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CNN Live At Daybreak

Jeremy Sivits Pleads Guilty to Three Charges; Investigation into Treatment of Prisoners in Afghanistan

Aired May 19, 2004 - 05:00   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.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Facing justice in Baghdad and watched by the world -- at this hour, a U.S. Army specialist faces a court-martial in the prisoner abuse scandal. In fact, that hearing has just begun.
It is Wednesday, May 19.

This is DAYBREAK.

Good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Here are the latest headlines for you now.

The court-martial of Specialist Jeremy Sivits has begun. Sivits is the first to be tried on charges he abused prisoners at the Abu Ghraib Prison. We will have more on the court proceedings in just a few minutes. We're going to take you live to Baghdad.

The Senate Armed Services Committee reconvenes in just a few hours to hear more testimony on the abuses at Abu Ghraib. General John Abizaid, head of the U.S. Central Command; General Ricardo Sanchez, commander of U.S. ground forces in Iraq; and General Geoffrey Miller, deputy commander of detainee operations; all scheduled to testify.

The 9/11 Commission finishes up its latest round of hearings in New York City today. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge are expected to testify.

In money news, the average gallon of unleaded gas has broken the $2 barrier. The price has jumped almost $0.08 in just the last week.

And in sports, no runs, no hits, no errors, no nothing. Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks tossed a perfect game against the Atlanta Braves -- at 40. Johnson is the oldest person to pitch a perfect game.

In culture, more time for "American Idol" voters. In an effort to combat jammed phone lines, the show's producers announced that voters will be given four hours to vote after next week's finale instead of the normal two hours.

To the forecast center now and Rob Marciano in for Chad Myers this morning -- good morning. ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

It's good to hear about that extended voting for the "American Idol" competition.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: The focus this hour, of course, the prisoner abuse scandal in Iraq. Within the last few hours, three U.S. soldiers appeared for arraignment and right now a special court-martial is going on.

So let's head live to Baghdad and the convention center there, where the proceedings are taking place.

Harris Whitbeck is there.

Describe the scene for us -- Harris.

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Carol.

The court-martial of Specialist Jeremy Sivits started about five or six minutes ago. It is being conducted in an improvised courtroom inside the Baghdad Convention Center. There are members of the press inside of that courtroom and the proceedings are being translated simultaneously into Arabic.

Representatives from many, many media organizations, many Arabic media organizations, are watching the proceedings via closed circuit television. But the proceedings are not being broadcast live here in Iraq or anywhere else.

There is a lot of interest. As you know, Specialist Jeremy Sivits is charged with conspiracy to maltreat subordinates, dereliction of duty for willfully failing to protect detainees from abuse, cruelty and maltreatment and maltreatment of detainees.

Now, a lot of speculation as to the outcome of this court- martial. Some people seem to indicate that there might be some sort of plea bargaining that either took place or would be taking place. But we will know that as the special court-martial develops.

Now, earlier today, three arraignments. Specialist Charles Graner, Staff Sergeant Ivan Fredericks II and Sergeant Javal Davis all heard the charges that have been leveled against them and when they were asked if they were -- what their plea was, they all deferred motions and the judge gave them until June 21st. The reason for deferring motions was that they wanted access to two detainees at Abu Ghraib who the government considers witnesses. The judge asked the government to explain in writing why access to those witnesses had not been granted to the defense. And that is why the next pretrial hearing will be on June 21 to sort that issue out -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Yes, we're seeing some artists' renditions of the arraignments that took place this morning.

Let's talk about the ongoing special court-martial right now and more about the scene around it. Tell us about the security in place.

WHITBECK: Well, security is extremely tight, Carol, and if you've covered a big ticket trial in the United States, you'll be able to picture the scene quite well. Lots of satellite trucks parked on the lawn in front of this building, lots of TV cameras, live positions, but also helicopters flying overhead and lots of troops in full uniform walking around.

During the arraignment hearings this morning, there was one mortar explosion that was heard nearby. We understand it did not hit in the Green Zone. It hit in central Baghdad. But that certainly added to the level of tension, if you will.

And, again, lots of security very visible, not only outside the building but inside. Bomb sniffing dogs have been used to conduct sweeps three or four times in the few hours that we've been here already -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Harris Whitbeck live from Baghdad.

Of course, we'll keep you posted on what's happening inside that special court-martial. It has just begun, the special court-martial of Specialist Jeremy Sivits.

There is an accusation this morning that Army officials tried to keep the International Red Cross from making surprise spot inspections of the Abu Ghraib Prison. The accusation is in a "New York Times" story this morning. It says the Red Cross observed alleged abuses in one area on two unannounced October inspections. The "Times" reports that after the Red Cross complained, the military said the agency should make appointments before visiting the prison.

