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CNN Live At Daybreak

Latest Fighting Between Muqtada Al-Sadr's Militia, U.S. Forces; Arrest of British Cleric Abu Hamza

Aired May 28, 2004 - 06:00   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.


BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: If there's a truce in Najaf, then why are U.S. soldiers still being shot at?
It's Friday, May 28, and this is DAYBREAK.

Good morning.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen.

Here's a look at today's headlines at this hour.

U.S. prosecutors say a hard-line British Muslim cleric has been aiding al Qaeda and was plotting to build a training camp in Oregon for Islamic militants. The cleric, arrested Thursday in London, is awaiting an extradition hearing scheduled for late July.

Storms have left hundreds dead from flooding in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and the forecast is not good. Up to three inches of rain are expected this weekend.

In money, economists say a climbing mortgage rate could slow down the economy. Thirty year fixed mortgages rose slightly, to about 6.3 percent. Rates for 15 year mortgages also went up.

In sports, the Los Angeles Lakers take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals, with a 92-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In culture, the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" is out. It's a thriller about global warming, but some scientists say the premise is a bit far-fetched.

Hmmm, let's check in with Chad Myers.

A bit far-fetched -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: In Iraq today, U.S. forces came under attack near Najaf a day after an apparent deal to end the fighting there.

CNN's Harris Whitbeck joins us from Baghdad with all those details -- Harris.

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Betty. At least nine mortar rounds were fired at a U.S. base outside of the holy city of Najaf this day after a cease-fire was declared by the forces led by Muqtada al-Sadr and by the U.S. The U.S. had said it would stop offensive military operations around Najaf, but it said it retained the right to self-defense.

There was another incident in the city of Kufa, which is near Najaf and which is where Muqtada al-Sadr preaches on Fridays there. U.S. soldiers were attacked by rocket propelled grenades. No word of any casualties.

The militia's leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, has offered to withdraw the majority of his troops from the holy city in exchange for a U.S. pullback. Shortly after the cease-fire was announced last night, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council who had been in Najaf helping to broker this deal was attacked as she was on her way home, back to Baghdad. Dr. Salama al-Khafaji was uninjured in the attack, but two members of her convoy were killed.

Meanwhile, there has been another prisoner release at Abu Ghraib Prison. Up to 600 prisoners are scheduled to be released on this Friday. The releases got off to a rather shaky start this morning, according to the Associated Press. Shots were fired briefly at a convoy of 13 buses filled with released detainees on its way to their homes. The convoy was halted for a while, but it later resumed its journey -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Harris, what do you know about the Japanese journalists that were taken hostage? We understand two burned bodies have been found.

Is there any relation?

WHITBECK: Well, the Japanese journalists had not been hostages. They were ambushed when they were on their way back to Baghdad after visiting Japanese troops south of the capital and they were ambushed on a particularly dangerous stretch of highway. Apparently, according to reports, their vehicle was hit by rocket propelled grenades and a hospital director in that area says that the bodies of -- the badly burned bodies of two Japanese people are at the morgue there. The Japanese foreign ministry hasn't confirmed the identities of those bodies, but it has confirmed that an attack on two Japanese freelance journalists did occur -- Betty.

NGUYEN: All right, CNN's Harris Whitbeck in Baghdad this morning.

Thank you.

One soldier already scheduled for court-martial in the prison abuse scandal was a prison guard as a civilian in Pennsylvania. A former inmate at Green State Prison says the news accounts of Abu Ghraib Prison brought back bitter memories of Specialist Charles Graner.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) NICHOLAS YARRIS, FORMER INMATE: That smile he showed, he showed best when he was getting some prisoner to lose it, to snap, to lose his mind and scream at Charles. He loved it.

GUY WOMACK, SPECIALIST GRANER'S ATTORNEY: Perhaps the gentleman has already snapped. Specialist Graner has not done any of these things and, of course, in Abu Ghraib, what he did, which was bad enough, is he was following orders.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Graner and six other reservists are to face courts- martial.

