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CNN Live Today
Saddam Makes Court Appearance; Tougher Port Inspections Kick in; White House Calls Iraqi Court Proceedings Important Step; New Procedures to Reduce Surgical Mistakes
Aired July 01, 2004 - 11:20 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 LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Once again, we are receiving a pool tape, which is -- we had one network camera inside the courtroom as Saddam Hussein was facing the seven preliminary charges of war crimes. And that tape, as it comes in, we are going to share it with you. We're expecting much more tape, much more testimony translated for you from Saddam Hussein.
But right now, I want to bring in a guest, Ahmed Al-Rikaby. He is the founder of Radio Dijila and an Iraqi journalist.
Ahmad, I'm just wondering what you made of the proceedings and how forceful Saddam Hussein was with the judge, almost overtaking the hearing today.
AHMAD AL-RIKABY, IRAQI JOURNALIST: I think Saddam Hussein appeared today as a strong man, unlike the picture we saw last December when Saddam Hussein appear as a tired, humiliated person who spent a long time in his hole.
I think today, the picture of Saddam Hussein was completely different. He was using the same gestures as before when he was president. He was talking in a language of a confident man. And I think his supporters were very happy today to see him -- or to see the images of him, even though they don't like to see him in court, but I believe Saddam Hussein used the cameras in a very, very intelligent and wise way. And I think he gave somehow some moral support to his followers in Iraq.
However, the majority of the Iraqis, and this is according to an opinion poll which was made yesterday on Radio Dijila, the majority of the Iraqis would like to see Saddam Hussein executed, about 45 percent; 13 percent would like to see him in prison, while 41 percent would like to see him released.
Now, the people who want to see him released are divided in three categories. Those who want to see him released and completely free, and those want to see him released and completely free, and those who want him to be released in a place with a Shiite majority like Sadr City to be lynched, so, however...
LIN: Unlikely to happen.
Ahmad, stay right there. We are going back to the testimony, as it is fed in, of Saddam Hussein.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I am -- I know what I'm talking about. Anything that's outside the norms of the legal session will not be accepted then -- please allow me.
The seventh charge against Saddam Hussein was against the president of Iraq, as the commander of chief of the army. The army went to Kuwait, OK? Then it was an official matter.
So how come a charge will be levied against somebody, an official who's carrying out their duties? How can you punish that person while that person, given his title, has guarantees against being sued?
These are rights guaranteed by constitution. This is the crux of the matter.
You levy charges for acts that happened under a system whose president was Saddam Hussein, but without guarantees of the presidency. How can that happen from a legal standpoint?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Then you answer those charges. These are only charges. You have the right to answer them. Officially just go ahead and answer. Tell us your story. Tell us your side. Answer them. We need to enter that into the minutes of this session.
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Then please allow me, allow me not to sign until I get -- until the lawyers are present.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): But these minutes have to be signed. I speak for myself, the guarantees need to be signed. This needs to be signed. But this is part of the process.
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, this is not part of the process.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, this is part of the process.
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): But anyway, you are going to summon me again before you and then the papers will be reviewed in the presence of lawyers. So why should we act hastily and then make a mistake, then...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, there is no hasty decision making here. You have the right to sign. You do have to sign. These are the minutes of the session.
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, I will sign only when the lawyers are present.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Then you can leave. Finished?
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Yes.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: All right. The testy exchange between Saddam Hussein and an Iraqi, what he called himself, an investigative judge, for the preliminary hearing where the judge asked Saddam Hussein to make his -- basically plea his case or plea against the charges against him, the seven counts of war crimes. Saddam Hussein refusing to do so, and challenging the judge's authority, challenging the court's authority, asking whether this was an extension of the U.S. occupation. The Iraqi judge answering that he is an Iraqi judge for the Iraqi people, and then proceeded to try to explain or read Saddam Hussein's his rights, that he has a right to an attorney, that he has a right to challenge the charges against him.
We want to get back to Ahmad Al-Rikaby. He is an Iraqi journalist and the founder of Radio Dijila. Again, Ahmad, you were giving me your impressions of Saddam Hussein's appearance, you told me about a poll conducted with your listeners, 41 percent of those people you -- 45 percent of the people surveyed say that they want him executed. But there seems to be a split, because 41 percent want him released. What does that tell you about how this trial is going to play out with Saddam Hussein supporters and his critics inside of Iraq?
AL-RIKABY: Well, I don't think it is different from the percentages and the numbers I gave you. People still would like to see, I mean, Saddam Hussein, 45 percent, let's say, would like to see this court ending with the execution of Saddam while the others would like to see him in prison or released.
However, this court today didn't make many people happy because, I mean, those who wanted to see Saddam Hussein humiliated didn't see him this way. He was treated in a very, very respectful way, while those who still believe Saddam Hussein is their leader didn't like to see him in court.
