities? So they are trying to track down what is going on.

They believe, at this point, that one of the things they will look at is the question of dust. Is the dust in Iraq so heavy that it may be settling into soldiers' lungs and causing this problem? No clear answers yet, Wolf.

BLITZER: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thanks, Barbara, very much.

While some U.S. forces are hunting down Saddam Hussein, others are clearly trying to keep his loyalists from cutting off Iraq's economic lifeblood, namely oil.

CNN's Harris Whitbeck reports from the former leader's stronghold, Tikrit.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Tribal sheiks observe a fire on an oil pipeline that runs through their ancestral lands in northern Iraq.

There is much at stake for them. After all, they say, the oil that flows from this land is theirs.

"Oil is our main resource," he says. "It is the artery that feeds the Iraqi people."

The tribes that have worked these lands for millennia have learned to live with the pipeline, a pipeline that has been under threat since the occupation of Iraq led to a breakdown of security in the area.

Looters have tried to cut the pipeline open. Guerrillas have tried to sabotage it.

(on camera): Acts of sabotage can result in situations like this one: oil burning on the ground, plumes of black smoke darkening the skies for miles around.

(voice-over): The sheikhs don't know how this fire started, but they do know the integrity of the pipeline is essential to the future development of Iraq. Oil revenues, after all, will pay for the country's reconstruction.

COL. ROBERT NICHOLSON, U.S. ARMY: It is an issue for us, from the perspective of looting and just the condition of the pipelines, being able to patrol them.

WHITBECK: But the U.S. says it wants the Iraqis themselves to be the stewards of their resources, paying tribal leaders $87 a month for every kilometer of pipeline they protect.

NICHOLSON: We're going to hold them responsible whether we pay them or not.

WHITBECK: The tribal leaders seem happy to oblige.

"I am like any patriot," says the sheik," a nationalist who protects his country from saboteurs and thieves."

Harris Whitbeck, CNN, Tikrit, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The Kobe Bryant case under the microscope -- how the latest comments, controversial comments at his sexual assault trial, may actually spark greater in the NBA. How are they playing around the country? I'll talk with someone who knows sports, someone who knows entertainment, Pat O'Brien of "Access Hollywood." He'll be my guest.

And later, a house fit for a king, or at least a prince. Inside this spectacular new home for Prince Charles and his sons.

First, though, let's take a quick look at some news making headlines "Around the World."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Relatives are preparing for the release tomorrow of 339 Palestinians being held by Israel. It's a goodwill move, but there's anger among some Palestinians, who wanted more prisoners released, and some Israelis, who have lost relatives to suicide attacks.

Much of Western Europe is sizzling, with record high temperatures around the continent. Paris hit 104 degrees yesterday. And in Britain, trains have been forced to reduce speed for fear rails may buckle in the heat. Forecasters are predicting a British record tomorrow, 100 degrees.

The heat wave is hampering firefighters in Portugal battling the worst outbreak of wildfires in two decades. At least 11 people have died and the government is asking NATO forces for help. A similar situation in British Columbia, where more than 300 wildfires are burning. At one point, more than 10,000 people were forced to evacuate, but several thousand have now returned to their homes.

It's the grand prix of lawnmower racing. This 12-hour competition in West Sussex, England is dubbed the "Axles of Evil." The winner of this year's race completed 373 laps.

Also in Britain, the 25th annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta. Previews are leading up to the even, which runs Thursday through Sunday. It's expected to draw half a million people.

And that's our look "Around the World."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: We're awaiting the results of the vote on the gay bishop, a historic decision for the Episcopal Church. We just learned he's been cleared of any misconduct. We'll get the formal vote. Stay with CNN. We'll go live to Minneapolis. Our Jeff Flock is standing by as soon as the results come in.

More now on the case against Kobe Bryant on the eve of a key court appearance. Dallas Maverick Owner Mark Cuban, as you just saw on this program -- he's raising at least some eyebrows by saying the scandal could potentially be good for the NBA from a business perspective.

He first made that comment in an interview with "Access Hollywood"'s Pat O'Brien.

Pat is joining us now live from our Los Angeles bureau.

Pat, were you surprised when you heard those comments from Mark Cuban?

PAT O'BRIEN, "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD": I think I'm more surprised by what it has become and I kind of feel sorry for Mark in that regard.

What he was trying to say is that, you know, the reality is, if so many people are interested in this thing, it's just going to pique interest in the NBA. I don't think by any stretch of the imagination he was trying to demean this case or say that, you know, anything involving rape or sexual assault is going to be good for marketing.

But the truth of the matter is, he said reality TV is what people love. It's what people are watching. You've had three or four reports on your news show tonight. And I've never seen a case grow so exponentially as this Kobe Bryant case has. Each day it seems to get 10 times bigger.

And all we can do is speculate, and that doesn't do anybody any good. But people -- people are anxious to see what's going on with this thing. BLITZER: Yes, I got the same impression from Mark Cuban. He was basically only trying to give an analytical statement of fact, that people are going to be interested in this. A lot of people are obsessed by it already. And that's going to spark greater opportunities for people to go to an NBA game. It didn't spark me as all that controversial, although the headline in "USA Today" earlier today did generate a lot of concern.

O'BRIEN: Yes, the headline was brutal.

But -- and, you know, train wreck is what, you know, he was saying is what people want to see, are train wrecks. I don't agree with that. I'm sure he doesn't agree with that, but that's the reality of the situation.

But I'll tell you one -- I was at a dinner party the other night and I polled my friends. Nobody out here is talking about anything else. With all that's going on in the world, it's all Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, he said/she said, what do the lawyers do, what do they have to do. It's amazing.

BLITZER: You know, and as you know, there's a media circus out in Eagle, Colorado, a small little town not far from Vail. We'll put some pictures up, show our viewers. You were saying you haven't seen the growth of interest, the media excitement out there in any kind of case. Maybe you got to go back to O.J. Simpson.