Federal prosecutors say a hard-line British Muslim cleric was planning to build a terrorist training camp in the Pacific Northwest. An indictment says Abu Hamza al-Masri plotted to set up a training camp in Blythe, Oregon. Abu Hamza was arrested Thursday in London. Washington is seeking his extradition. A hearing is set for July 23 in London.

But extraditing Abu Hamza may not be so easy.

CNN's Robyn Curnow has details from London.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROBYN CURNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Abraham is considered by many to be the face of radical Islam here in the United Kingdom. In fact, today one newspaper has dubbed him the bin Laden of Britain.

Now, he's earned this reputation by publicly supporting Osama bin Laden in the days after the 9/11 attacks from this mosque behind me where he was preaching. In fact, he came out saying that Osama bin Laden was a good guy.

Now, it's this sort of talk that really didn't endear him to the British authorities. Over the years they've been trying to strip him of his British citizenship and deport him.

But it's the Americans who have come through now, saying that they have evidence that he has been linked to terrorism related issues. They have 11 charges that they say prove that he has been linked to al Qaeda specifically, and also to hostage taking in the Yemen, among other things. They want the British authorities to hand him over so that the U.S. courts can judge -- put him through a trial and judge him.

If he is found guilty, he does face the possibility of the death sentence. Now, this goes against British laws. There's no death penalty here in the United Kingdom and the British authorities have said that they will not hand Abu Hamza over to the American authorities unless they have written confirmation that he will not face the death penalty. But the U.S. courts have to find some other way to process his -- these charges other than putting him under the death penalty. So that is one issue that's going to be thrashed out in the next few months. But essentially this radical Muslim cleric here in the United Kingdom has eventually, according to the United States, been perhaps held up on links to al Qaeda and other terrorist groups.

I'm Robyn Curnow in London, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: A U.S. soldier thought to have been killed in action in Iraq actually was taken captive and killed by his captors. Pentagon officials say Sergeant Donald Walters was killed by Iraqi captors on March 23, 2003. Walters was part of the 507th Maintenance Company, which included PFC Jessica Lynch.

Filmmaker Michael Moore's controversial new movie "Fahrenheit 911" includes footage of Nicholas Berg. Moore says he has about 20 minutes of an interview with Berg, the American businessman who was beheaded in Iraq. Berg's beheading in a video posted on the Internet. Moore says he is not releasing his video to the public, but has been talking with Berg's family.

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry says the Bush administration has jeopardized U.S. safety with the poorly planned war in Iraq. Kerry kicked off an 11 day campaign focused on national security and international policy in a speech to supporters in Seattle. The Massachusetts senator says he would work to build new alliances with other nations.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There's a powerful yearning around the world for an America that listens and leads again, an America that is respected, not just feared and mistrusted. I believe that respect is an indispensable mark of our nation's character and it is an indispensable source of our nation's strength.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Bill Clinton is brushing aside criticism John Kerry is being too careful on the campaign trail. At a news conference on another matter Thursday, the former president called Kerry "an honorable man." Clinton said the candidate has shown a certain "reticence that's appropriate to the seriousness of current affairs."

Well, before attending a GOP fundraiser in Nashville last night, George Bush joined a discussion about advances in information technology. The president praised work being done at Vanderbilt University to develop computerized patient records. Bush says his vision for the country is a computer system that links hospitals, pharmacies and other medical providers.

Here's a question for you -- will OPEC relieve some pain at the pump this summer?

Carrie Lee has the preview -- hi, Carrie.

CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Betty.

Coming up, the oil cartel is working on a compromise. It may relieve some pain now, but what about the long-term effects? That after the break -- Betty.

NGUYEN: And the Korean War is just part of her memories. Later this hour, meet a woman who went through two wars and more than 200 air missions.

Plus, dangerous barbecues -- find out how to make your burgers safe.

And are you still looking for that special someone? "Love Formula" has got its patent. We have those details ahead.

This is DAYBREAK for Friday, May 28.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Time now for a little business buzz.

They're beginning to hear our whining about high gas prices and OPEC may now cut us a little slack. But it could be bad news down the line.

Carrie Lee has that story and more at the NASDAQ market site in New York -- good morning, Carrie.