LIN: Were you surprised, Ahmad, were you surprised when Saddam Hussein took over the proceedings, challenging the judge's authority and went on from there?
AL-RIKABY: Well, what I was surprised -- I was surprised that Saddam Hussein appeared this way. I'm not surprised, because Saddam Hussein did, I mean, experienced the courts before, and he did experience judges before.
We should remember that Saddam Hussein spent about one year in prison in 1964, and he was wanted for a number of times by previous Iraqi governments. So I don't think this was a new thing for Saddam Hussein. And he used the time. He had about six times in prison to prepare himself for this day. I think he was dreaming about this day and preparing himself mentally for this day. And he knew probably how this day was going to be used by the current Iraqi government or by the U.S., so he did prepare himself for this moment and, therefore, I'm not surprised that Saddam Hussein is talking or feeling this way.
What do you think it was like for the Iraqis sitting on that tribunal, for the Iraqis in that courtroom today? What do you think it felt like for them to be looking at their former leader in this position?
AL-RIKABY: What are they like to see Saddam in this position?
LIN: No, I'm just thinking, because I looked at -- Ahmad, I looked at the judge in this case. He looks very young. He look like he was struggling to gain control over the proceedings. What was it like for that young Iraqi judge to look at Saddam Hussein in the eye? I want to get a sense of what it was like for the Iraqis in the courtroom.
AL-RIKABY: Well, again, we didn't see much of the judge. The judge spoke to Saddam Hussein in a very respectful way. And I don't think this was, I mean, at least for his supporters, let's say, this is how you should behave, Mr. Judge, because you are talking to the president of Iraq. And for the entire Saddam people, they would say, look, we're treating him with justice. We're talking to him in a respectful way. This is not what -- the way he treated us before. But I think what make the followers, let's say the people, the enemies of Saddam Hussein happy somehow or comfortable somehow, is that they know that the end of Saddam Hussein is most likely to be execution. So they are waiting and they are willing to be patient. So I believe this is how it is.
KYRA PHILLIPS, ANCHOR: You really think that Saddam Hussein is going to be executed by this court after this trial? I man, you think that they can afford the political impact of making that kind of decision?
AL-RIKABY: Well, many Iraqis -- OR those who believe that Saddam Hussein should be executed believe that the execution of Saddam will bring a new future for Iraq, that Iraq will turn the old page and will start its days or start reading its future from a new page.
So there is a psychological effect. There is a psychological impact on the street. If Saddam Hussein is executed, this will be an end of an era. As long as Saddam Hussein is alive, his followers will still use him as a symbol.
PHILLIPS: All right.
AL-RIKABY: So it's not only about getting rid of a man. It's about getting rid of an era.
PHILLIPS: Ahmad Al-Rikaby. Obviously, the trial has yet to formally start. He doesn't have his representation there. But we will see what happens. Thank you very much for joining us.
Well, some former members of Saddam Hussein's regime are also facing court proceedings today. The 11 were turned over to Iraqi legal custody, along with Saddam. They include his former deputy prime minister, Tariq Aziz, and the man dubbed Chemical Ali, who is accused of using chemical weapons against Iraqi civilians.
And late news on Iraq on our web site. Also -- all you have to do is logon to CNN.com to view profiles of the key prisoners legally handed over to Iraq, including Saddam Hussein. There's also an interactive overview of the new Iraqi government.
Back with more news right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CAROL LIN, ANCHOR: I'm Carol Lin at the CNN Center in Atlanta. Let's check the headlines at this hour for July 1.
Saddam Hussein appeared in an Iraqi courtroom today, defiant and claiming to be the president of Iraq. He heard the judge outline seven preliminary charges against him, including crimes against humanity and genocide.
Afterwards he was taken to a new holding cell, still under the guard of the U.S. military.
Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez handed over command of the multinational troops in Iraq today. General George Casey took over in a Baghdad ceremony. He is now in charge of 160,000 U.S. and allied forces in Iraq.
A half million demonstrators crowded Hong Kong streets today to mark seven years since the city's handover to China. Protesters demanded full democracy and expanded voting rights. Tensions have been running high since April when Beijing set limits on elections set for 2007.
And AIDS patients who take a multivitamin may slow the progression of that disease somewhat. Researchers say the vitamins boost the immune system and may hinder the virus' ability to copy itself.
We now want to take a look at some of the after-effects of 9/11. New security rules to guard against terror attacks are taking effect today at ports in U.S. and around the world.
CNN national security correspondent Jeanne Meserve is at the port of Baltimore this morning.
Jeanne, what exactly is going to happen?
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, it's a complex picture. The big one is this: today about 260 foreign flagged vessels are slated to arrive in the U.S. The Coast Guard expects to turn away just a few less than ten, because of the new security measures.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's how they secure from people coming up.