O'BRIEN: Yes, I think you're going to have to go back and I certainly don't want to compare this with the O.J. situation. But you can compare the media mania with O.J. and I think this one could be even bigger because it's in a small town, because of the two people it involves and because it involves an athlete that's so beloved by Americans across this country.

BLITZER: Before you did entertainment, you did sports. You know the intersection of these two areas, sports and entertainment. Can he, Kobe Bryant, now that he's acknowledged adultery, let's say, if he's cleared, can he still come back and get those endorsements?

O'BRIEN: Yes, I mean, it's not my call.

First of all, he hasn't been, you know -- he's still innocent, as I read the Constitution, so we don't know what's going to happen in the trial and we hope everything turns out well for everybody. But yes, I think Kobe Bryant, if he's cleared, has the ability and the perspective on his career and life to make a comeback. You know, a comeback from what? This media publicity is going to be awful for the next few weeks.

The question now is, Wolf, is whether or not he will actually play basketball. I don't know the answer to that. But does he want to put himself through that, going through all the NBA cities and reading the articles and rehashing and that sort of thing.

BLITZER: The NBA says he's allowed to. He's innocent until proven guilty. So there's nothing preventing him from going with the Lakers and starting the season. And as you well know, there will be a lot of excitement. The question is, how will he play on the basketball court given what's going on in his life?

O'BRIEN: Well, there's two theories to that. One is that he's such a high-class great athlete that this will put the focus on something else for him and maybe take his mind off that.

But the other theory is -- if that's possible. The other theory is, does he want to put up with fans, you know, in other cities. Fans can be brutal and he may have to put up with that, and he'll have to make that decision.

BLITZER: Because there will be signs in the stands, people will be screaming, people will be making some ugly accusations.

O'BRIEN: Yes, and they'll think it's funny. It's not. But fans can be brutal.

BLITZER: Fans can be very brutal.

Pat O'Brien, always good to have you on the program. "Access Hollywood," one of my personal favorites. And just in terms of full disclosure, Pat, you and I went to graduate school together.

O'BRIEN: Yes, we did, and one of us went to more classes than the other, I believe.

BLITZER: No comment. Pat O'Brien, thanks very much.

O'BRIEN: Thanks, Wolf.

BLITZER: Our "Web Question of the Day" is this: "Has the Kobe Bryant case increased or decreased your interest in the NBA?" You can vote at cnn.com/wolf.

The fabulous new digs for a royal family. Coming up, the spectacular new house with its own royal lineage for Prince Charles and his sons. And how you can get an up-close view. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: The Episcopal church on the verge of making history. Any minute now the final vote on whether to confirm the first gay bishop due any time now. You are looking at live picture. We're monitoring the discussion, the debate, the vote. We'll bring all of it to you live as soon as it happens.

It's a royal residence fit for a king, or at least a future king. Prince Charles is moving his official London home to Clarence House, the former residence of the late queen mother. CNN's Richard Quest reports, the prince's long-time girlfriend is coming along.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

QUEST (voice-over): The real estate agents would call this the ultimate London home. Four floors, good gardens and, of course, plenty of room for guests. The queen mother lived here for 50 years. When she died, the house was up for grabs. Then Queen Elizabeth decided Charles, William and Harry could move in. Also moving in will be Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Charles' long-time companion. She's been allocated two private rooms so she can use Clarence House as her central London home. The whole thing hasn't been cheap. Prince Charles paid several million dollars of his own money to the $6 million provided by the taxpayer. And the official rooms open to the public for the first time, sparkle with antiques, famous pictures and royal brick-a-brack.

MATTHEW DENNISON, HOUSE & GARDENS MAGAZINE: I thought it was a tremendous success. For my money, this is absolutely the best of British. Classic English country house decorating given a very modern twist.

QUEST (on camera): Any tourist hoping to see royal bedrooms and bathrooms should stay away.

(voice-over): Tours only go through the ground floor. And, anyway, neither the royals nor Camilla will be here. At least not when the public are trampling through the building.

(on camera): The Prince of Wales, along with his sons and Mrs. Parker Bowles now have a central London home worthy of the heir to the throne. The next time Prince Charles moves house, it will probably be just a couple of hundred yards up the road, when he becomes king and moves into Buckingham Palace. No one is saying if Mrs. Parker Bowles will be part of that move.

Richard Quest, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Once again, our hot "Web Question of the Day" is this, has the Kobe Bryant case increased or decreased your interest in the NBA?

Go ahead and vote, cnn.com/wolf. We'll have the results immediately when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Here's how you are weighing in on our "Web Question of the Day." Remember we have been asking you this, has the Kobe Bryant case increased or decreased your interest in the NBA. Look at this, 39 percent say, increased, 61 percent say, decreased. This is not a scientific poll.

Let's get to your e-mail.

Elaine writes this, "Everyone is making excuses for Kobe Bryant. His wife should throw all his clothes and toys onto the front lawn and take him to the cleaners. Cheating on your wife and then placating her with a diamond ring is insulting. And it shows his tawdry character."

Chris, writes this, "Kobe may be huge on the world scale, but the small town jury will not be so impressed with his celebrity. They will definitely be more sympathetic to the victim, who is one of their own."

And from Elie, "I am really disgusted at the way the media are covering this entire affair, portraying Kobe as guilty before the trial. When thy love you they love you. But if they detect the tiniest flaw, they crush you."

A reminder you can always catch us WOLF BLITZER REPORTS weekdays 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Of course, I am noon Eastern as well. See you tomorrow. Until then thanks very much for joining us.