LEE: Good morning, Betty.

Well, that's right, OPEC ministers are considering some proposals that would suspend the cartel's limits on oil production. The idea here to reel oil prices into more reasonable levels. This is what the "Wall Street Journal" is reporting today.

This would be a big compromise between members. There's been some tension since Saudi Arabia last weekend indicated it was willing to increase production to help lower prices. Saudis are eager to bring down the price because it's a drag on the global economy, high oil prices, that is, and it would ultimately drag on demand for oil.

Some members of the cartel are still adamant, though, that the production levels now are at the right level.

Now, yesterday oil prices here closed below the $40 a barrel mark. That's where they've been trading for the last couple of weeks. We've seen oil and stock prices pretty directly inverse over the past couple of weeks. Most of the declines we've seen can be attributed to signals from OPEC. So we can expect that today. We can very sell see oil move lower, which, down the line, means gasoline prices could come down a little bit. But if OPEC ministers were to suspend the limits, it may have long-term effects. Negotiating between members, some members are reluctant. So we'll see what happens. OPEC officially meeting next, Betty, on June 3. Meanwhile, futures looking flat to slightly weak for today's session. Chip maker Novellus nice gains last night after raising guidance on profits and sales for this current quarter. Strong business in the U.S. as well as Japan helping that company -- back to you.

NGUYEN: All right, Carrie Lee live at the NASDAQ market site.

Thank you.

Well, we do your news, money, weather and sports.

The time right now is 6:15 and here's what's all new this morning.

The U.S. military base at Najaf was attacked this morning with mortars and rocket propelled grenades. There are no reports of casualties. The attack comes one day after radical cleric Muqtada al- Sadr proposed a truce.

Hundreds of prisoners were released this morning from the notorious Abu Ghraib Prison near Baghdad. Buses took the detainees from the prison while family members shouted and waved Iraqi flags.

In the corporate world, an internationally known board chairman, Umberto Agnelli of Fiat, has died of cancer at his home in Italy. Agnelli was 69 years old. His grandfather founded the Fiat Company over a century ago.

To sports now, Russian teenager Maria Kirilenko gave Serena Williams a fight, but Williams prevailed in the second round of the French Open. Williams and vive other Americans, including her sister Venus, move on to the third round.

In culture, viewership for "American Idol" was slightly off from last year, but the Fox Network isn't complaining. That's because nearly 31 1/2 million people watched Fantasia Barrino become this year's American idol. Last year, 33.7 million saw Rubin Stutter win.

Chad Myers, you're checking the weather.

But did you watch "American Idol?" that's the big question?

MYERS: No, that is way after my bedtime, Betty.

NGUYEN: Me, too.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Are you planning to put your grill to work this holiday weekend? We'll tell you how to get your barbecue done without setting it on fire. That's key, isn't it?

And take a look at these pictures. Why are these piglets in the South Carolina House chamber? We'll find out next on DAYBREAK. And, no, this has nothing to do with barbecue. You want to stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: It's a safe bet that if you aren't on the road this weekend, you'll be manning that grill. But each year, more than 600 fires are blamed annually on gas grills.

Our Julie Vallese puts on her chef's hat and has some safe grilling tips -- good morning.

JULIE VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

Maybe you have been invited to a barbecue. That's the best place, doing it at somebody else's house. Millions of Americans will be kicking off the summer this weekend, Memorial Day weekend, by fixing food and firing up the 'cue.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VALLESE (voice-over): Family and friends are invited, but this guy, back, is someone you don't want at your party. Thermie, you do. But more about him later.

DR. ELSA MURANO, UNDERSECRETARY FOR FOOD SAFETY: Certainly there are illnesses, food borne illnesses, that can be transmitted through foods that can send someone to the hospital and also cause death.

VALLESE: Safe food preparations and keeping bacteria out of food begin in the kitchen. Keep raw food on one plate, cooked foods on another, say the experts. And make sure the utensils are clean.

MURANO: Food preparers have tremendous control over the safety of the foods that they prepare.

VALLESE: And the food they cook. But before you get cooking...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Read the manufacturers' instructions. Every grill is different.