In Cumberland, Maryland, a vigil for the military police unit at the center of this scandal. The vigil was held near the headquarters of the Army Reserve's 372nd Military Police Command. Those charges in the prisoner abuse matter are members of that unit.

And 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" reports that General Sanchez approved sleep deprivation and other interrogation techniques for one prisoner at Abu Ghraib Prison. Also testifying, the head of U.S. Central Command and the deputy commander of detainee operations.

CNN, of course, we'll bring you live coverage of the Senate Armed Services Committee, this meeting, or the hearing this morning. That hearing begins at 8:30 Eastern.

Back in Iraq, fierce fighting in the Shiite holy city of Karbala. And we have dramatic news pictures to show you this morning. Coalition forces are battling fighters loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The city was once considered friendly to the coalition, but is now the scene of almost daily urban warfare.

The trials, the ambushes, the dangers of Iraq -- keep up with the latest on our Web site. The address, cnn.com.

And word coming in just within the last two hours, the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan announced a review of how prisoners there are treated.

Our Ryan Chilcote is in Kabul and he joins us with details on that -- Ryan.

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Carol, well, that is the Lieutenant General David Barno. He is the commander, as you said, of all U.S. forces here in Afghanistan. Now, he today is reviewing -- is ordering a review of all detention facilities here in the country. He is going to appoint another general to do a "top to bottom" review, requiring that that general physically visit all detention facilities here in Afghanistan -- that is estimated to be around 20 of them -- to ensure that they meet internationally accepted standards and in addition meet the spirit of the Geneva Convention.

That general will be given one month -- in other words until mid- June -- to get back to General Barno with his findings.

Now, the public affairs officers here on the ground are saying that they are very comfortable with how the U.S. military is dealing with detainees at this point, but they say things can always be improved. And this review comes just a little bit more than a week after the U.S. military began investigating two specific allegations into prisoner abuse here in Afghanistan, one of them an Afghan policeman who said that, among other things, he was sexually abused in a detention facility here.

Now, it also comes just about a year and a half after human rights advocates say that two detainees here in Afghanistan died while in the custody of U.S. officials, perhaps because of negligence of U.S. officials here in Afghanistan -- Carol.

COSTELLO: And, Ryan, what are human rights groups saying now, since a review has begun?

CHILCOTE: Yes, well, they're saying it's not enough and they say that the military certainly cannot police itself. What they would like to see is some kind of outside scrutiny, some kind of independent organization come in to review the situation inside the detention facilities here. They've requested access. One human rights organization here has requested access to the detention facilities. We understand that request is being reviewed.

But as far as the U.S. military is concerned, they say that they work with the ICRC, the International Committee for the Red Cross, and that the International Committee for the Red Cross has access to detention facilities here and has been giving them feedback on the situation and that they've been enacting changes in how they treat prisoners based on those observations from the International Committee of the Red Cross and they say at this point, there's no need for any outside scrutiny -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Ryan Chilcote reporting live from Kabul, Afghanistan this morning.

Day two of the September 11 Commission hearings begin just a few hours from now about a mile from ground zero. This time the session will focus on crisis management. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani will testify.

Our Deborah Feyerick has major moments from the first session.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They held each other and wiped away tears. Families watching as those they loved died all over again.

KRISTIN BREITWEISER, WIFE OF 9/11 VICTIM: My husband is never coming home. I'm well aware of that. I'm also well aware of the fact 19 hijackers killed him. But more lives could have been saved.

FEYERICK: City officials who led the rescue effort that day say firefighters and police were as prepared as they could have been in the face of such an unforeseeable tragedy.

BERNARD KERIK, FORMER NYPD COMMISSIONER: The character, professionalism and bravery of New York's finest was never more evident. As debris showered down to the ground, as fellow human beings jumped to their death, from 100 stories above, there was no retreat and no hesitation.

FEYERICK: The most dramatic moment during the hearings, 9/11 Commissioner John Lehman criticized the fire and police departments, accusing them of poor communication with no one person calling all the shots.

JOHN LEHMAN, 9/11 COMMISSIONER: I think that the command and control and communications of this city's public service is a scandal. It is not worthy of the Boy Scouts, let alone this great city.

FEYERICK: The fire commissioner, who lost 343 firefighters on 9/11 struck back. Tom Von Essen saying rescue efforts were handled by some of the most seasoned chiefs of the nation.

