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CNN Live At Daybreak

Soldier Pleads at Abu Ghraib Court-Martial; Congress Examines Details as June 30 Handover Approaches

Aired May 19, 2004 - 06:30   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.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Demonstrations turned dangerous in Columbia as police and protesters clash during rallies against ongoing trade talks. Columbia, Equator and Peru are negotiating trade accords with the United States.
In money news, a small rebound on Wall Street. The Dow climbed a little over 60 points, but still not enough to top the 10,000 mark. The Nasdaq jumped 21 points.

In sports, the Indiana Pacers have advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 73-70 win over the Miami Heat. The Pacers play the winner of Thursday's night game seven between the Pistons and the Nets.

In culture, the lights at Broadway theaters were dimmed at 8:00 p.m. in memory of the actor Tony Randall. He died on Monday at the age of 84.

(WEATHER BREAK)

COSTELLO: Specialist Jeremy Sivits has just been found guilty of abusing Iraqi prisoners. Sentencing is expected shortly. Sivits is the first soldier to be tried for abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad, and he became quite emotional, actually breaking down as he described the abuses Iraqi prisoners suffered at the hands of U.S. soldiers.

We want to see what the hometown folks are saying this morning. Susan Candiotti is in Hyndman, Pennsylvania, which is Sivits' hometown.

Susan -- I know it's early there, but is there any reaction to Sivits' plea this morning?

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So far, no, because it is so early, and probably most people are just watching it as we are on the news. And so far as the sun comes up, it is a dreary morning here in Sivits' hometown, where everyone is stunned that one of their own, Jeremy Sivits, is now pleading guilty in the prison abuse scandal.

Now, overnight, just a few hours before his court-martial, a prayer vigil for him in support of him. You heard there was emotional testimony from Sivits. Well, a lot of tears were also shed at that prayer vigil for Sivits and other members of his Army Reserve unit serving in Iraq.

Worried, confused and scared, is how one of his best friends describes him.

And the mayor of Hyndman, who has known Sivits for years, says his role in the scandal has taken everyone by surprise.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR DELLMAR BILLER, HYNDMAN, PENNSYLVANIA: The Jeremy Sivits that I know absolutely would not have done what they are saying that he has done in Iraq.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CANDIOTTI: The mayor parked a tractor-trailer in front of the Sivits' home to protect their privacy. And last night at that prayer vigil, Sivits' father thanked everyone for their support and said he is proud of his son no matter what -- Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, Susan, this outpouring of emotion is difficult for some to understand, especially in light of Jeremy Sivits' admitting to abusing prisoners at Abu Ghraib.

CANDIOTTI: Despite that, Carol, and, of course, we talked to a lot of people about that, people here still find it very hard to accept, to put the two together, the Sivits they know with what he is pleading guilty to. They're struggling with that, and I think they'll continue to do so for quite some time.

COSTELLO: Susan Candiotti reporting live from Pennsylvania.

On Capitol Hill this morning, a third hearing into the prisoner abuse scandal. Set to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee, General Ricardo Sanchez, commander of U.S. ground forces. "USA Today" is reporting that General Sanchez approved sleep deprivation and other interrogation techniques for one prisoner at Abu Ghraib.

Also testifying today, the head of U.S. Central Command and the deputy commander of detainee operations.

With just about six weeks until the partial handover of power in Iraq, there are a lot of unanswered questions. As our congressional correspondent, Joe Johns, reports, many on Capitol Hill are worried.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With the limited turnover of power in Iraq just weeks away, the Pentagon is refusing to predict when U.S. forces will be able to leave the country.

PAUL WOLFOWITZ, U.S. DEPUTY DEFENSE SECRETARY: The course of war is simply not something one can determine. We can say, I think, with reasonable confidence that we have a plan under way to train and equip and organize very substantial Iraqi security forces by the end of this year. JOHNS: But recently, some in Congress have seen themselves as too passive on Iraq. And today members of both parties were looking for more certainty.

SEN. GEORGE VOINOVICH (R) OHIO: People ask me what's going to happen at -- you know, come July 1, and I just tell them, it's going to be a jump ball. We're not really sure what's going to happen.

JOHNS: The administration insisted the transition is on track, but still faced a barrage of questions, intense and specific, on everything Iraq-related, including the United Nations.

SEN. CHUCK HAGEL, (R) NEBRASKA: So, I would hope that there is serious work being done now on working with our allies on getting a new U.N. resolution. You can assure this committee that's being done.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I assure the committee, I assure you personally it is being done.

JOHNS: Questions about where the reconstruction funding is going.

SEN. RICHARD LUGAR, (R) INDIANA: It's perplexing that only about 12 percent of the money has been obligated.

JOHNS: And what about the role of private contractors in Iraq when the U.S. pulls back?

WOLFOWITZ: I assume they'll be under the authority of the interim government.