VALLESE: If using a gas grill, check the tank for rust, cracks or dents. Every year injuries do occur by defects in tanks that haven't been used since last season. Move the grill away from the house and make sure it's on a non-flammable surface.

CARTER KEITHLEY, HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION: When you light the grill, that you have the hood open on the grill, because you don't want propane to build up inside. You also, of course, don't want to lean in over the grill when you're lighting it. That's a sure way to get your eyebrows singed.

VALLESE: If it doesn't start right away, turn it off, wait a few seconds, then try again.

And part of safe grilling is safe meat. Remember Thermie, the meat thermometer? The internal temperature of hamburgers should be about 160 degrees.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

VALLESE: Now, that's really important, actually, Betty, and you really need to take note of your different temperatures. The internal part of your meat should be 160 degrees. And another important thing about temperature, when the party's over, if your meat's been sitting out, or your food has been sitting out for an hour in 85 degree weather, throw it all away -- Betty.

NGUYEN: You definitely don't want to eat that.

But I will say, I know it's early, but, boy, that sure does look good.

All right, Julie Vallese in Maryland this morning, thank you.

Time for our DAYBREAK Eye-Opener.

A bit of a problem at the Los Angeles airport. This cargo plane was being unloaded when the weight shifted, causing the plane to tip back on its tail. Seven workers in the nose of the aircraft suddenly found themselves in a precarious situation. They were rescued about an hour later by firefighters using a ladder truck.

Pigeons are becoming a big problem in New York's Bryant Park. You see, they're "unloading," if you know what we mean, on park goers. And folks are fed up with it. Park officials hope a "slinky" will solve the problem. They're putting the still wiring on tree breaches hoping the pigeons will find it too difficult to sit there and do their business.

And check out South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and a couple of his friends. The governor carried these two piglets into the state capital in Colombia. He wanted to make a point that there is just too much pork in the state budget. It seems, though, his stunt, it didn't go over too well. The Senate overrode most of his budget vetoes.

And here's what's all new in the next half hour.

Will the documents be unsealed and the bail dropped? The latest on Michael Jackson and other legal headlines on the docket with Kendall Coffey.

War memories -- hear the story of a woman who went through two wars to become the most decorated women in U.S. history.

And the science of falling in love -- we'll tell you which tests to take before you get married.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Britain says not so fast to the extradition of a radical Muslim cleric.

This is DAYBREAK for Friday, May 28. Good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen.

Here's a look at the headlines at this hour.

U.S. investigators seeking the extradition of a hard-line British Muslim cleric accuse him of plotting to build a terrorist training camp in Oregon. Police in London arrested Abu Hamza al-Masri Thursday. British officials say they won't extradite him to the U.S. unless Washington agrees not to seek the death penalty.

A horrifying scene in Baltimore. A mother returns home and finds her three children decapitated. Police are questioning a man described only as "a person of interest."

In money, thanks to some heavy discounting and incentives, auto sales are climbing this month despite record high gas prices. Analysts say even the big SUVs and trucks are still selling.

In sports, Lightning strikes back. The Tampa Bay Lightning tied the Stanley Cup finals at a game apiece. The Lightning beat the Calgary Flames 4-1. Game three is Saturday at Calgary.

And in culture, a Utah attorney loses a lawsuit over this year's Super Bowl halftime show. He sued CBS owner Viacom for $5,000, claiming false advertising. He said he expected a family oriented, patriotic celebration, but instead he complained he was subjected to watch Janet Jackson's bare breasts.

And on that note, will we be singing the blues with these spring showers -- Chad Myers.

MYERS: Yes, I'm afraid some of these areas, again, are going to be hit by strong winds.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: A source at the Department of Homeland Security tells CNN there is a gap between DHS and the FBI in assessing the latest terror threats. In the warning on Wednesday, the FBI spoke of credible new data. But the DHS says it's the same information it has been hearing for some time now. The two agencies, though, agree on the need to refocus attention on the terror threat during the summer because of all the high profile events scheduled. As one senior U.S. official puts it, "There's plenty of reason to be concerned."