THOMAS VON ESSEN, FORMER FDNY COMMISSIONER: You make it seem like everything is wrong about September 11 and the way we functioned. I think it is outrageous you make a statement like that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: We've been telling you about the special court-martial ongoing in Baghdad. Things are moving along very quickly. In fact, Specialist Jeremy Sivits has just plead guilty to all charges. Let's head back live to Baghdad to find out more from Harris Whitbeck -- Harris, tell us.

WHITBECK: Well, Carol, as you said, Specialist Jeremy Sivits has plead guilty to three charges of conspiracy, dereliction and maltreatment. Now, according to military justice procedure, he must now present evidence to the judge that would affirm his guilt. You will recall that in a sworn statement that he gave a few days ago, Sivits gave details on the types of abuse that were occurring at Abu Ghraib and he also gave details that seemed to implicate some of those who were arraigned earlier this morning, three other, three more of the seven soldiers charged in these cases of abuse.

Again, Sivits has plead guilty to three charges -- conspiracy to maltreat detainees, dereliction of duty for failing to protect detainees from abuse and maltreatment of detainees.

So, again, the proceedings are continuing. The court-martial is continuing now. Sivits now has to affirm his guilt, present to the judge enough evidence that would, in fact, affirm his guilt -- Carol.

COSTELLO: So basically he's got to tell the judge why he's guilty. Supposedly he's already agreed to some plea deals. So in the end, he'll spend, what, up to a year in custody?

WHITBECK: Well, that's what he could -- that is the sense, that he could receive at this level of the military court system. And as you say, there has been a lot of talk about some sort of plea bargaining that might have occurred. But right now he does have to prove to the judge that he is, in fact, guilty of the charges that he was presented with.

COSTELLO: I just wondered at the reaction of the Arab media. I don't know if you're close to them or not, so you might not be able to answer this question. But what was the reaction when Specialist Sivits plead guilty?

WHITBECK: Well, I can't tell you about that specifically because I wasn't next to them when that incident specifically occurred. I can tell you, though, that there has been a lot of interest from the local media during an off camera briefing that took place after the arraignments this morning. This briefing was given by a military justice officer here. And she was explaining step by step what these procedures are like. And a lot of the questions coming from the Iraqi media had to do with the presence of some of the victims or some of the victims' families in the courtroom. And there was a lot of questioning on how much involvement there was from Iraqis themselves in this process.

So a lot of interest, a lot of learning for everybody here. The military court system is something that is new to many and it's certainly new to many here in the Iraqi media -- Carol.

COSTELLO: I know that some Iraqis were complaining that this wasn't taking place in an Iraqi court. But, of course, that's not possible since this is a military matter.

Inside the improvised courtroom itself, Harris, who is in there?

WHITBECK: It's mostly court officials and members of the media, members of the media from the United States and other countries, and members of the Iraqi media. But no family members and no victims.

COSTELLO: And why is that -- no family members, no victims inside?

WHITBECK: It's, apparently that is military procedure. That question was asked at the briefing, this off camera briefing I mentioned to you before. And the answer was that it wasn't appropriate to discuss that. But apparently that is procedure in these type of situations -- Carol.

COSTELLO: We also heard of demonstrations taking place in or around the convention center.

Are there demonstrations taking place?

WHITBECK: We haven't been able to see them from where we are, Carol. But we're inside the building. I can tell you that, as I said to you before, there is a lot of interest in general from public opinion here in Iraq. Yesterday we spoke to a lot of people who didn't lend much credence to what was going on here today, but that seems to stem from, in many cases, a general sense of mistrust that many Iraqis feel towards the American occupation.

COSTELLO: All right, Harris Whitbeck reporting live from Baghdad.

We'll get back to you again.

The news just into us this morning, Specialist Jeremy Sivits pleading guilty to all charges against him. That doesn't mean the procedure is over quite yet. He still has to affirm his guilt. In other words, he has to tell the judge presiding over this proceeding why he's guilty. And then, of course, a sentence will be handed down. The procedure in all expected to take about three hours. We'll have much more from Baghdad as we get it into us.

Well, farewell to Felix. That would be Tony Randall, the actor best known as Felix Unger on "The Odd Couple." Later this hour, a look back at his amazing life as friends and fans mourn his death.

Plus, Israel's massive assault on a refugee camp in Gaza enters its second day. Will the U.S. succeed in passing a resolution condemning it? We're going to take you live to that region.

Also ahead, find out if high gas prices are expected to stop Americans from hitting the highways and the airways this summer.

And find out about the fat that can be fatal. It's often hidden in the foods you love. Some experts want it banned.

It's all ahead in this hour of DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 5:19 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning. Specialist Jeremy Sivits has just plead guilty to abusing Iraqi prisoners. Sivits is a first soldier to be tried in the prison abuse scandal at the Abu Ghraib Prison in Baghdad.