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





Kills at Least 10 in Indonesia; Interview With Mark Cuban>


Aired August 5, 2003 - 17:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
WOLF BLITZER, HOST: Twenty-four hours ago there were ugly accusations hurled against the first openly gay bishop-elect in the Episcopal Church. An 11th hour investigation is now over and we're standing by for a confirmation vote that could seriously split this divided church.
We're live in Minneapolis. WOLF BLITZER REPORTS starts right now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Hotel bombing, a massive terror blast at a Marriott in Indonesia. Is there an al Qaeda connection?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A lot of fire and all the taxi drivers and the taxis were on fire (unintelligible) and there's a couple of the drivers that (unintelligible).

Terror alert, why screeners will have their eyes on your cell phone, camera, and radio, we'll take you to the airport.

The Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, a controversial owner says it's great for the NBA. I'll speak with Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks and Pat O'Brien of "Access Hollywood."

Prince Charles gets a new pad, we'll tell you who else is moving in.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANNOUNCER: CNN live this hour, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, live from the nation's capital with correspondents from around the world. WOLF BLITZER REPORTS starts now.

BLITZER: It's Tuesday, August 05, 2003. Hello from Washington, I'm Wolf Blitzer reporting.

We'll get to that terror attack at the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta in just a moment.

First, though, it's happening right now, the closely-watched vote on the man who would be the Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop. It was postponed yesterday after eleventh hour allegations surfaced. CNN's Jeff Flock is following all of these developments, late- breaking developments. He's joining us now live from Minneapolis -- Jeff.

JEFF FLOCK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Wolf, I'm standing in an off position here because I'm trying to keep my eye and see what's going on inside the House of Bishops meeting. It is convened now and just moments ago began taking up the case of Canon Robinson, Gene Robinson the man who has been nominated to become a bishop of New Hampshire.

Bishop Scruton of Massachusetts has been tasked with investigation these allegations against Bishop-elect Robinson has just been starting his report to the bishops saying that the exchange, as we reported earlier today, this exchange with this gentleman who charged he had an inappropriate touch from Bishop-elect Robinson back in 1998 or 1999 was interviewed by the bishop for Massachusetts and told him that essentially these took place in a public convocation.

It involved Bishop Robinson, or Bishop-elect Robinson putting his hand on the man's shoulder at one point, putting his hand on his arm at another point. Certainly these were sort of acts that arguably may not have been objectionable. It was nothing beyond that, at least that's the report so far.

So, we'll continue to watch this, Wolf. At the conclusion of this report they're going to go ahead and vote on Bishop-elect Robinson, so we'll give that to you just as soon as we're able -- back to you.

BLITZER: All right, Jeff, we're going to be standing by. We'll be coming back to you. We'll be standing by for this crucial vote in the Episcopal Church. Thanks, Jeff, very much.

Let's move on now to that devastating terror attack at a U.S.- owned hotel in the heart of Indonesia's capital. The car bombing killed at least 10 people and wounded more than 100. Fingers are being pointed at a group linked to al Qaeda.

CNN's Atika Shubert reports from Jakarta.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ATIKA SHUBERT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Indonesia a target again, this time the J.W. Marriott an American luxury hotel catering to Indonesia's wealthy elite and international executives.

The attack happened at 12:30 in the afternoon right in the middle of a busy lunch hour. Police say a car laden with explosives pulled up to the lobby entrance as though to drop off passengers. Instead, it detonated initiating a wave of destruction.

"I was just coming back to work when it happened" this woman told us. "I was inside when I heard this huge explosion. I rushed out and saw smoke everywhere. People were lying on the ground unconscious and injured." Dozens of wounded were rushed to hospitals, many in critical condition, several with severe burns over 90 percent of their bodies. Doctors warn that the death toll is likely to rise. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast. Police have yet to name any suspects. Forensics teams are still sifting through the wreckage for clues.

But, for many here, the attack was all too familiar, a frightening repeat of last year's nightclub bombings in Indonesia's resort island of Bali. More than 200 died that night. Police then blamed the Jemaah Islamiyah, an al Qaeda linked terror network that has sworn to carry out a jihad or holy war against westerners and others they consider to be enemies of Islam.

The timing of the Marriott attack may be significant, just two days before judges handed down the first verdict in the trial of a confessed Bali bomber, suspected of being a member of Jemaah Islamiyah and less than a month after authorities uncovered a huge cache of explosives stashed away by the group.

Police warned then that Jemaah Islamiyah was planning more attacks and that a number of explosives were yet to be recovered. Investigators say they fear Jemaah Islamiyah may have struck again.

Indonesia's President Megawati Sukarnoputri visited the site straight from an emergency cabinet meeting attempting to bring some calm to a city on edge.

Jakarta is bracing for the possibility of more terrorist attacks. Police are on high alert throughout the city and the country and they warn that the people who carried out today's attack are still at large. People here are frightened that what happened in Jakarta today could happen again.

Atika Shubert, CNN, Jakarta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: Forensics experts are already saying that one of the bomb ingredients was potassium chlorate the same chemical that was used in that Bali nightclub bombing and was also found in that raid last month on a suspected terrorist bomb factory.

Indonesia is, of course, one of a number of world hot spots targeted for terror by al Qaeda and kindred spirits for a number of reasons.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Al Qaeda, clearly weakened since September 11 but the world's best known terror group and its brother in arms still active choosing countries and targets attractive for their symbolism, allegiances, shortcomings, and counterterrorism officials tell CNN native sympathizers willing to take part.

Indonesia, twice now the victim of major attacks since 9/11, the radical Islamic group Jemaah Islamiyah or JI suspected in today's attack also blamed for the devastating blast in Bali in October of last year. Some 200 people were killed, most of them Australian.

ROHAN GUNARATNA, TERRORISM EXPERT: JI as an organization is very much intact in Indonesia. It has been disrupted in Malaysia, in Singapore, and to some extent in Thailand and in northern Philippines but the group is still very much intact and operational in Indonesia and in the southern Philippines.

BLITZER: Other countries, many predominantly Muslim, most with pro-western leanings, seem to be high on target lists.