JOHNS: The issue of what to do with Iraqi prisoners also came up.

HAGEL: How will prisoners, detainees, be handled after the transition of government in Iraq?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is my understanding as rapidly as possible to put those into the hands of Iraqis.

HAGEL: As rapidly as possible. Do we have any idea what that means?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't have that, sir.

HAGEL: Does anybody?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't.

JOHNS: A potential bright spot, the administration said Iraqi oil could generate $50 billion to $100 billion to finance the reconstruction, but admitted there is no way to tell what the final cost will be.

Joe Johns, CNN, Capitol Hill. (END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: You can hear more about these military legal proceedings on "AMERICAN MORNING" with Bill and Soledad. Their guest, Brigadier Mark Kimmitt, the U.S. military spokesman in Iraq. That will come your way in less than 30 minutes.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, how is a court-martial different from the process that takes place in a civilian court of law? We're going to talk to our legal analyst, Kendall Coffey. That's coming up.

And will gas prices keep you from driving during the coming holiday? A look at who's willing to pay Memorial Day prices.

Plus, making music once again. Wait until you hear what almost happened to this multimillion-dollar instrument. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It's time for a little business buzz now. With gas prices reaching record highs, one would think that might put a damper on Memorial Day travel, but, oh, no. AAA says no.

Carrie Lee joins us live from the Nasdaq Marketsite to tell us more -- Carrie.

CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS: Thanks, Carol.

Well, according to AAA, the recovering economy is prompting people to travel this holiday weekend despite higher gasoline prices. We know gas has hit the $2 mark, on average above $2 a gallon now. But 30.9 million travelers are expected to drive 50 or more miles this Memorial Day weekend, and that's actually up 33.4 percent from last year.

And despite airline fuel charges, we were talking about Continental raising prices now again, 4.1 million more people will travel by plane -- or 4.1 million people will travel by plane, and that's up about 5.3 percent over last year.

So, more people traveling despite these higher gas and fuel surcharges.

Meanwhile, Carol, maybe you got this e-mail, maybe you heard about there. There's a spam e-mail going around.

COSTELLO: Yes.

LEE: Basically telling people to not to buy gasoline today. Basically...

COSTELLO: I got it.

LEE: You did.

COSTELLO: From many viewers. LEE: Yes. Basically saying let's stick it to the gas companies, let's really cause a crimp in their sales. Well, experts say this isn't going to happen. That basically you have to buy gas at some point, right? So, just because you don't buy it today doesn't mean it's going to have any impact on prices, not going to affect gas station business at all.

Experts say if you really want to affect this, well, try to curb your demand a little bit. You know, all those gas-guzzlers that we've all become addicted to, or a lot of people have really come to think that it's something they need to have, that's really part of the issue.

COSTELLO: It's so hard to kick those addictions, though, Carrie.

LEE: I know. I know. Well, that's -- you know, that's what experts say, that if you really want to have an affect on this, try to curb your demand overall a little bit. Don't just hold out for one day.

COSTELLO: A look at the futures.

LEE: Things are looking very strong this morning, thanks in part to a strong profit report last night from Dow component Hewlett- Packard. Profits up 34 percent, sales up 12 percent over last year. They're also giving a solid forecast for the latter half of this year. HPQ shares up about 4 percent last night in the after-hours session. So, things looking like people are going to be in a buying mood today, at least at the open. We'll see you at 9:30.

COSTELLO: All right, Carrie Lee live from the Nasdaq Marketsite.

We've been talking a lot this morning about that special court- martial going on in Baghdad right now. Specialist Jeremy Sivits pleading guilty, and he's been found guilty on three charges.

It's time for a little "Coffey Talk" right now. Our legal analyst, Kendall Coffey, in Atlanta to explain how this special court- martial really works.

This took an hour. This was quick work in Baghdad this morning.

KENDALL COFFEY, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: This was an important step, but it was the easiest part of a very difficult and controversial trial process that awaits other defendants and a trail of international legal controversy that is going to be resonating for months to come.

Much like a misdemeanor criminal trial, he went and he pled guilty. He felt bad. He said he was sorry, threw himself at the mercy of the court. And we'll see what the sentencing is.

COSTELLO: It sort of -- I want to explain to people exactly what was happening inside that courtroom in the Baghdad convention center. So, you have a presiding judge, which is what? A senior military officer. COFFEY: A military judge will preside. As in civilian trials, there is a jury of sorts, although it's not picked by lawyers. The jury typically in a misdemeanor trial, it can be three or more. And the more serious trials -- which we'll be seeing soon -- it's five or more. They are military soldiers, mostly officers, who are selected in the first instances by the general, who is the convening authority over the court-martial. The rest of the trial operates very similarly to a civilian criminal trial.