John Kerry and Ralph Nader are scheduled to meet today at Kerry's campaign headquarters in Washington. Nader's spokesman says the possibility of Nader withdrawing from the race is not on the agenda.

In money news, experts expect the housing market to cool down compared to the last few years. New construction dipped last month after brisk building in March.

In sports, the Tampa Bay Lightning are just a game away from the Stanley Cup Finals after beating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2. The Lightning led the best of seven series, three games to two.

In culture, Court TV may be the only outlet for Martha Stewart now. Her show "Martha Stewart Living" will suspend production after its run ends in September. The show has already been dropped from stations in most major markets -- Rob.

MARCIANO: Hi, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.

Just ahead on DAYBREAK, have car will travel -- Americans get back to the basics of summer travel. But what about the gas pump pinch?

A source of laughter silenced forever. You knew him best as the neat freak, Felix from "The Odd Couple." Now fans mourn the loss of Tony Randall.

This is DAYBREAK for Wednesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE ODD COUPLE")

JACK KLUGMAN, ACTOR: You're supposed to stand up and yell and jump.

TONY RANDALL, ACTOR: I can't do that.

RANDALL: Oh, come on, where's your sense of showmanship? Where's your personality?

KLUGMAN: You want me to jump up?

RANDALL: Yes, right, right, exactly. Exactly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: The lights were dimmed on Broadway in honor of Tony Randall. He died. You know, Tony Randall made appearances in dozens of movies and plays. But he will always be best remembered as the fastidious Felix Unger from TV's "The Odd Couple."

CNN's David Mattingly takes a look back.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He starred on stage, in movies and five separate television series. But to millions he'll always be Felix Unger, the neat half of "The Odd Couple."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "THE ODD COUPLE")

TONY RANDALL, ACTOR: Warn me the next time you open up a beer. I'll put on my scuba suit.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: Fussy Felix was the role of a lifetime and Randall found his perfect counterpart in Jack Klugman's Oscar Madison.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "LARRY KING LIVE")

LARRY KING, HOST: You can take two good actors and put them together, it doesn't necessarily mean it will work, right?

RANDALL: That's right.

KING: So there has to be a natural chemistry.

RANDALL: Yes. And you can't explain it and you can't predict it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: The Emmy Award winning role of Felix overshadowed a long, impressive stage career. Randall performed on Broadway for six decades.

RANDALL: It will wondering riding on a private trip thundering across the country side in style.

MATTINGLY: In 1991, he launched the nonprofit National Actors Theater, dedicated to providing theater to all at a price all could afford. Randall married actress Heather Harlan in 1995, three years after the death of his wife of 54 years, Florence Gibbs. Harlan gave birth to daughter Julia in 1997 and son Jefferson in 1998.

RANDALL: Nothing in life is equal of it. And it's as if this is what I was waiting for all my life.

MATTINGLY: Tony Randall died in his sleep after a long illness. He was 84.

I'm David Mattingly reporting.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Furniture can be an expensive investment, unless, that is, you put it together yourself. If you're handy, Swedish retailer Ikea is one way to go. The furniture maker has targeted the lower end of the market by designing affordable, contemporary furniture that comes unassembled. Ikea has 18 stores in the U.S., with designs for more. It plans to add five stores every year, including its first showrooms in Atlanta, Boston and Phoenix.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Military justice in Baghdad -- as the Muslim world watches, a military police officer pleads guilty in the prisoner abuse scandal. It happened just a few minutes ago.

It is Wednesday, May 19.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Let me bring you up to date now.

The court-martial of Army Specialist Jeremy Sivits pleads guilty -- actually, Jeremy Sivits has pleaded guilty. He's the first soldier to be tried for alleged abuses at the Abu Ghraib Prison.

Demonstrations turn dangerous in Colombia, as police and protesters clash during rallies against ongoing trade talks. Colombia, Ecuador 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 advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 73-70 win over the Miami Heat. The Pacers play the winner of Thursday night's game seven between the Pistons and the Nets.

In culture, how about a CD with your half cafe mocha latte? Starbuck's has hired a president of entertainment to oversee media projects, including the expansion of Starbuck's music cafes.

Ooh, it sounds good, doesn't it -- Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It certainly does. There's got to be some sort of music that gets you in the mood to drink coffee, I would think.

COSTELLO: Nice, soothing music. Etta James, maybe.

MARCIANO: I don't know. Or just something to get you fired up if the caffeine is not doing it for you.

COSTELLO: True.