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Aired May 28, 2004 - 06:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: If there's a truce in Najaf, then why are U.S. soldiers still being shot at?
It's Friday, May 28, and this is DAYBREAK.

Good morning.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen.

Here's a look at today's headlines at this hour.

U.S. prosecutors say a hard-line British Muslim cleric has been aiding al Qaeda and was plotting to build a training camp in Oregon for Islamic militants. The cleric, arrested Thursday in London, is awaiting an extradition hearing scheduled for late July.

Storms have left hundreds dead from flooding in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and the forecast is not good. Up to three inches of rain are expected this weekend.

In money, economists say a climbing mortgage rate could slow down the economy. Thirty year fixed mortgages rose slightly, to about 6.3 percent. Rates for 15 year mortgages also went up.

In sports, the Los Angeles Lakers take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals, with a 92-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In culture, the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" is out. It's a thriller about global warming, but some scientists say the premise is a bit far-fetched.

Hmmm, let's check in with Chad Myers.

A bit far-fetched -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: In Iraq today, U.S. forces came under attack near Najaf a day after an apparent deal to end the fighting there.

CNN's Harris Whitbeck joins us from Baghdad with all those details -- Harris.

HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Betty. At least nine mortar rounds were fired at a U.S. base outside of the holy city of Najaf this day after a cease-fire was declared by the forces led by Muqtada al-Sadr and by the U.S. The U.S. had said it would stop offensive military operations around Najaf, but it said it retained the right to self-defense.

There was another incident in the city of Kufa, which is near Najaf and which is where Muqtada al-Sadr preaches on Fridays there. U.S. soldiers were attacked by rocket propelled grenades. No word of any casualties.

The militia's leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, has offered to withdraw the majority of his troops from the holy city in exchange for a U.S. pullback. Shortly after the cease-fire was announced last night, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council who had been in Najaf helping to broker this deal was attacked as she was on her way home, back to Baghdad. Dr. Salama al-Khafaji was uninjured in the attack, but two members of her convoy were killed.

Meanwhile, there has been another prisoner release at Abu Ghraib Prison. Up to 600 prisoners are scheduled to be released on this Friday. The releases got off to a rather shaky start this morning, according to the Associated Press. Shots were fired briefly at a convoy of 13 buses filled with released detainees on its way to their homes. The convoy was halted for a while, but it later resumed its journey -- Betty.

NGUYEN: Harris, what do you know about the Japanese journalists that were taken hostage? We understand two burned bodies have been found.

Is there any relation?

WHITBECK: Well, the Japanese journalists had not been hostages. They were ambushed when they were on their way back to Baghdad after visiting Japanese troops south of the capital and they were ambushed on a particularly dangerous stretch of highway. Apparently, according to reports, their vehicle was hit by rocket propelled grenades and a hospital director in that area says that the bodies of -- the badly burned bodies of two Japanese people are at the morgue there. The Japanese foreign ministry hasn't confirmed the identities of those bodies, but it has confirmed that an attack on two Japanese freelance journalists did occur -- Betty.

NGUYEN: All right, CNN's Harris Whitbeck in Baghdad this morning.

Thank you.

One soldier already scheduled for court-martial in the prison abuse scandal was a prison guard as a civilian in Pennsylvania. A former inmate at Green State Prison says the news accounts of Abu Ghraib Prison brought back bitter memories of Specialist Charles Graner.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) NICHOLAS YARRIS, FORMER INMATE: That smile he showed, he showed best when he was getting some prisoner to lose it, to snap, to lose his mind and scream at Charles. He loved it.

GUY WOMACK, SPECIALIST GRANER'S ATTORNEY: Perhaps the gentleman has already snapped. Specialist Graner has not done any of these things and, of course, in Abu Ghraib, what he did, which was bad enough, is he was following orders.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Graner and six other reservists are to face courts- martial.

Federal prosecutors say a hard-line British Muslim cleric was planning to build a terrorist training camp in the Pacific Northwest. An indictment says Abu Hamza al-Masri plotted to set up a training camp in Blythe, Oregon. Abu Hamza was arrested Thursday in London. Washington is seeking his extradition. A hearing is set for July 23 in London.