April 11, 2002, on the Tunisian island of Jerba, the first major post-September 11 attack, 20 people visiting the oldest synagogue in Africa killed when a homemade gas truck is detonated.

November 28, 2002, Mombasa, Kenya, an Israeli-owned hotel near this resort town is rammed by a car packed with explosives, at least 15 people killed. A nearly simultaneous attack on an Israeli passenger jet taking off from the Mombasa Airport, two stinger missiles fired from the ground and miss.

May 12 of this year, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, three compounds housing westerners attacked by suicide bombers in cars, at least 35 people killed. It's called the Saudi September 11. The Saudi Government moves quickly to find suspects but only slightly deflects ongoing criticism of the U.S.-Saudi relationship.

ROBERT BAER, FORMER CIA CASE OFFICER: We have this deference to Saudi Arabia which I think is undermining the war on terrorism.

BLITZER: May 16, 2003, Casablanca, Morocco, a suicide bombing at a nightclub kills more than 30 innocent people.

Another U.S. ally fighting its own war on terror very security conscious still not immune, Russia in its ongoing war on Chechen separatists suffers three horrific attacks in less than a year.

A hostage standoff at a Moscow theater, suicide bombings at a concert at an airfield, and just last week a truck bomb slams into a military hospital near the Chechen border. The casualty count from all three more than 200 killed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: And U.S. counterterrorism officials say they're on alert for yet more strikes against U.S. related targets around the world.

Let's move now to the Kobe Bryant story here in the United States. Media from around the world are in the small town of Eagle, Colorado, where the NBA superstar Kobe Bryant is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow on sexual assault charges.

Our National Correspondent Gary Tuchman is there. He's joining us now live with a preview. Gary, 24 hours from now, almost exactly, Kobe Bryant will be there. We're hearing he's coming with his wife. Is that what you're hearing?

GARY TUCHMAN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's what we're hearing too but nothing is guaranteed until he arrives, including how he's getting here. We assume he'll be flying on a private plane to a nearby airport but that hasn't even been guaranteed just yet.

What's interesting, Wolf is that Kobe Bryant will be on national TV twice tomorrow, two completely different appearances. He'll be on the teen award show called "Teen Choice." It was taped this weekend. He won an award for best male athlete. It's being broadcast nationwide tomorrow night.

But, before that, he'll have his initial appearance in court in the courthouse behind me here in Eagle, Colorado, and you're right hundreds of journalists from all over the world are arriving. Most of them started coming here yesterday. We expect even more will be here tomorrow but inside the courtroom there are only 22 seats for journalists.

Now, if you put a zero after that 22, you still wouldn't have enough seats if you had 220 seats. So, most of the journalists who are here are going to go into an overflow tent where they have a TV to watch the proceedings.

Now, we talked to the judge today, Judge Frederick Gannett, and he has guaranteed us this will be a five or ten minute hearing at the most. He says don't expect to hear anything out of Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant will not be issuing a plea. It's a procedural hearing, the judge says. He will be telling Kobe Bryant his rights, the charges against him, and then they will likely schedule another hearing.

Now, this judge is very interesting. He told us that he is flabbergasted at all the attention this case has gotten and he tells us, yes, he is a sports fan. He is a basketball fan. He played recreational basketball for many years but since then he's had seven knee surgeries so he gave up on basketball and skiing which is a very important sport around here and now concentrates on golf.

So, Judge Gannett says this will be a very short hearing. One other thing we want to point out to you, Wolf, news media attorneys have asked for records in this case to be released. Defense attorneys and prosecutors both agreed they should be sealed. The judge tells us he will decide the week of August 18 most likely if he will unseal some of the records in this case.

Before we go I want to show you one more thing regarding all the people here. Cottage industry locals here, this woman is just passing out this little pamphlet. Two rooms for rent, tonight only, for Kobe's trial. Obviously, the trial hasn't begun but we understand what she's trying to do, make a buck -- Wolf, back to you.

BLITZER: A lot of people are trying to do that. Gary Tuchman thanks very much. You're going to be a busy guy over the next few hours and days.

What effect will the Kobe Bryant case have on the NBA? One team owner is raising eyebrows saying the scandal is actually good for the league.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MARK CUBAN, DALLAS MAVERICKS OWNER: It's reality TV. People love train wreck TV and you hate to admit that that's the facts but that's reality today and so people will be intrigued. People will come out just for that reason.

And, when we have opening night with the Mavs with Gary Payton, with Carl Malone and what they've done and then with Kobe it's just -- people -- it's going to be must-see TV and people are going to be excited to see it and then we'll go from there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: Mark Cuban speaking with Pat O'Brien only yesterday. Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks joins us now live. Mr. Cuban thanks very much for joining us.

You've caused an uproar by saying this potentially could be good for the NBA. Maybe you'd like to elaborate.

CUBAN: Well, first I mean you have to put it in context with that conversation. We were having a greater discussion about media and building up notoriety and what's the impacts on businesses when you do built notoriety.

I think, you know, if you look at people who have become notorious, look at Mike Tyson as an example. He's the number one selling pay per view feature for boxing.

I'm not saying this is a good thing and I think it's abhorrent to think that someone thinks I'm trying to take advantage of a tragedy. That's not the case.

I'm just looking at the facts and facing the reality and that conversation was just to that point that people follow notoriety and that more people who might otherwise not have watched the games with Kobe are going to come to watch to see how he responds, to see how people respond to him and that will build ratings and the unfortunate reality is that that will have a positive financial impact on the NBA.

BLITZER: Inadvertently. Let me tell you what the NBA Commissioner David Stern, he's just issued a statement reacting to your comment yesterday on "Access Hollywood." Let me read to you what he said.

"Any suggestion that there will be some economic or promotional benefit to the NBA arising from the charge pending against Kobe Bryant is both misinformed and unseemly. That idea does not reflect the views of the NBA, NBA owners generally, or other associated with our sport."

He's obviously taking a different stance than you.