MARCIANO: Good morning again, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

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Aired May 19, 2004 - 05:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Facing justice in Baghdad and watched by the world -- at this hour, a U.S. Army specialist faces a court-martial in the prisoner abuse scandal. In fact, that hearing has just begun.
It is Wednesday, May 19.

This is DAYBREAK.

Good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Here are the latest headlines for you now.

The court-martial of Specialist Jeremy Sivits has begun. Sivits is the first to be tried on charges he abused prisoners at the Abu Ghraib Prison. We will have more on the court proceedings in just a few minutes. We're going to take you live to Baghdad.

The Senate Armed Services Committee reconvenes in just a few hours to hear more testimony on the abuses at Abu Ghraib. General John Abizaid, head of the U.S. Central Command; General Ricardo Sanchez, commander of U.S. ground forces in Iraq; and General Geoffrey Miller, deputy commander of detainee operations; all scheduled to testify.

The 9/11 Commission finishes up its latest round of hearings in New York City today. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge are expected to testify.

In money news, the average gallon of unleaded gas has broken the $2 barrier. The price has jumped almost $0.08 in just the last week.

And in sports, no runs, no hits, no errors, no nothing. Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks tossed a perfect game against the Atlanta Braves -- at 40. Johnson is the oldest person to pitch a perfect game.

In culture, more time for "American Idol" voters. In an effort to combat jammed phone lines, the show's producers announced that voters will be given four hours to vote after next week's finale instead of the normal two hours.

To the forecast center now and Rob Marciano in for Chad Myers this morning -- good morning. ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.

It's good to hear about that extended voting for the "American Idol" competition.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: The focus this hour, of course, the prisoner abuse scandal in Iraq. Within the last few hours, three U.S. soldiers appeared for arraignment and right now a special court-martial is going on.

So let's head live to Baghdad and the convention center there, where the proceedings are taking place.

Harris Whitbeck is there.

Describe the scene for us -- Harris.

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Carol.

The court-martial of Specialist Jeremy Sivits started about five or six minutes ago. It is being conducted in an improvised courtroom inside the Baghdad Convention Center. There are members of the press inside of that courtroom and the proceedings are being translated simultaneously into Arabic.

Representatives from many, many media organizations, many Arabic media organizations, are watching the proceedings via closed circuit television. But the proceedings are not being broadcast live here in Iraq or anywhere else.

There is a lot of interest. As you know, Specialist Jeremy Sivits is charged with conspiracy to maltreat subordinates, dereliction of duty for willfully failing to protect detainees from abuse, cruelty and maltreatment and maltreatment of detainees.

Now, a lot of speculation as to the outcome of this court- martial. Some people seem to indicate that there might be some sort of plea bargaining that either took place or would be taking place. But we will know that as the special court-martial develops.

Now, earlier today, three arraignments. Specialist Charles Graner, Staff Sergeant Ivan Fredericks II and Sergeant Javal Davis all heard the charges that have been leveled against them and when they were asked if they were -- what their plea was, they all deferred motions and the judge gave them until June 21st. The reason for deferring motions was that they wanted access to two detainees at Abu Ghraib who the government considers witnesses. The judge asked the government to explain in writing why access to those witnesses had not been granted to the defense. And that is why the next pretrial hearing will be on June 21 to sort that issue out -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Yes, we're seeing some artists' renditions of the arraignments that took place this morning.

Let's talk about the ongoing special court-martial right now and more about the scene around it. Tell us about the security in place.

WHITBECK: Well, security is extremely tight, Carol, and if you've covered a big ticket trial in the United States, you'll be able to picture the scene quite well. Lots of satellite trucks parked on the lawn in front of this building, lots of TV cameras, live positions, but also helicopters flying overhead and lots of troops in full uniform walking around.

During the arraignment hearings this morning, there was one mortar explosion that was heard nearby. We understand it did not hit in the Green Zone. It hit in central Baghdad. But that certainly added to the level of tension, if you will.

And, again, lots of security very visible, not only outside the building but inside. Bomb sniffing dogs have been used to conduct sweeps three or four times in the few hours that we've been here already -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Harris Whitbeck live from Baghdad.

Of course, we'll keep you posted on what's happening inside that special court-martial. It has just begun, the special court-martial of Specialist Jeremy Sivits.

There is an accusation this morning that Army officials tried to keep the International Red Cross from making surprise spot inspections of the Abu Ghraib Prison. The accusation is in a "New York Times" story this morning. It says the Red Cross observed alleged abuses in one area on two unannounced October inspections. The "Times" reports that after the Red Cross complained, the military said the agency should make appointments before visiting the prison.