But extraditing Abu Hamza may not be so easy.

CNN's Robyn Curnow has details from London.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROBYN CURNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Abraham is considered by many to be the face of radical Islam here in the United Kingdom. In fact, today one newspaper has dubbed him the bin Laden of Britain.

Now, he's earned this reputation by publicly supporting Osama bin Laden in the days after the 9/11 attacks from this mosque behind me where he was preaching. In fact, he came out saying that Osama bin Laden was a good guy.

Now, it's this sort of talk that really didn't endear him to the British authorities. Over the years they've been trying to strip him of his British citizenship and deport him.

But it's the Americans who have come through now, saying that they have evidence that he has been linked to terrorism related issues. They have 11 charges that they say prove that he has been linked to al Qaeda specifically, and also to hostage taking in the Yemen, among other things. They want the British authorities to hand him over so that the U.S. courts can judge -- put him through a trial and judge him.

If he is found guilty, he does face the possibility of the death sentence. Now, this goes against British laws. There's no death penalty here in the United Kingdom and the British authorities have said that they will not hand Abu Hamza over to the American authorities unless they have written confirmation that he will not face the death penalty. But the U.S. courts have to find some other way to process his -- these charges other than putting him under the death penalty. So that is one issue that's going to be thrashed out in the next few months. But essentially this radical Muslim cleric here in the United Kingdom has eventually, according to the United States, been perhaps held up on links to al Qaeda and other terrorist groups.

I'm Robyn Curnow in London, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: A U.S. soldier thought to have been killed in action in Iraq actually was taken captive and killed by his captors. Pentagon officials say Sergeant Donald Walters was killed by Iraqi captors on March 23, 2003. Walters was part of the 507th Maintenance Company, which included PFC Jessica Lynch.

Filmmaker Michael Moore's controversial new movie "Fahrenheit 911" includes footage of Nicholas Berg. Moore says he has about 20 minutes of an interview with Berg, the American businessman who was beheaded in Iraq. Berg's beheading in a video posted on the Internet. Moore says he is not releasing his video to the public, but has been talking with Berg's family.

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry says the Bush administration has jeopardized U.S. safety with the poorly planned war in Iraq. Kerry kicked off an 11 day campaign focused on national security and international policy in a speech to supporters in Seattle. The Massachusetts senator says he would work to build new alliances with other nations.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There's a powerful yearning around the world for an America that listens and leads again, an America that is respected, not just feared and mistrusted. I believe that respect is an indispensable mark of our nation's character and it is an indispensable source of our nation's strength.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: Bill Clinton is brushing aside criticism John Kerry is being too careful on the campaign trail. At a news conference on another matter Thursday, the former president called Kerry "an honorable man." Clinton said the candidate has shown a certain "reticence that's appropriate to the seriousness of current affairs."

Well, before attending a GOP fundraiser in Nashville last night, George Bush joined a discussion about advances in information technology. The president praised work being done at Vanderbilt University to develop computerized patient records. Bush says his vision for the country is a computer system that links hospitals, pharmacies and other medical providers.

Here's a question for you -- will OPEC relieve some pain at the pump this summer?

Carrie Lee has the preview -- hi, Carrie.

CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Betty.

Coming up, the oil cartel is working on a compromise. It may relieve some pain now, but what about the long-term effects? That after the break -- Betty.

NGUYEN: And the Korean War is just part of her memories. Later this hour, meet a woman who went through two wars and more than 200 air missions.

Plus, dangerous barbecues -- find out how to make your burgers safe.

And are you still looking for that special someone? "Love Formula" has got its patent. We have those details ahead.

This is DAYBREAK for Friday, May 28.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Time now for a little business buzz.

They're beginning to hear our whining about high gas prices and OPEC may now cut us a little slack. But it could be bad news down the line.

Carrie Lee has that story and more at the NASDAQ market site in New York -- good morning, Carrie.

LEE: Good morning, Betty.