COSTELLO: And in this case, Jeremy Sivits chose not to have a jury, so there was no jury involved. It was just the judge. So, from the get-go, he pleads guilty. And then he tells the judge why he's guilty. Then they take a 10-minute recess, and they're going to figure out a sentence.

COFFEY: The sentencing is next. And it's clear that he's cooperated, Carol. Just like in any other prosecution when there is group criminality alleged, a particular defendant wants to be the first one in to make the deal with the government, because you get the early bird special, usually a much sweeter plea bargain. The rest of the defendants are facing felony charges in what will be a general courts-martial in the weeks to come.

COSTELLO: As you said, he threw himself on the mercy of the court. He broke down several times, describing the abuse inside Abu Ghraib prison. I asked Harris Whitbeck this question, and we just don't know. But you say it's unlikely that any questions were asked of him about whether a command came from higher above to carry out these abuses on Iraqi prisoners.

COFFEY: Those aren't the indications that we've been reading about his testimony. But other defendants, including some of the sergeants who are coming up quickly, are going to be very, very aggressive in saying it came from higher ups, up the chain of command.

And in the United States Senate and Congress, there are going to be others who still ask the question: Who up the chain of command also had responsibility? I don't think the American people or the world is going to accept that there were just a few low-level rogues, and that was the end of the matter.

COSTELLO: So, when these other six courts-martial take place, they're going to be much more lengthy and much more complicated.

COFFEY: Much more lengthy, more complicated, aggressive, and the words, "I was only following orders" are going to be heard over and over again.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Kendall Coffey, many thanks to for coming in and speaking with us live in Atlanta. We appreciate it.

COFFEY: Thanks, Carol.

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 6:45 Eastern Time. Here's what's all new this morning. The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan is launching a review of how prisoners there are treated. There are allegations of abuse at facilities in Afghanistan now.

Political turmoil in the world's largest democracy, you're looking at new pictures just in to us this morning from India. The nation's Congress Party leadership resigned to try to pressure Sonia Gandhi to accept the nomination for prime minister, but she still refuses to do so.

In money news, President Bush nominates Alan Greenspan to another four-year term as chairman of the Federal Reserve, and Greenspan accepts.

In sports, will the Montreal Expos move to Washington, D.C.? I know. You've heard this before. Many people in the know say they will. Really? But Major League Baseball's Relocation Committee is not expected to vote on it at today's meeting.

In culture, hip-hop star Eminem wants to take a bit out of the Apple computer company. A judge has ruled the rapper can move forward with his lawsuit against Apple for using his lyrics in an Apple commercial.

(WEATHER BREAK)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you. Still to come on DAYBREAK, planning on a heat-and-eat dinner tonight? Don't worry. You may not be sacrificing nutrition for convenience. We'll explain.

Plus, why is this such a romantic setting for one couple tying the knot? Oh, we'll tell you more in a bit.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: This day has flown by, hasn't it, Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It has, Carol.

COSTELLO: It really has. Welcome back to DAYBREAK.

Whether you are counting carbs or fighting fat, cutting calories is the key to shedding pounds. And frozen diet meals just may help you do that.

Our nutritionist, Lisa Drayer, joins us live from New York with all of the details.

Good morning -- Lisa.

LISA DRAYER, REGISTERED DIETICIAN: Good morning, Carol.

And according to the June issue of "Consumer Reports," diet meals have captured about one-third of the frozen meals market. But if you want to know just how many calories and fat grams you're saving by choosing a diet meal over a regular one, "Consumer Reports" did some analysis for us.

So, let's take a look at what they found. If we look at the chicken teriyaki meal comparison, an Uncle Ben's rice bowl chicken teriyaki has 380 calories, 1,470 milligrams of sodium. That's 100 more calories and double the sodium as compared to a Weight Watchers Smart Ones' brand.

Also, for herb roasted chicken dishes, "Consumer Reports" reveals that Marie Callander's brand has 530 calories, 35 grams of fat and 1,270 milligrams of sodium, compared to the diet brand of Lean Cuisine. Carol, that's three times the calories, 10 times the fat, and twice the sodium.

COSTELLO: Wow!

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: Well, the big question, though, is how does a diet frozen meal taste?

DRAYER: You know, I can tell you firsthand they're really not bad at all. I actually had a beef pot roast Healthy Choice last night.

COSTELLO: That's so depressing, isn't it?

DRAYER: You know, they're great, and they're great for portion control. But "Consumer Reports" found this to be the case as well. They found that the taste has improved compared to when they first tested these frozen meals about five years ago.

But another trend that they found, Carol, which probably comes as no surprise to us, is more low-carb frozen dinners on the market. So, for example, Lean Cuisine has recently come out with a carb-counting line of 11 meals, anywhere from 12 to 25 grams of carbs. Also, Weight Watchers recently came out with six new low-carb frozen entries with no more than 12 grams of carbohydrates.