In Cumberland, Maryland, a vigil for the military police unit at the center of this scandal. The vigil was held near the headquarters of the Army Reserve's 372nd Military Police Command. Those charges in the prisoner abuse matter are members of that unit.

And 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" reports that General Sanchez approved sleep deprivation and other interrogation techniques for one prisoner at Abu Ghraib Prison. Also testifying, the head of U.S. Central Command and the deputy commander of detainee operations.

CNN, of course, we'll bring you live coverage of the Senate Armed Services Committee, this meeting, or the hearing this morning. That hearing begins at 8:30 Eastern.

Back in Iraq, fierce fighting in the Shiite holy city of Karbala. And we have dramatic news pictures to show you this morning. Coalition forces are battling fighters loyal to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The city was once considered friendly to the coalition, but is now the scene of almost daily urban warfare.

The trials, the ambushes, the dangers of Iraq -- keep up with the latest on our Web site. The address, cnn.com.

And word coming in just within the last two hours, the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan announced a review of how prisoners there are treated.

Our Ryan Chilcote is in Kabul and he joins us with details on that -- Ryan.

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, Carol, well, that is the Lieutenant General David Barno. He is the commander, as you said, of all U.S. forces here in Afghanistan. Now, he today is reviewing -- is ordering a review of all detention facilities here in the country. He is going to appoint another general to do a "top to bottom" review, requiring that that general physically visit all detention facilities here in Afghanistan -- that is estimated to be around 20 of them -- to ensure that they meet internationally accepted standards and in addition meet the spirit of the Geneva Convention.

That general will be given one month -- in other words until mid- June -- to get back to General Barno with his findings.

Now, the public affairs officers here on the ground are saying that they are very comfortable with how the U.S. military is dealing with detainees at this point, but they say things can always be improved. And this review comes just a little bit more than a week after the U.S. military began investigating two specific allegations into prisoner abuse here in Afghanistan, one of them an Afghan policeman who said that, among other things, he was sexually abused in a detention facility here.

Now, it also comes just about a year and a half after human rights advocates say that two detainees here in Afghanistan died while in the custody of U.S. officials, perhaps because of negligence of U.S. officials here in Afghanistan -- Carol.

COSTELLO: And, Ryan, what are human rights groups saying now, since a review has begun?

CHILCOTE: Yes, well, they're saying it's not enough and they say that the military certainly cannot police itself. What they would like to see is some kind of outside scrutiny, some kind of independent organization come in to review the situation inside the detention facilities here. They've requested access. One human rights organization here has requested access to the detention facilities. We understand that request is being reviewed.

But as far as the U.S. military is concerned, they say that they work with the ICRC, the International Committee for the Red Cross, and that the International Committee for the Red Cross has access to detention facilities here and has been giving them feedback on the situation and that they've been enacting changes in how they treat prisoners based on those observations from the International Committee of the Red Cross and they say at this point, there's no need for any outside scrutiny -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Ryan Chilcote reporting live from Kabul, Afghanistan this morning.

Day two of the September 11 Commission hearings begin just a few hours from now about a mile from ground zero. This time the session will focus on crisis management. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani will testify.

Our Deborah Feyerick has major moments from the first session.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DEBORAH FEYERICK, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They held each other and wiped away tears. Families watching as those they loved died all over again.

KRISTIN BREITWEISER, WIFE OF 9/11 VICTIM: My husband is never coming home. I'm well aware of that. I'm also well aware of the fact 19 hijackers killed him. But more lives could have been saved.

FEYERICK: City officials who led the rescue effort that day say firefighters and police were as prepared as they could have been in the face of such an unforeseeable tragedy.

BERNARD KERIK, FORMER NYPD COMMISSIONER: The character, professionalism and bravery of New York's finest was never more evident. As debris showered down to the ground, as fellow human beings jumped to their death, from 100 stories above, there was no retreat and no hesitation.

FEYERICK: The most dramatic moment during the hearings, 9/11 Commissioner John Lehman criticized the fire and police departments, accusing them of poor communication with no one person calling all the shots.

JOHN LEHMAN, 9/11 COMMISSIONER: I think that the command and control and communications of this city's public service is a scandal. It is not worthy of the Boy Scouts, let alone this great city.

FEYERICK: The fire commissioner, who lost 343 firefighters on 9/11 struck back. Tom Von Essen saying rescue efforts were handled by some of the most seasoned chiefs of the nation.

THOMAS VON ESSEN, FORMER FDNY COMMISSIONER: You make it seem like everything is wrong about September 11 and the way we functioned. I think it is outrageous you make a statement like that.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: We've been telling you about the special court-martial ongoing in Baghdad. Things are moving along very quickly. In fact, Specialist Jeremy Sivits has just plead guilty to all charges. Let's head back live to Baghdad to find out more from Harris Whitbeck -- Harris, tell us.