Well, that's right, OPEC ministers are considering some proposals that would suspend the cartel's limits on oil production. The idea here to reel oil prices into more reasonable levels. This is what the "Wall Street Journal" is reporting today.

This would be a big compromise between members. There's been some tension since Saudi Arabia last weekend indicated it was willing to increase production to help lower prices. Saudis are eager to bring down the price because it's a drag on the global economy, high oil prices, that is, and it would ultimately drag on demand for oil.

Some members of the cartel are still adamant, though, that the production levels now are at the right level.

Now, yesterday oil prices here closed below the $40 a barrel mark. That's where they've been trading for the last couple of weeks. We've seen oil and stock prices pretty directly inverse over the past couple of weeks. Most of the declines we've seen can be attributed to signals from OPEC. So we can expect that today. We can very sell see oil move lower, which, down the line, means gasoline prices could come down a little bit. But if OPEC ministers were to suspend the limits, it may have long-term effects. Negotiating between members, some members are reluctant. So we'll see what happens. OPEC officially meeting next, Betty, on June 3. Meanwhile, futures looking flat to slightly weak for today's session. Chip maker Novellus nice gains last night after raising guidance on profits and sales for this current quarter. Strong business in the U.S. as well as Japan helping that company -- back to you.

NGUYEN: All right, Carrie Lee live at the NASDAQ market site.

Thank you.

Well, we do your news, money, weather and sports.

The time right now is 6:15 and here's what's all new this morning.

The U.S. military base at Najaf was attacked this morning with mortars and rocket propelled grenades. There are no reports of casualties. The attack comes one day after radical cleric Muqtada al- Sadr proposed a truce.

Hundreds of prisoners were released this morning from the notorious Abu Ghraib Prison near Baghdad. Buses took the detainees from the prison while family members shouted and waved Iraqi flags.

In the corporate world, an internationally known board chairman, Umberto Agnelli of Fiat, has died of cancer at his home in Italy. Agnelli was 69 years old. His grandfather founded the Fiat Company over a century ago.

To sports now, Russian teenager Maria Kirilenko gave Serena Williams a fight, but Williams prevailed in the second round of the French Open. Williams and vive other Americans, including her sister Venus, move on to the third round.

In culture, viewership for "American Idol" was slightly off from last year, but the Fox Network isn't complaining. That's because nearly 31 1/2 million people watched Fantasia Barrino become this year's American idol. Last year, 33.7 million saw Rubin Stutter win.

Chad Myers, you're checking the weather.

But did you watch "American Idol?" that's the big question?

MYERS: No, that is way after my bedtime, Betty.

NGUYEN: Me, too.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: Are you planning to put your grill to work this holiday weekend? We'll tell you how to get your barbecue done without setting it on fire. That's key, isn't it?

And take a look at these pictures. Why are these piglets in the South Carolina House chamber? We'll find out next on DAYBREAK. And, no, this has nothing to do with barbecue. You want to stay with us.

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NGUYEN: It's a safe bet that if you aren't on the road this weekend, you'll be manning that grill. But each year, more than 600 fires are blamed annually on gas grills.

Our Julie Vallese puts on her chef's hat and has some safe grilling tips -- good morning.

JULIE VALLESE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Betty.

Maybe you have been invited to a barbecue. That's the best place, doing it at somebody else's house. Millions of Americans will be kicking off the summer this weekend, Memorial Day weekend, by fixing food and firing up the 'cue.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VALLESE (voice-over): Family and friends are invited, but this guy, back, is someone you don't want at your party. Thermie, you do. But more about him later.

DR. ELSA MURANO, UNDERSECRETARY FOR FOOD SAFETY: Certainly there are illnesses, food borne illnesses, that can be transmitted through foods that can send someone to the hospital and also cause death.

VALLESE: Safe food preparations and keeping bacteria out of food begin in the kitchen. Keep raw food on one plate, cooked foods on another, say the experts. And make sure the utensils are clean.

MURANO: Food preparers have tremendous control over the safety of the foods that they prepare.

VALLESE: And the food they cook. But before you get cooking...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Read the manufacturers' instructions. Every grill is different.