And Conagra, the parent of Healthy Choice, just recently brought out a line called Life Choice. So, you know, you get to choose what you want in life. And these meals average 300 calories, 12 grams of carbs, but they also contain a third more fat, saturated fat -- that's the harmful fat -- and sodium as compared to the Healthy Choice brand. And I can tell you that's often what you will find some of these low- carb frozen entries -- that is, a much saturated fat content.

COSTELLO: Yes, and a lot of people don't realize that you also many times find more calories in these foods. So, it sort of like, you know, defeats the purpose.

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: So, do diet meals really help you lose weight? And what guidelines should I follow when I'm shopping for these frozen meals at the grocery store? DRAYER: Right. Well, there has been a study published earlier this year in "Obesity Research." It followed 60 women over eight weeks. And what they found, Carol, was that the women who consumed two frozen entrees daily experienced greater decreases in weight, fat and cholesterol as compared to a group that followed the recommending servings from the food guide pyramid.

So, just to give you an idea of the difference, it was 12 pounds lost among the frozen entree group as compared to eight pounds lost for the group that followed the food guide pyramid.

Now, in terms of guidelines, however, what I suggest is go for -- if you want to go for weight loss, go for anywhere -- don't go below 200 calories. That's really low. But 230 to 350 calories for weight loss or 400 to 600 for maintenance or for children. If you find that you feel hungry, you can always add a vegetable or a salad. That's a compliant that I often hear with these frozen entrees.

For protein, go for at least 14 grams. It's really important to get that, to get protein in your meals; otherwise, you might feel hungry later on. And saturated fat, limit it to three grams or less per entree. And sodium, oftentimes the meals can be high in sodium. I say limit it to 800 milligrams of sodium. That's a third of your daily limit. Or 600 milligrams if you have high blood pressure.

COSTELLO: OK, I will try to check out those labels on the back of the -- the last time I had -- oh, I had a frozen chicken pot pie, but I guess that's not a good thing to eat, huh.

DRAYER: Oh, those pot pies can be very high in fat. We were just talking about that this morning. They have a very high-fat content.

COSTELLO: Oh, but they are good.

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: Lisa Drayer live from New York, thank you.

DRAYER: Thanks.

COSTELLO: OK, Rob, it's the fun time of the show. It's time to reveal the mug winner.

MARCIANO: Come on. Really?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MARCIANO: If you drink a lot of coffee you wouldn't eat as much either, I don't think. You just get all wired up.

COSTELLO: That's what I do.

MARCIANO: Notice she didn't talk about the Swanson Hungry Man Meal, which comes with a desert and chicken fried steak. It's always a popular one. COSTELLO: Definitely so.

MARCIANO: All right, we want to...

COSTELLO: Go ahead. Read the question from yesterday.

MARCIANO: All right, here are the questions from yesterday. How many times has Pope John Paul II appeared in the top 10 on Gallup's most admired men list? And the answer is 26 times.

COSTELLO: Wow!

MARCIANO: What television show is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its first season with the release of a DVD set Tuesday? And the answer is "Hee Haw."

COSTELLO: "Hee Haw!"

MARCIANO: Elizabeth Bruno from Vestal, New York, is our winner.

COSTELLO: Oh, congratulations, Elizabeth. You get our new DAYBREAK mug, which is not pictured in the graphic, but so what?

MARCIANO: Yes.

COSTELLO: Trust, us, Elizabeth. It's a beautiful mug.

And here is your chance to win a DAYBREAK coffee mug. Today's questions, Rob. Go ahead. Go for it.

MARCIANO: How much -- hang on. How much will the new DBS system cost? Did we talk about that?

COSTELLO: Did we talk about that? We did not.

MARCIANO: No, we didn't.

COSTELLO: That's why the producer just told me to kill the quiz for today.

MARCIANO: OK.

COSTELLO: And I so apologize.

MARCIANO: You've been so busy. I kind of sort of heard that, but I'm just your sidekick, so I didn't want to take control of the show, Carol.

COSTELLO: I'm so very sorry.

MARCIANO: No mug give-away tomorrow.

COSTELLO: No mug give-away tomorrow, but in the days to come, we'll be back with those mug questions. Rob will join me for "The Lightning Round" coming up, but first the latest headlines for you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: I wanted to talk a little bit about Tony Randall, because he died on Monday. What a great guy.

MARCIANO: Yes.

COSTELLO: Eighty-four years old.

MARCIANO: The only thing that keeps flashing up in my mind is when he stuck that thing in the cigar in the very beginning of the show of the "Odd Couple."

COSTELLO: Of "The Odd Couple?"

MARCIANO: For years I thought it was a hot dog, and it took me about 10 years to figure out it was a cigar.

COSTELLO: Well, thank goodness you finally figured it out.

MARCIANO: Yes, (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: Definitely so.

That does it for us today. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now. We hope you make it a great day.

MARCIANO: See you later.