MESERVE (voice-over): U.S. Coast Guard inspectors board a Dutch flagged ship in Baltimore's harbor to check out security. Are doors locked? I.D.s checked? Does it have an international ship security certificate?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I need to have you copy that front page where it's stamped.
MESERVE: As of today, each and every foreign flagged vessel entering U.S. ports will be inspected. If it does not meet security standards or if one of its last five ports of call was out of compliance with the new international security code, the penalty is potentially harsh.
TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: There will be a point in time where, if they do not comply we will -- we can conceivably exercise the right to ban them from the United States. And that's the only way we can operate.
MESERVE: Analysts predict that most governments will say their port security is up to international standards, but...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The reality will be something altogether different. And I suspect that less than half of the ports that will report as being compliant will actually have taken the measures that were expected of them by the U.N.
MESERVE: Over 95 percent of U.S. overseas trade moves through the nation's ports. Their economic importance and proximity to important infrastructure and large populations make them a potentially tempting terrorist target.
Starting today, U.S. ports also must implement new security plans.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It may have meant building a fence. It may have meant improving access controls. It may have meant installing a camera.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MESERVE: There are some criticisms. The General Accounting Office points out that in thousands of instances, the port facilities, not the Coast Guard, have certified these safety plans.
Some critics also point out that the plans do nothing to address the risk of a water-borne attack, like the one al Qaeda conducted against the USS Cole.
But despite all of that, the general consensus is these are good steps in the right direction -- Carol.
LIN: All right. Thank you very much, Jeanne Meserve.
Now I want to get back to our the top story, the preliminary hearing with Saddam Hussein as faced charges, seven charges so far, of war crimes. We've been watching videotape come in of his testimony, or at least his argument with an Iraqi judge.
We're wondering what the White House thinks of today's events in Baghdad. Standing by with that is CNN's Elaine Quijano, who's standing on the White House lawn.
Good morning, Elaine.
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Well, the White House says that President Bush is pleased that Saddam Hussein and his regime leaders are going to be brought to justice by Iraqi people in Iraqi courts. That being the overall theme coming out of the White House this morning as reaction to the news events comes out now.
Scott McClelland, the White House press secretary, holding an off-camera briefing a short time ago, saying that the president at that time, about an hour and a half or so ago, had not had the opportunity to watch the news coverage for himself as he was in his usual daily briefings, but certainly would be watching some of the replays.
But Scott McClelland saying that this was an important step for the people of Iraq, saying that it would bring them closure. And he called the -- he said that it would bring closure to what he called the, quote, "dark past of Saddam Hussein's brutal dictatorship."
And McClelland was asked to comment specifically on the statements made during the court proceedings by Saddam Hussein. Scott McClelland would not answer directly in response to some of those statements.
Instead, saying that he was sure that Saddam Hussein would say a lot of things. And instead, refocused and said what was important was that Saddam Hussein and his regime leaders were going to be brought to justice by the Iraqi courts, by the Iraqi people.
So that is the overall reaction coming out of the White House. Very careful to make sure that they do not respond directly to any of the accusations that have been made this morning in Baghdad.
Instead, again, Scott McClelland saying that this is important for the Iraqi people. Again, also saying that this was a sign that justice and the rule of law are part of the new Iraq.
LIN: All right. Thank you very much. Elaine Quijano, reporting live, with construction in the background this morning.
Well, for anyone going into the hospital, it's a nightmare like none other. A medical mistake that cost them dearly. Starting today, there's a big push to stop this, once and for all. Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a look next.
And later, a view of Saturn like nothing we've ever seen before. We'll have the brand new pictures, coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: In our "Daily Dose" of health news, trying to prevent medical mistakes in the operating room. New procedures take effect at hospitals around the country today.
And CNN's senior medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, has details on what's being done to reduce mistakes in the O.R.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: We're in the pre-op holding area here at Emory Crawford Long Hospital. The topic today, surgical mistakes.
There are about 70 million operations performed yearly in the United States. And one-tenth of one percent of those, according to government figures, result in a surgical mistake.
Today -- starting today, a national campaign underway to try and cut that number down. Here's the problem, and here's how it might be solved.
(voice-over) Willie King had the wrong foot amputated, leaving him with no feet.
Linda McDougal had a double mastectomy, only to find out her biopsy results were switched with another patient. Linda never had breast cancer in the first place.
They are among the thousands of patients who have suffered from medical mistakes in the operating room. And starting today, hospitals are adopting procedures aimed at reducing the numbers. It's as simple as a checklist, the same kind pilots have used for years.
Mary Haun is getting a total knee replacement at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
MARY HAUN, PATIEN: I was going to put an arrow down there, and then I wanted to write wrong knee. They said I can't do that.
GUPTA: Mary marked her knee with her doctor's initials the night before surgery.