WHITBECK: Well, Carol, as you said, Specialist Jeremy Sivits has plead guilty to three charges of conspiracy, dereliction and maltreatment. Now, according to military justice procedure, he must now present evidence to the judge that would affirm his guilt. You will recall that in a sworn statement that he gave a few days ago, Sivits gave details on the types of abuse that were occurring at Abu Ghraib and he also gave details that seemed to implicate some of those who were arraigned earlier this morning, three other, three more of the seven soldiers charged in these cases of abuse.

Again, Sivits has plead guilty to three charges -- conspiracy to maltreat detainees, dereliction of duty for failing to protect detainees from abuse and maltreatment of detainees.

So, again, the proceedings are continuing. The court-martial is continuing now. Sivits now has to affirm his guilt, present to the judge enough evidence that would, in fact, affirm his guilt -- Carol.

COSTELLO: So basically he's got to tell the judge why he's guilty. Supposedly he's already agreed to some plea deals. So in the end, he'll spend, what, up to a year in custody?

WHITBECK: Well, that's what he could -- that is the sense, that he could receive at this level of the military court system. And as you say, there has been a lot of talk about some sort of plea bargaining that might have occurred. But right now he does have to prove to the judge that he is, in fact, guilty of the charges that he was presented with.

COSTELLO: I just wondered at the reaction of the Arab media. I don't know if you're close to them or not, so you might not be able to answer this question. But what was the reaction when Specialist Sivits plead guilty?

WHITBECK: Well, I can't tell you about that specifically because I wasn't next to them when that incident specifically occurred. I can tell you, though, that there has been a lot of interest from the local media during an off camera briefing that took place after the arraignments this morning. This briefing was given by a military justice officer here. And she was explaining step by step what these procedures are like. And a lot of the questions coming from the Iraqi media had to do with the presence of some of the victims or some of the victims' families in the courtroom. And there was a lot of questioning on how much involvement there was from Iraqis themselves in this process.

So a lot of interest, a lot of learning for everybody here. The military court system is something that is new to many and it's certainly new to many here in the Iraqi media -- Carol.

COSTELLO: I know that some Iraqis were complaining that this wasn't taking place in an Iraqi court. But, of course, that's not possible since this is a military matter.

Inside the improvised courtroom itself, Harris, who is in there?

WHITBECK: It's mostly court officials and members of the media, members of the media from the United States and other countries, and members of the Iraqi media. But no family members and no victims.

COSTELLO: And why is that -- no family members, no victims inside?

WHITBECK: It's, apparently that is military procedure. That question was asked at the briefing, this off camera briefing I mentioned to you before. And the answer was that it wasn't appropriate to discuss that. But apparently that is procedure in these type of situations -- Carol.

COSTELLO: We also heard of demonstrations taking place in or around the convention center.

Are there demonstrations taking place?

WHITBECK: We haven't been able to see them from where we are, Carol. But we're inside the building. I can tell you that, as I said to you before, there is a lot of interest in general from public opinion here in Iraq. Yesterday we spoke to a lot of people who didn't lend much credence to what was going on here today, but that seems to stem from, in many cases, a general sense of mistrust that many Iraqis feel towards the American occupation.

COSTELLO: All right, Harris Whitbeck reporting live from Baghdad.

We'll get back to you again.

The news just into us this morning, Specialist Jeremy Sivits pleading guilty to all charges against him. That doesn't mean the procedure is over quite yet. He still has to affirm his guilt. In other words, he has to tell the judge presiding over this proceeding why he's guilty. And then, of course, a sentence will be handed down. The procedure in all expected to take about three hours. We'll have much more from Baghdad as we get it into us.

Well, farewell to Felix. That would be Tony Randall, the actor best known as Felix Unger on "The Odd Couple." Later this hour, a look back at his amazing life as friends and fans mourn his death.

Plus, Israel's massive assault on a refugee camp in Gaza enters its second day. Will the U.S. succeed in passing a resolution condemning it? We're going to take you live to that region.

Also ahead, find out if high gas prices are expected to stop Americans from hitting the highways and the airways this summer.

And find out about the fat that can be fatal. It's often hidden in the foods you love. Some experts want it banned.

It's all ahead in this hour of DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports.

It is 5:19 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning. Specialist Jeremy Sivits has just plead guilty to abusing Iraqi prisoners. Sivits is a first soldier to be tried in the prison abuse scandal at the Abu Ghraib Prison in Baghdad.