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


Aired May 19, 2004 - 06:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Demonstrations turned dangerous in Columbia as police and protesters clash during rallies against ongoing trade talks. Columbia, Equator and Peru are negotiating trade accords with the United States.
In money news, a small rebound on Wall Street. The Dow climbed a little over 60 points, but still not enough to top the 10,000 mark. The Nasdaq jumped 21 points.

In sports, the Indiana Pacers have advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 73-70 win over the Miami Heat. The Pacers play the winner of Thursday's night game seven between the Pistons and the Nets.

In culture, the lights at Broadway theaters were dimmed at 8:00 p.m. in memory of the actor Tony Randall. He died on Monday at the age of 84.

(WEATHER BREAK)

COSTELLO: Specialist Jeremy Sivits has just been found guilty of abusing Iraqi prisoners. Sentencing is expected shortly. Sivits is the first soldier to be tried for abuses at the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad, and he became quite emotional, actually breaking down as he described the abuses Iraqi prisoners suffered at the hands of U.S. soldiers.

We want to see what the hometown folks are saying this morning. Susan Candiotti is in Hyndman, Pennsylvania, which is Sivits' hometown.

Susan -- I know it's early there, but is there any reaction to Sivits' plea this morning?

SUSAN CANDIOTTI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: So far, no, because it is so early, and probably most people are just watching it as we are on the news. And so far as the sun comes up, it is a dreary morning here in Sivits' hometown, where everyone is stunned that one of their own, Jeremy Sivits, is now pleading guilty in the prison abuse scandal.

Now, overnight, just a few hours before his court-martial, a prayer vigil for him in support of him. You heard there was emotional testimony from Sivits. Well, a lot of tears were also shed at that prayer vigil for Sivits and other members of his Army Reserve unit serving in Iraq.

Worried, confused and scared, is how one of his best friends describes him.

And the mayor of Hyndman, who has known Sivits for years, says his role in the scandal has taken everyone by surprise.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAYOR DELLMAR BILLER, HYNDMAN, PENNSYLVANIA: The Jeremy Sivits that I know absolutely would not have done what they are saying that he has done in Iraq.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CANDIOTTI: The mayor parked a tractor-trailer in front of the Sivits' home to protect their privacy. And last night at that prayer vigil, Sivits' father thanked everyone for their support and said he is proud of his son no matter what -- Carol.

COSTELLO: You know, Susan, this outpouring of emotion is difficult for some to understand, especially in light of Jeremy Sivits' admitting to abusing prisoners at Abu Ghraib.

CANDIOTTI: Despite that, Carol, and, of course, we talked to a lot of people about that, people here still find it very hard to accept, to put the two together, the Sivits they know with what he is pleading guilty to. They're struggling with that, and I think they'll continue to do so for quite some time.

COSTELLO: Susan Candiotti reporting live from Pennsylvania.

On Capitol Hill this morning, a third hearing into the prisoner abuse scandal. Set to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee, General Ricardo Sanchez, commander of U.S. ground forces. "USA Today" is reporting that General Sanchez approved sleep deprivation and other interrogation techniques for one prisoner at Abu Ghraib.

Also testifying today, the head of U.S. Central Command and the deputy commander of detainee operations.

With just about six weeks until the partial handover of power in Iraq, there are a lot of unanswered questions. As our congressional correspondent, Joe Johns, reports, many on Capitol Hill are worried.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With the limited turnover of power in Iraq just weeks away, the Pentagon is refusing to predict when U.S. forces will be able to leave the country.

PAUL WOLFOWITZ, U.S. DEPUTY DEFENSE SECRETARY: The course of war is simply not something one can determine. We can say, I think, with reasonable confidence that we have a plan under way to train and equip and organize very substantial Iraqi security forces by the end of this year. JOHNS: But recently, some in Congress have seen themselves as too passive on Iraq. And today members of both parties were looking for more certainty.

SEN. GEORGE VOINOVICH (R) OHIO: People ask me what's going to happen at -- you know, come July 1, and I just tell them, it's going to be a jump ball. We're not really sure what's going to happen.

JOHNS: The administration insisted the transition is on track, but still faced a barrage of questions, intense and specific, on everything Iraq-related, including the United Nations.

SEN. CHUCK HAGEL, (R) NEBRASKA: So, I would hope that there is serious work being done now on working with our allies on getting a new U.N. resolution. You can assure this committee that's being done.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I assure the committee, I assure you personally it is being done.

JOHNS: Questions about where the reconstruction funding is going.

SEN. RICHARD LUGAR, (R) INDIANA: It's perplexing that only about 12 percent of the money has been obligated.

JOHNS: And what about the role of private contractors in Iraq when the U.S. pulls back?

WOLFOWITZ: I assume they'll be under the authority of the interim government.

JOHNS: The issue of what to do with Iraqi prisoners also came up.