CUBAN: I don't think so at all. I think what he's taking a different stance on is all the media commentary. You know what the "USA Today" did by putting that headline is completely irresponsible. That doesn't reflect what I was saying at all and, you know, if anything it makes my point that there is so much media buildup.

If anybody is being opportunistic it's media news shows who are taking every opportunity to trumpet this and the fact of life in our nation today is we enjoy train wreck TV. We enjoy reality TV and the numbers show that out.

I'm not putting any personal spin on this. I hate the fact that Kobe is going through this, that his family is going through this, that this woman is going through it and her family is going through it.

But if we look at this objectively and we look historically what happens to the people who are put in notorious positions and are trumpeted as such, you see a ratings impact and that in turn turns into a financial impact.

It happens for CNN. It happens for all media news outlets and, in this case, because Kobe is a member of the NBA, it will impact the NBA and that was the point I was making contrary to any headlines or however anybody else is positioning it.

BLITZER: The other point you made in a separate interview with "USA Today" in the paper today, beyond the interview with Pat O'Brien, was that when Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers show up in Dallas or show up here in Washington to play the Wizards that's going to be a packed house. People are going to want to come there in part to see Kobe Bryant or in large measure.

What was the point you were trying to say there that they want to see this train wreck potentially on the basketball court?

CUBAN: Wolf, there's a reason why you have a live reporter at the courthouse and that's not because there's a lack of interest. That's because there's significant interest and CNN works hard to build that interest.

As a result of your efforts and as a result of CNN and others' efforts, there's going to be increased interest in what Kobe Bryant does, whether it's at the MTV or the Teen Choice Music Awards, whatever it was, or whether it's at a Washington Wizard's game.

I'm simply stating the obvious and stating the facts. I'm not influencing it. I'm not building it. I'm not saying we should be opportunistic.

What I'm saying is as a result of your work there is going to be a financial impact and that's going to be butts in the seat to watch. I don't like the fact. I'm not saying we should take advantage of it in any way but that is hard, cold fact and reality.

BLITZER: We don't have a lot of time, Mr. Cuban, but how surprised were you when these sexual assault charges were leveled against Kobe Bryant knowing this ballplayer as you obviously do? CUBAN: Well, I don't know him very well but from the conversations I've had with Kobe I was shocked. You know it's not reflective of the Kobe that I know and, you know, as I said it's tragic on both sides.

It's tragic for Kobe and his family and what he's going through and it's just as tragic for the woman and her family. So, it was a complete surprise to me and hopefully, you know, it will be rectified in a fair manner for both parties.

BLITZER: A lot of speculation out there about the lifestyles of many of these NBA stars. Has this served as a wakeup call to them if, in fact, they decide that they're going to have a little bit of too much excitement, too much fun off the basketball court?

CUBAN: I don't think there's any question about it. I think there was a lot of trepidation on the part of all professional athletes whenever they venture outside and into the public and this is just going to heighten their awareness and, you know, their concerns for their own security and well being.

BLITZER: Mark Cuban, he's the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, always outspoken. Thanks for clarifying exactly what you had to say.

CUBAN: Thanks, Wolf, I appreciate the opportunity.

BLITZER: Thank you.

And, Mark Cuban first made his controversial comments to "Access Hollywood's" Pat O'Brien. Later this hour, I'll be speaking with Pat O'Brien. I'll get his assessment on how the Kobe Bryant story is playing in Hollywood and beyond, especially in Los Angeles, the hometown of the Los Angeles Lakers obviously. Pat O'Brien, that's coming up later this hour.

Here's your turn to weigh in on this story. Our web question of the day is this. "Has the Kobe Bryant case increased or decreased your interest in the NBA?" We'll have the results later in this broadcast. You can vote at cnn.com/wolf.

While you're there I'd love to hear directly from you, our viewers. Send me your comments. I'll try to read some of them on the air each day at the end of this program. That's also, of course, where you can read my daily online column, cnn.com/wolf.

The new al Qaeda threat at airports around the country what new items are airport screeners looking for right now and how will that impact on you; the story right after a quick break.

Also, a final vote on the gay bishop after rumors of scandal threaten to derail his nomination, we're standing by. That vote is coming up.

And royal residence, three princes and a mistress get a fancy new house, we'll take you to London for the tour. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: We're still waiting for the final results on the vote on Gene Robinson. We'll know whether he will become the first openly- gay bishop in the Episcopal Church.

And, what new precautions are being taken at major airports around the United States to help keep you safe? Our Patty Davis will have a live report. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Is al Qaeda planning to turn every day electronic devices into weapons? Federal authorities today urged airport screeners to keep a sharp lookout.

Let's go live to CNN's Patty Davis. She's over at Reagan National Airport just outside Washington. Patty, tell us what's going on.

PATTY DAVIS, CNN AVIATION CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, that advisory went out today to airports and law enforcement, check those passenger electronics more closely in an effort to stop terrorists.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVIS (voice-over): Heightened security at the nation's airports amid warnings al Qaeda may strike again.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In my carry-on, I have a laptop, cell phone. Everything had to be removed and screened separately and it was quite an ordeal.

DAVIS: Airport screeners warned to look for weapons and explosives hidden inside common electronic items, cameras, cell phones, even keyless remotes.

CHARLES SLEPIAN, SECURITY EXPERT: This is the key to my car. This is the electronic charge on the back for opening the trunk or opening the door. It can be used as a radio frequency remote control to detonate a bomb or if this were a taser gun I could shock you with it.

DAVIS: These machines that screen passengers are designed to detect metal, guns and knives, and screeners are trained to look for outlines of dangerous objects in carry-on bags from weapons to detonators for bombs but security experts say there is still a big gap in passenger screening plastic explosives. They say screeners are not trained on how to spot them.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The explosive that would be used TATP is not necessarily detectable by the machines that are these checkpoints, even when shoes are taken off and passed back through the x-ray machines and that's a real vulnerability.