VALLESE: If using a gas grill, check the tank for rust, cracks or dents. Every year injuries do occur by defects in tanks that haven't been used since last season. Move the grill away from the house and make sure it's on a non-flammable surface.

CARTER KEITHLEY, HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION: When you light the grill, that you have the hood open on the grill, because you don't want propane to build up inside. You also, of course, don't want to lean in over the grill when you're lighting it. That's a sure way to get your eyebrows singed.

VALLESE: If it doesn't start right away, turn it off, wait a few seconds, then try again.

And part of safe grilling is safe meat. Remember Thermie, the meat thermometer? The internal temperature of hamburgers should be about 160 degrees.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

VALLESE: Now, that's really important, actually, Betty, and you really need to take note of your different temperatures. The internal part of your meat should be 160 degrees. And another important thing about temperature, when the party's over, if your meat's been sitting out, or your food has been sitting out for an hour in 85 degree weather, throw it all away -- Betty.

NGUYEN: You definitely don't want to eat that.

But I will say, I know it's early, but, boy, that sure does look good.

All right, Julie Vallese in Maryland this morning, thank you.

Time for our DAYBREAK Eye-Opener.

A bit of a problem at the Los Angeles airport. This cargo plane was being unloaded when the weight shifted, causing the plane to tip back on its tail. Seven workers in the nose of the aircraft suddenly found themselves in a precarious situation. They were rescued about an hour later by firefighters using a ladder truck.

Pigeons are becoming a big problem in New York's Bryant Park. You see, they're "unloading," if you know what we mean, on park goers. And folks are fed up with it. Park officials hope a "slinky" will solve the problem. They're putting the still wiring on tree breaches hoping the pigeons will find it too difficult to sit there and do their business.

And check out South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and a couple of his friends. The governor carried these two piglets into the state capital in Colombia. He wanted to make a point that there is just too much pork in the state budget. It seems, though, his stunt, it didn't go over too well. The Senate overrode most of his budget vetoes.

And here's what's all new in the next half hour.

Will the documents be unsealed and the bail dropped? The latest on Michael Jackson and other legal headlines on the docket with Kendall Coffey.

War memories -- hear the story of a woman who went through two wars to become the most decorated women in U.S. history.

And the science of falling in love -- we'll tell you which tests to take before you get married.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Britain says not so fast to the extradition of a radical Muslim cleric.

This is DAYBREAK for Friday, May 28. Good morning to you.

From the CNN global headquarters in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen.

Here's a look at the headlines at this hour.

U.S. investigators seeking the extradition of a hard-line British Muslim cleric accuse him of plotting to build a terrorist training camp in Oregon. Police in London arrested Abu Hamza al-Masri Thursday. British officials say they won't extradite him to the U.S. unless Washington agrees not to seek the death penalty.

A horrifying scene in Baltimore. A mother returns home and finds her three children decapitated. Police are questioning a man described only as "a person of interest."

In money, thanks to some heavy discounting and incentives, auto sales are climbing this month despite record high gas prices. Analysts say even the big SUVs and trucks are still selling.

In sports, Lightning strikes back. The Tampa Bay Lightning tied the Stanley Cup finals at a game apiece. The Lightning beat the Calgary Flames 4-1. Game three is Saturday at Calgary.

And in culture, a Utah attorney loses a lawsuit over this year's Super Bowl halftime show. He sued CBS owner Viacom for $5,000, claiming false advertising. He said he expected a family oriented, patriotic celebration, but instead he complained he was subjected to watch Janet Jackson's bare breasts.

And on that note, will we be singing the blues with these spring showers -- Chad Myers.

MYERS: Yes, I'm afraid some of these areas, again, are going to be hit by strong winds.

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NGUYEN: A source at the Department of Homeland Security tells CNN there is a gap between DHS and the FBI in assessing the latest terror threats. In the warning on Wednesday, the FBI spoke of credible new data. But the DHS says it's the same information it has been hearing for some time now. The two agencies, though, agree on the need to refocus attention on the terror threat during the summer because of all the high profile events scheduled. As one senior U.S. official puts it, "There's plenty of reason to be concerned."

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