HAGEL: How will prisoners, detainees, be handled after the transition of government in Iraq?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is my understanding as rapidly as possible to put those into the hands of Iraqis.

HAGEL: As rapidly as possible. Do we have any idea what that means?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't have that, sir.

HAGEL: Does anybody?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't.

JOHNS: A potential bright spot, the administration said Iraqi oil could generate $50 billion to $100 billion to finance the reconstruction, but admitted there is no way to tell what the final cost will be.

Joe Johns, CNN, Capitol Hill. (END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: You can hear more about these military legal proceedings on "AMERICAN MORNING" with Bill and Soledad. Their guest, Brigadier Mark Kimmitt, the U.S. military spokesman in Iraq. That will come your way in less than 30 minutes.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, how is a court-martial different from the process that takes place in a civilian court of law? We're going to talk to our legal analyst, Kendall Coffey. That's coming up.

And will gas prices keep you from driving during the coming holiday? A look at who's willing to pay Memorial Day prices.

Plus, making music once again. Wait until you hear what almost happened to this multimillion-dollar instrument. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: It's time for a little business buzz now. With gas prices reaching record highs, one would think that might put a damper on Memorial Day travel, but, oh, no. AAA says no.

Carrie Lee joins us live from the Nasdaq Marketsite to tell us more -- Carrie.

CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS: Thanks, Carol.

Well, according to AAA, the recovering economy is prompting people to travel this holiday weekend despite higher gasoline prices. We know gas has hit the $2 mark, on average above $2 a gallon now. But 30.9 million travelers are expected to drive 50 or more miles this Memorial Day weekend, and that's actually up 33.4 percent from last year.

And despite airline fuel charges, we were talking about Continental raising prices now again, 4.1 million more people will travel by plane -- or 4.1 million people will travel by plane, and that's up about 5.3 percent over last year.

So, more people traveling despite these higher gas and fuel surcharges.

Meanwhile, Carol, maybe you got this e-mail, maybe you heard about there. There's a spam e-mail going around.

COSTELLO: Yes.

LEE: Basically telling people to not to buy gasoline today. Basically...

COSTELLO: I got it.

LEE: You did.

COSTELLO: From many viewers. LEE: Yes. Basically saying let's stick it to the gas companies, let's really cause a crimp in their sales. Well, experts say this isn't going to happen. That basically you have to buy gas at some point, right? So, just because you don't buy it today doesn't mean it's going to have any impact on prices, not going to affect gas station business at all.

Experts say if you really want to affect this, well, try to curb your demand a little bit. You know, all those gas-guzzlers that we've all become addicted to, or a lot of people have really come to think that it's something they need to have, that's really part of the issue.

COSTELLO: It's so hard to kick those addictions, though, Carrie.

LEE: I know. I know. Well, that's -- you know, that's what experts say, that if you really want to have an affect on this, try to curb your demand overall a little bit. Don't just hold out for one day.

COSTELLO: A look at the futures.

LEE: Things are looking very strong this morning, thanks in part to a strong profit report last night from Dow component Hewlett- Packard. Profits up 34 percent, sales up 12 percent over last year. They're also giving a solid forecast for the latter half of this year. HPQ shares up about 4 percent last night in the after-hours session. So, things looking like people are going to be in a buying mood today, at least at the open. We'll see you at 9:30.

COSTELLO: All right, Carrie Lee live from the Nasdaq Marketsite.

We've been talking a lot this morning about that special court- martial going on in Baghdad right now. Specialist Jeremy Sivits pleading guilty, and he's been found guilty on three charges.

It's time for a little "Coffey Talk" right now. Our legal analyst, Kendall Coffey, in Atlanta to explain how this special court- martial really works.

This took an hour. This was quick work in Baghdad this morning.

KENDALL COFFEY, CNN LEGAL ANALYST: This was an important step, but it was the easiest part of a very difficult and controversial trial process that awaits other defendants and a trail of international legal controversy that is going to be resonating for months to come.

Much like a misdemeanor criminal trial, he went and he pled guilty. He felt bad. He said he was sorry, threw himself at the mercy of the court. And we'll see what the sentencing is.

COSTELLO: It sort of -- I want to explain to people exactly what was happening inside that courtroom in the Baghdad convention center. So, you have a presiding judge, which is what? A senior military officer. COFFEY: A military judge will preside. As in civilian trials, there is a jury of sorts, although it's not picked by lawyers. The jury typically in a misdemeanor trial, it can be three or more. And the more serious trials -- which we'll be seeing soon -- it's five or more. They are military soldiers, mostly officers, who are selected in the first instances by the general, who is the convening authority over the court-martial. The rest of the trial operates very similarly to a civilian criminal trial.

COSTELLO: And in this case, Jeremy Sivits chose not to have a jury, so there was no jury involved. It was just the judge. So, from the get-go, he pleads guilty. And then he tells the judge why he's guilty. Then they take a 10-minute recess, and they're going to figure out a sentence.