DAVIS: Aviation security officials say screeners have other ways to check for plastic explosives including trace detention machines but those machines are only used to check for bomb residue if a screener has suspicions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DAVIS: As for lines at passenger screening checkpoints, airports say expect slightly longer waits. Now, the Transportation Security Administration says it believes passengers will understand that this is simply for their own security -- Wolf.

BLITZER: Patty Davis at Reagan National thanks for that important report.

Days of deliberations end for the Episcopal Church, coming up has the church formally elected its first openly-gay bishop? We'll have a live report.

Also, the fight inside Iraq to protect oil pipelines from sabotage. This is a hugely important story involving the future of Iraq.

Later up, up, and away in the U.K., one of the world's biggest hot air balloon festivals gives us a sneak peak at what's ahead this weekend.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: We're following dramatic and indeed historic developments unfolding right now in Minneapolis where a vote is underway on the man who would be the Episcopal Church's first openly- gay bishop and the results of the investigation into some surprising allegations have just been presented.

Once again, let's go back to CNN's Jeff Flock. He's standing by with late-breaking developments -- Jeff.

FLOCK: Indeed, Wolf. As you can see perhaps behind me the hallway has cleared. All the bishops are back in the hall now at this moment debating the fate of Bishop-elect Gene Robinson.

We can show you a picture of him earlier today when he appeared here for a brief time. What they are doing right now in kind of a curious way, they're all getting together. They got together for 15 minutes, all of the bishops in small groups to talk about why they shouldn't vote for Robinson.

Now, they've reconvened in, again, small groups to discuss for 15 minutes why they should, the conclusion of that an hour more of public debate. Then they'll take the vote so we're still a ways away.

But as to that investigation essentially found that on the question of the Web site that the bishop-elect was linked to that had links itself to some pornography they found that his ties to that organization were four or five years old. He hadn't been associated with the organization in years so that was a moot point.

And, this other allegation of a man who said the bishop-elect inappropriately touched him they also found very little to substantiate that allegation. He basically came up and put his arm on the man's shoulder, on his arm at one point but nothing much beyond that, the man who announced the results of the investigation, Gordon Scruton who is the bishop of western Massachusetts.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GORDON SCRUTON, BISHOP OF WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS: There is no necessity to pursue further investigation and no reason on these grounds to prevent the bishops with jurisdiction from going forward with their voting about whether or not to consent to Canon Robinson's consecration.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FLOCK: So, in fact, Wolf, as you hear they will go forward with the vote, of course no time soon. We're still probably a good hour, hour and 15 minutes or so away and, of course, we'll have a live report when it's appropriate -- back to you.

BLITZER: Thanks very much, Jeff. We'll be standing by ready for that vote, the historic vote indeed. Jeff Flock live from the scene, appreciate it very much.

Al Qaeda prisoners in Iran. Will the Pentagon ever get its hands on them? We'll take a closer look. That's coming up.

Plus, sports, celebrity, race and money. How will it all play in the case involving Kobe Bryant? Pat O'Brien of "Access Hollywood" -- he's standing by. He'll join me live to talk about that and more.

And this:

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Along with his sons and Mrs. Parker-Bowles, now have a central London home worthy of the heir to the throne.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BLITZER: A firsthand tour of the new royal residence that features a few princes and a mistress.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: Forest fires raging out of control in Canada. The latest on what's burning and when those fleeing the flames may be able to return to their homes.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: CNN live this hour, WOLF BLITZER REPORTS, live from the nation's capital, with correspondents from around the world.

Here now is Wolf Blitzer.

BLITZER: Welcome back to CNN.

The results of the Episcopal vote on electing the first openly gay bishop is expected any minute now. CNN will have live coverage as soon as the voting results are released. We'll go there live to Minneapolis.

First, though, let's check the latest headlines.

(NEWSBREAK)

BLITZER: Is al Qaeda making a comeback? Let's go back to CNN's Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr. She's joining us now with developments -- Barbara.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Well, Wolf, that was the question today at the Pentagon news briefing for Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Is al Qaeda raising its head again in a week when no, today, we have seen this bombing in Indonesia that may be tied to an al Qaeda-related group, and, of course, the tape earlier this week from Ayman Al-Zawahiri, a very close aide to Osama bin Laden.

Now, the Pentagon estimates, very interestingly, that 500 al Qaeda suspects have now been captured in the border area of Pakistan, the area that it is believed where Osama bin Laden is still hiding.

But what about the rest of the organization? Well, intelligence officials have continued now to confirm that top al Qaeda leaders are in Iran, and while the Iranians say they have them under detention, under some sort of house arrest, that remains a very open question. The question is, are these al Qaeda in Iran still operating, still organizing?

This is one of the key men. His name is Saif Al-Adel. The U.S. says he is inside Iran but he may be still operating. The U.S. has been trying to get Iran to turn over these al Qaeda suspects and today Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was very discouraging about that prospect.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD RUMSFELD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: To the extent that they're in one way or another not being allowed to function and operate out of there, that's better. To the extent they would be handed over to us, it would be excellent. The chances of that happening apparently are about zero.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: So a very discouraging note from the Pentagon today. The belief is that the Iranian government still has perhaps three or four very senior al Qaeda officials in Iran, is sheltering them, maybe keeping a close eye on them, but no guarantees that they are not again operating out of Iran -- Wolf.

BLITZER: And what about the mysterious pneumonia that's afflicting some U.S. troops in Iraq? There was an update today, Barbara.

STARR: Indeed, Pentagon health officials updating reporters on this. They have now sent two teams of medical investigators over to the region to try and figure out what exactly is going on.

About 100 military personnel coming down with pneumonia since March 1. But the real issue is about 15 cases so serious that these people had to be put on ventilators and, in fact, two of them have died. Now overall, the numbers, about 100 cases since March -- that's in line statistically, believe it or not, with the number of people in the military that get pneumonia each year. It does happen. But the issue is, what is causing these very severe cases? What are the chances of more fatalities? So they are trying to track down what is going on.