John Kerry and Ralph Nader are scheduled to meet today at Kerry's campaign headquarters in Washington. Nader's spokesman says the possibility of Nader withdrawing from the race is not on the agenda.

In money news, experts expect the housing market to cool down compared to the last few years. New construction dipped last month after brisk building in March.

In sports, the Tampa Bay Lightning are just a game away from the Stanley Cup Finals after beating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2. The Lightning led the best of seven series, three games to two.

In culture, Court TV may be the only outlet for Martha Stewart now. Her show "Martha Stewart Living" will suspend production after its run ends in September. The show has already been dropped from stations in most major markets -- Rob.

MARCIANO: Hi, Carol.

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COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.

Just ahead on DAYBREAK, have car will travel -- Americans get back to the basics of summer travel. But what about the gas pump pinch?

A source of laughter silenced forever. You knew him best as the neat freak, Felix from "The Odd Couple." Now fans mourn the loss of Tony Randall.

This is DAYBREAK for Wednesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE ODD COUPLE")

JACK KLUGMAN, ACTOR: You're supposed to stand up and yell and jump.

TONY RANDALL, ACTOR: I can't do that.

RANDALL: Oh, come on, where's your sense of showmanship? Where's your personality?

KLUGMAN: You want me to jump up?

RANDALL: Yes, right, right, exactly. Exactly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: The lights were dimmed on Broadway in honor of Tony Randall. He died. You know, Tony Randall made appearances in dozens of movies and plays. But he will always be best remembered as the fastidious Felix Unger from TV's "The Odd Couple."

CNN's David Mattingly takes a look back.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DAVID MATTINGLY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He starred on stage, in movies and five separate television series. But to millions he'll always be Felix Unger, the neat half of "The Odd Couple."

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "THE ODD COUPLE")

TONY RANDALL, ACTOR: Warn me the next time you open up a beer. I'll put on my scuba suit.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: Fussy Felix was the role of a lifetime and Randall found his perfect counterpart in Jack Klugman's Oscar Madison.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "LARRY KING LIVE")

LARRY KING, HOST: You can take two good actors and put them together, it doesn't necessarily mean it will work, right?

RANDALL: That's right.

KING: So there has to be a natural chemistry.

RANDALL: Yes. And you can't explain it and you can't predict it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MATTINGLY: The Emmy Award winning role of Felix overshadowed a long, impressive stage career. Randall performed on Broadway for six decades.

RANDALL: It will wondering riding on a private trip thundering across the country side in style.

MATTINGLY: In 1991, he launched the nonprofit National Actors Theater, dedicated to providing theater to all at a price all could afford. Randall married actress Heather Harlan in 1995, three years after the death of his wife of 54 years, Florence Gibbs. Harlan gave birth to daughter Julia in 1997 and son Jefferson in 1998.

RANDALL: Nothing in life is equal of it. And it's as if this is what I was waiting for all my life.

MATTINGLY: Tony Randall died in his sleep after a long illness. He was 84.

I'm David Mattingly reporting.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Furniture can be an expensive investment, unless, that is, you put it together yourself. If you're handy, Swedish retailer Ikea is one way to go. The furniture maker has targeted the lower end of the market by designing affordable, contemporary furniture that comes unassembled. Ikea has 18 stores in the U.S., with designs for more. It plans to add five stores every year, including its first showrooms in Atlanta, Boston and Phoenix.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Military justice in Baghdad -- as the Muslim world watches, a military police officer pleads guilty in the prisoner abuse scandal. It happened just a few minutes ago.

It is Wednesday, May 19.

This is DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Carol Costello.

Let me bring you up to date now.

The court-martial of Army Specialist Jeremy Sivits pleads guilty -- actually, Jeremy Sivits has pleaded guilty. He's the first soldier to be tried for alleged abuses at the Abu Ghraib Prison.

Demonstrations turn dangerous in Colombia, as police and protesters clash during rallies against ongoing trade talks. Colombia, Ecuador 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 advanced to the Eastern Conference finals with a 73-70 win over the Miami Heat. The Pacers play the winner of Thursday night's game seven between the Pistons and the Nets.

In culture, how about a CD with your half cafe mocha latte? Starbuck's has hired a president of entertainment to oversee media projects, including the expansion of Starbuck's music cafes.

Ooh, it sounds good, doesn't it -- Rob.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It certainly does. There's got to be some sort of music that gets you in the mood to drink coffee, I would think.

COSTELLO: Nice, soothing music. Etta James, maybe.

MARCIANO: I don't know. Or just something to get you fired up if the caffeine is not doing it for you.

COSTELLO: True.

MARCIANO: Good morning again, Carol.

(WEATHER REPORT)

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