COFFEY: The sentencing is next. And it's clear that he's cooperated, Carol. Just like in any other prosecution when there is group criminality alleged, a particular defendant wants to be the first one in to make the deal with the government, because you get the early bird special, usually a much sweeter plea bargain. The rest of the defendants are facing felony charges in what will be a general courts-martial in the weeks to come.

COSTELLO: As you said, he threw himself on the mercy of the court. He broke down several times, describing the abuse inside Abu Ghraib prison. I asked Harris Whitbeck this question, and we just don't know. But you say it's unlikely that any questions were asked of him about whether a command came from higher above to carry out these abuses on Iraqi prisoners.

COFFEY: Those aren't the indications that we've been reading about his testimony. But other defendants, including some of the sergeants who are coming up quickly, are going to be very, very aggressive in saying it came from higher ups, up the chain of command.

And in the United States Senate and Congress, there are going to be others who still ask the question: Who up the chain of command also had responsibility? I don't think the American people or the world is going to accept that there were just a few low-level rogues, and that was the end of the matter.

COSTELLO: So, when these other six courts-martial take place, they're going to be much more lengthy and much more complicated.

COFFEY: Much more lengthy, more complicated, aggressive, and the words, "I was only following orders" are going to be heard over and over again.

COSTELLO: Interesting. Kendall Coffey, many thanks to for coming in and speaking with us live in Atlanta. We appreciate it.

COFFEY: Thanks, Carol.

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 6:45 Eastern Time. Here's what's all new this morning. The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan is launching a review of how prisoners there are treated. There are allegations of abuse at facilities in Afghanistan now.

Political turmoil in the world's largest democracy, you're looking at new pictures just in to us this morning from India. The nation's Congress Party leadership resigned to try to pressure Sonia Gandhi to accept the nomination for prime minister, but she still refuses to do so.

In money news, President Bush nominates Alan Greenspan to another four-year term as chairman of the Federal Reserve, and Greenspan accepts.

In sports, will the Montreal Expos move to Washington, D.C.? I know. You've heard this before. Many people in the know say they will. Really? But Major League Baseball's Relocation Committee is not expected to vote on it at today's meeting.

In culture, hip-hop star Eminem wants to take a bit out of the Apple computer company. A judge has ruled the rapper can move forward with his lawsuit against Apple for using his lyrics in an Apple commercial.

(WEATHER BREAK)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you. Still to come on DAYBREAK, planning on a heat-and-eat dinner tonight? Don't worry. You may not be sacrificing nutrition for convenience. We'll explain.

Plus, why is this such a romantic setting for one couple tying the knot? Oh, we'll tell you more in a bit.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: This day has flown by, hasn't it, Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It has, Carol.

COSTELLO: It really has. Welcome back to DAYBREAK.

Whether you are counting carbs or fighting fat, cutting calories is the key to shedding pounds. And frozen diet meals just may help you do that.

Our nutritionist, Lisa Drayer, joins us live from New York with all of the details.

Good morning -- Lisa.

LISA DRAYER, REGISTERED DIETICIAN: Good morning, Carol.

And according to the June issue of "Consumer Reports," diet meals have captured about one-third of the frozen meals market. But if you want to know just how many calories and fat grams you're saving by choosing a diet meal over a regular one, "Consumer Reports" did some analysis for us.

So, let's take a look at what they found. If we look at the chicken teriyaki meal comparison, an Uncle Ben's rice bowl chicken teriyaki has 380 calories, 1,470 milligrams of sodium. That's 100 more calories and double the sodium as compared to a Weight Watchers Smart Ones' brand.

Also, for herb roasted chicken dishes, "Consumer Reports" reveals that Marie Callander's brand has 530 calories, 35 grams of fat and 1,270 milligrams of sodium, compared to the diet brand of Lean Cuisine. Carol, that's three times the calories, 10 times the fat, and twice the sodium.

COSTELLO: Wow!

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: Well, the big question, though, is how does a diet frozen meal taste?

DRAYER: You know, I can tell you firsthand they're really not bad at all. I actually had a beef pot roast Healthy Choice last night.

COSTELLO: That's so depressing, isn't it?

DRAYER: You know, they're great, and they're great for portion control. But "Consumer Reports" found this to be the case as well. They found that the taste has improved compared to when they first tested these frozen meals about five years ago.

But another trend that they found, Carol, which probably comes as no surprise to us, is more low-carb frozen dinners on the market. So, for example, Lean Cuisine has recently come out with a carb-counting line of 11 meals, anywhere from 12 to 25 grams of carbs. Also, Weight Watchers recently came out with six new low-carb frozen entries with no more than 12 grams of carbohydrates.