They believe, at this point, that one of the things they will look at is the question of dust. Is the dust in Iraq so heavy that it may be settling into soldiers' lungs and causing this problem? No clear answers yet, Wolf.

BLITZER: Barbara Starr at the Pentagon. Thanks, Barbara, very much.

While some U.S. forces are hunting down Saddam Hussein, others are clearly trying to keep his loyalists from cutting off Iraq's economic lifeblood, namely oil.

CNN's Harris Whitbeck reports from the former leader's stronghold, Tikrit.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Tribal sheiks observe a fire on an oil pipeline that runs through their ancestral lands in northern Iraq.

There is much at stake for them. After all, they say, the oil that flows from this land is theirs.

"Oil is our main resource," he says. "It is the artery that feeds the Iraqi people."

The tribes that have worked these lands for millennia have learned to live with the pipeline, a pipeline that has been under threat since the occupation of Iraq led to a breakdown of security in the area.

Looters have tried to cut the pipeline open. Guerrillas have tried to sabotage it.

(on camera): Acts of sabotage can result in situations like this one: oil burning on the ground, plumes of black smoke darkening the skies for miles around.

(voice-over): The sheikhs don't know how this fire started, but they do know the integrity of the pipeline is essential to the future development of Iraq. Oil revenues, after all, will pay for the country's reconstruction.

COL. ROBERT NICHOLSON, U.S. ARMY: It is an issue for us, from the perspective of looting and just the condition of the pipelines, being able to patrol them.

WHITBECK: But the U.S. says it wants the Iraqis themselves to be the stewards of their resources, paying tribal leaders $87 a month for every kilometer of pipeline they protect.

NICHOLSON: We're going to hold them responsible whether we pay them or not.

WHITBECK: The tribal leaders seem happy to oblige.

"I am like any patriot," says the sheik," a nationalist who protects his country from saboteurs and thieves."

Harris Whitbeck, CNN, Tikrit, Iraq.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER: The Kobe Bryant case under the microscope -- how the latest comments, controversial comments at his sexual assault trial, may actually spark greater in the NBA. How are they playing around the country? I'll talk with someone who knows sports, someone who knows entertainment, Pat O'Brien of "Access Hollywood." He'll be my guest.

And later, a house fit for a king, or at least a prince. Inside this spectacular new home for Prince Charles and his sons.

First, though, let's take a quick look at some news making headlines "Around the World."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BLITZER (voice-over): Relatives are preparing for the release tomorrow of 339 Palestinians being held by Israel. It's a goodwill move, but there's anger among some Palestinians, who wanted more prisoners released, and some Israelis, who have lost relatives to suicide attacks.

Much of Western Europe is sizzling, with record high temperatures around the continent. Paris hit 104 degrees yesterday. And in Britain, trains have been forced to reduce speed for fear rails may buckle in the heat. Forecasters are predicting a British record tomorrow, 100 degrees.

The heat wave is hampering firefighters in Portugal battling the worst outbreak of wildfires in two decades. At least 11 people have died and the government is asking NATO forces for help. A similar situation in British Columbia, where more than 300 wildfires are burning. At one point, more than 10,000 people were forced to evacuate, but several thousand have now returned to their homes.

It's the grand prix of lawnmower racing. This 12-hour competition in West Sussex, England is dubbed the "Axles of Evil." The winner of this year's race completed 373 laps.

Also in Britain, the 25th annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta. Previews are leading up to the even, which runs Thursday through Sunday. It's expected to draw half a million people.

And that's our look "Around the World."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: We're awaiting the results of the vote on the gay bishop, a historic decision for the Episcopal Church. We just learned he's been cleared of any misconduct. We'll get the formal vote. Stay with CNN. We'll go live to Minneapolis. Our Jeff Flock is standing by as soon as the results come in.

More now on the case against Kobe Bryant on the eve of a key court appearance. Dallas Maverick Owner Mark Cuban, as you just saw on this program -- he's raising at least some eyebrows by saying the scandal could potentially be good for the NBA from a business perspective.

He first made that comment in an interview with "Access Hollywood"'s Pat O'Brien.

Pat is joining us now live from our Los Angeles bureau.

Pat, were you surprised when you heard those comments from Mark Cuban?

PAT O'BRIEN, "ACCESS HOLLYWOOD": I think I'm more surprised by what it has become and I kind of feel sorry for Mark in that regard.

What he was trying to say is that, you know, the reality is, if so many people are interested in this thing, it's just going to pique interest in the NBA. I don't think by any stretch of the imagination he was trying to demean this case or say that, you know, anything involving rape or sexual assault is going to be good for marketing.

But the truth of the matter is, he said reality TV is what people love. It's what people are watching. You've had three or four reports on your news show tonight. And I've never seen a case grow so exponentially as this Kobe Bryant case has. Each day it seems to get 10 times bigger.

And all we can do is speculate, and that doesn't do anybody any good. But people -- people are anxious to see what's going on with this thing. BLITZER: Yes, I got the same impression from Mark Cuban. He was basically only trying to give an analytical statement of fact, that people are going to be interested in this. A lot of people are obsessed by it already. And that's going to spark greater opportunities for people to go to an NBA game. It didn't spark me as all that controversial, although the headline in "USA Today" earlier today did generate a lot of concern.

O'BRIEN: Yes, the headline was brutal.

But -- and, you know, train wreck is what, you know, he was saying is what people want to see, are train wrecks. I don't agree with that. I'm sure he doesn't agree with that, but that's the reality of the situation.

But I'll tell you one -- I was at a dinner party the other night and I polled my friends. Nobody out here is talking about anything else. With all that's going on in the world, it's all Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, Kobe, he said/she said, what do the lawyers do, what do they have to do. It's amazing.