And Conagra, the parent of Healthy Choice, just recently brought out a line called Life Choice. So, you know, you get to choose what you want in life. And these meals average 300 calories, 12 grams of carbs, but they also contain a third more fat, saturated fat -- that's the harmful fat -- and sodium as compared to the Healthy Choice brand. And I can tell you that's often what you will find some of these low- carb frozen entries -- that is, a much saturated fat content.

COSTELLO: Yes, and a lot of people don't realize that you also many times find more calories in these foods. So, it sort of like, you know, defeats the purpose.

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: So, do diet meals really help you lose weight? And what guidelines should I follow when I'm shopping for these frozen meals at the grocery store? DRAYER: Right. Well, there has been a study published earlier this year in "Obesity Research." It followed 60 women over eight weeks. And what they found, Carol, was that the women who consumed two frozen entrees daily experienced greater decreases in weight, fat and cholesterol as compared to a group that followed the recommending servings from the food guide pyramid.

So, just to give you an idea of the difference, it was 12 pounds lost among the frozen entree group as compared to eight pounds lost for the group that followed the food guide pyramid.

Now, in terms of guidelines, however, what I suggest is go for -- if you want to go for weight loss, go for anywhere -- don't go below 200 calories. That's really low. But 230 to 350 calories for weight loss or 400 to 600 for maintenance or for children. If you find that you feel hungry, you can always add a vegetable or a salad. That's a compliant that I often hear with these frozen entrees.

For protein, go for at least 14 grams. It's really important to get that, to get protein in your meals; otherwise, you might feel hungry later on. And saturated fat, limit it to three grams or less per entree. And sodium, oftentimes the meals can be high in sodium. I say limit it to 800 milligrams of sodium. That's a third of your daily limit. Or 600 milligrams if you have high blood pressure.

COSTELLO: OK, I will try to check out those labels on the back of the -- the last time I had -- oh, I had a frozen chicken pot pie, but I guess that's not a good thing to eat, huh.

DRAYER: Oh, those pot pies can be very high in fat. We were just talking about that this morning. They have a very high-fat content.

COSTELLO: Oh, but they are good.

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: Lisa Drayer live from New York, thank you.

DRAYER: Thanks.

COSTELLO: OK, Rob, it's the fun time of the show. It's time to reveal the mug winner.

MARCIANO: Come on. Really?

COSTELLO: Yes.

MARCIANO: If you drink a lot of coffee you wouldn't eat as much either, I don't think. You just get all wired up.

COSTELLO: That's what I do.

MARCIANO: Notice she didn't talk about the Swanson Hungry Man Meal, which comes with a desert and chicken fried steak. It's always a popular one. COSTELLO: Definitely so.

MARCIANO: All right, we want to...

COSTELLO: Go ahead. Read the question from yesterday.

MARCIANO: All right, here are the questions from yesterday. How many times has Pope John Paul II appeared in the top 10 on Gallup's most admired men list? And the answer is 26 times.

COSTELLO: Wow!

MARCIANO: What television show is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its first season with the release of a DVD set Tuesday? And the answer is "Hee Haw."

COSTELLO: "Hee Haw!"

MARCIANO: Elizabeth Bruno from Vestal, New York, is our winner.

COSTELLO: Oh, congratulations, Elizabeth. You get our new DAYBREAK mug, which is not pictured in the graphic, but so what?

MARCIANO: Yes.

COSTELLO: Trust, us, Elizabeth. It's a beautiful mug.

And here is your chance to win a DAYBREAK coffee mug. Today's questions, Rob. Go ahead. Go for it.

MARCIANO: How much -- hang on. How much will the new DBS system cost? Did we talk about that?

COSTELLO: Did we talk about that? We did not.

MARCIANO: No, we didn't.

COSTELLO: That's why the producer just told me to kill the quiz for today.

MARCIANO: OK.

COSTELLO: And I so apologize.

MARCIANO: You've been so busy. I kind of sort of heard that, but I'm just your sidekick, so I didn't want to take control of the show, Carol.

COSTELLO: I'm so very sorry.

MARCIANO: No mug give-away tomorrow.

COSTELLO: No mug give-away tomorrow, but in the days to come, we'll be back with those mug questions. Rob will join me for "The Lightning Round" coming up, but first the latest headlines for you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: I wanted to talk a little bit about Tony Randall, because he died on Monday. What a great guy.

MARCIANO: Yes.

COSTELLO: Eighty-four years old.

MARCIANO: The only thing that keeps flashing up in my mind is when he stuck that thing in the cigar in the very beginning of the show of the "Odd Couple."

COSTELLO: Of "The Odd Couple?"

MARCIANO: For years I thought it was a hot dog, and it took me about 10 years to figure out it was a cigar.

COSTELLO: Well, thank goodness you finally figured it out.

MARCIANO: Yes, (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: Definitely so.

That does it for us today. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now. We hope you make it a great day.

MARCIANO: See you later.

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