BLITZER: You know, and as you know, there's a media circus out in Eagle, Colorado, a small little town not far from Vail. We'll put some pictures up, show our viewers. You were saying you haven't seen the growth of interest, the media excitement out there in any kind of case. Maybe you got to go back to O.J. Simpson.

O'BRIEN: Yes, I think you're going to have to go back and I certainly don't want to compare this with the O.J. situation. But you can compare the media mania with O.J. and I think this one could be even bigger because it's in a small town, because of the two people it involves and because it involves an athlete that's so beloved by Americans across this country.

BLITZER: Before you did entertainment, you did sports. You know the intersection of these two areas, sports and entertainment. Can he, Kobe Bryant, now that he's acknowledged adultery, let's say, if he's cleared, can he still come back and get those endorsements?

O'BRIEN: Yes, I mean, it's not my call.

First of all, he hasn't been, you know -- he's still innocent, as I read the Constitution, so we don't know what's going to happen in the trial and we hope everything turns out well for everybody. But yes, I think Kobe Bryant, if he's cleared, has the ability and the perspective on his career and life to make a comeback. You know, a comeback from what? This media publicity is going to be awful for the next few weeks.

The question now is, Wolf, is whether or not he will actually play basketball. I don't know the answer to that. But does he want to put himself through that, going through all the NBA cities and reading the articles and rehashing and that sort of thing.

BLITZER: The NBA says he's allowed to. He's innocent until proven guilty. So there's nothing preventing him from going with the Lakers and starting the season. And as you well know, there will be a lot of excitement. The question is, how will he play on the basketball court given what's going on in his life?

O'BRIEN: Well, there's two theories to that. One is that he's such a high-class great athlete that this will put the focus on something else for him and maybe take his mind off that.

But the other theory is -- if that's possible. The other theory is, does he want to put up with fans, you know, in other cities. Fans can be brutal and he may have to put up with that, and he'll have to make that decision.

BLITZER: Because there will be signs in the stands, people will be screaming, people will be making some ugly accusations.

O'BRIEN: Yes, and they'll think it's funny. It's not. But fans can be brutal.

BLITZER: Fans can be very brutal.

Pat O'Brien, always good to have you on the program. "Access Hollywood," one of my personal favorites. And just in terms of full disclosure, Pat, you and I went to graduate school together.

O'BRIEN: Yes, we did, and one of us went to more classes than the other, I believe.

BLITZER: No comment. Pat O'Brien, thanks very much.

O'BRIEN: Thanks, Wolf.

BLITZER: Our "Web Question of the Day" is this: "Has the Kobe Bryant case increased or decreased your interest in the NBA?" You can vote at cnn.com/wolf.

The fabulous new digs for a royal family. Coming up, the spectacular new house with its own royal lineage for Prince Charles and his sons. And how you can get an up-close view. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BLITZER: The Episcopal church on the verge of making history. Any minute now the final vote on whether to confirm the first gay bishop due any time now. You are looking at live picture. We're monitoring the discussion, the debate, the vote. We'll bring all of it to you live as soon as it happens.

It's a royal residence fit for a king, or at least a future king. Prince Charles is moving his official London home to Clarence House, the former residence of the late queen mother. CNN's Richard Quest reports, the prince's long-time girlfriend is coming along.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

QUEST (voice-over): The real estate agents would call this the ultimate London home. Four floors, good gardens and, of course, plenty of room for guests. The queen mother lived here for 50 years. When she died, the house was up for grabs. Then Queen Elizabeth decided Charles, William and Harry could move in. Also moving in will be Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince Charles' long-time companion. She's been allocated two private rooms so she can use Clarence House as her central London home. The whole thing hasn't been cheap. Prince Charles paid several million dollars of his own money to the $6 million provided by the taxpayer. And the official rooms open to the public for the first time, sparkle with antiques, famous pictures and royal brick-a-brack.

MATTHEW DENNISON, HOUSE & GARDENS MAGAZINE: I thought it was a tremendous success. For my money, this is absolutely the best of British. Classic English country house decorating given a very modern twist.

QUEST (on camera): Any tourist hoping to see royal bedrooms and bathrooms should stay away.

(voice-over): Tours only go through the ground floor. And, anyway, neither the royals nor Camilla will be here. At least not when the public are trampling through the building.

(on camera): The Prince of Wales, along with his sons and Mrs. Parker Bowles now have a central London home worthy of the heir to the throne. The next time Prince Charles moves house, it will probably be just a couple of hundred yards up the road, when he becomes king and moves into Buckingham Palace. No one is saying if Mrs. Parker Bowles will be part of that move.

Richard Quest, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

Once again, our hot "Web Question of the Day" is this, has the Kobe Bryant case increased or decreased your interest in the NBA?

Go ahead and vote, cnn.com/wolf. We'll have the results immediately when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

Here's how you are weighing in on our "Web Question of the Day." Remember we have been asking you this, has the Kobe Bryant case increased or decreased your interest in the NBA. Look at this, 39 percent say, increased, 61 percent say, decreased. This is not a scientific poll.

Let's get to your e-mail.

Elaine writes this, "Everyone is making excuses for Kobe Bryant. His wife should throw all his clothes and toys onto the front lawn and take him to the cleaners. Cheating on your wife and then placating her with a diamond ring is insulting. And it shows his tawdry character."

Chris, writes this, "Kobe may be huge on the world scale, but the small town jury will not be so impressed with his celebrity. They will definitely be more sympathetic to the victim, who is one of their own."

And from Elie, "I am really disgusted at the way the media are covering this entire affair, portraying Kobe as guilty before the trial. When thy love you they love you. But if they detect the tiniest flaw, they crush you."

A reminder you can always catch us WOLF BLITZER REPORTS weekdays 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Of course, I am noon Eastern as well. See you tomorrow. Until then thanks very much for joining us.

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





Kills at Least 10 in Indonesia; Interview With Mark Cuban>