According to new federal rules, the doctor, not just the nurse, must now check with the patient to confirm the type of surgery and the surgery's site.
DR. JAMES RICHERSON, ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON: I put my initials on just below where you marked it.
GUPTA: Then a nurse makes sure again they have the right patient.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: First off, can you tell me your name?
HAUN: Mary.
UNIDENTIFID FEMALE: OK.
GUPTA: And the right procedure.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And Ms. Haun, what are you having done today? HAUN: Right knee.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK.
GUPTA: Then, before the surgeons make the first cut, a time-out is taken, where the whole staff verifies a third time that they have everything right.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is that the right knee you have prepped?
RICHERSON: Yes.
GUPTA: Surgical checklists are not new, but a national standard is. And doctors are optimistic that it will help bring medical errors down.
RICHERSON: I love it. I wouldn't -- I wouldn't practice without it. It's very reassuring to me to be able to glance down at the patient's extremity and see initials there that confirm that I'm doing the correct thing and not the wrong thing.
GUPTA: Still, doctors realize that medicine, a very human profession, will always be vulnerable to mistakes.
RICHERSON: There are a lot of steps in this process. And there are a lot of humans involved. There's always room for human error.
GUPTA: If you're a patient in the hospital and waiting for an operation, expect these questions from the hospital staff.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You should expect it and if you don't find it occurring, you should stop everybody and ask why not.
GUPTA: For Mary, the new O.R. checklist and her own involvement in her care gives her peace of mind.
HAUN: You feel a little more in control of the situation. Because you lay there thinking, "Oh, I hope they get the right knee." But this way, if it's marked, it's going to be right.
GUPTA (on camera): Well, here at the Emory Hospital system, the procedures you just saw have already been in effect for some time, since 2002, in fact.
For other hospitals around the country, you can expect to see these regulations go into force today. If hospitals do not abide, they're at risk of losing their accreditation. So some real teeth behind this.
Patients at home can expect to see these questions every time they visit the hospital from now on.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE) LIN: And to get your "Daily Dose" of health news online, logon to our web site. You'll find the latest medical news at health library and information on diet and fitness. The address is CNN.com/health.
Back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: Hey, the Cassini space probe began beaming back spectacular pictures of Saturn and its rings this morning. The craft went into orbit around the big, gassy planet last night, slipping through a gap in Saturn's rings.
And if all goes well, Cassini will be on the job for the next four years, collecting data and pictures of a distant world.
Space correspondent Miles O'Brien is at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Miles, I understand that the scientists may even learn about the beginnings of planet Earth.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN SPACE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that could very well happen, Carol. In particular, when Cassini gets around to Titan, the really interesting moon of Saturn, which is going to be the focus of attention about six months from now, when Cassini will release a small probe that will land on Titan.
Titan is largely mercury and has an atmosphere that might resemble what Earth looked like before life took hold here. It could be kind of a deep freeze of primordial Earth.
Now let's look at the rings, though, for just a moment, because Cassini is like an eager tourist, having arrived at Saturn after a long journey. It's got that camera out. It's been sending back all kinds of post cards.
Take a look at this image. This is from above the rings after Cassini went through them twice, through these gaps in the rings successfully, taking pictures all along the way.
And here's what interests the scientists the most, these gaps right here. What causes those gaps? Very likely a moon of Saturn. And as they get closer and closer and see more of these gaps, they think it is likely there might be additional moons that might be very soon discovered by the Cassini spacecraft.
There are 31 known moons of Saturn right now. You can take it to the bank there will be more than 31 by the time Cassini is done in four years. As a matter of fact, there will be some discoveries that will come out very quickly. These moons kind of sweep the way clear, you know, sort of like a Zamboni going down the ice, causing these gaps.
Let's look at some of the pictures which came down earlier. About 90 pictures already on Earth. The folks here at Jet Propulsion Lab pouring over them now, trying to decipher exactly what they -- they all mean and what these rings can tell us about the formation of planets, for example. These disk-like structures are how planets ultimately form.
Once again, seeing those very distinct rings. If you see the gaps between them, the key issue is what causes the gaps? What creates the little motorboat waves behind them? And could there be all kinds of things orbiting inside those rings that scientists have not seen before?
Cassini is off to the races on this four-year mission. As we said, we're going to -- Cassini will drop by Titan, will send a probe down to it. It will fly close by a half dozen other moons. And who knows what else it will find along the way?
So far, for the people here at the Jet Propulsion Lab, it's been an exciting time. Some of the people, Carol, on this project have spent upwards of 20 years working on it. They were holding their breath last night as it flew through those rings twice. The possibility that it could have been completely taken out by a rock the size of a marble.
But so far, so good -- Carol.
LIN: You make it come alive. Thanks, Miles.
Business and weather are next, so don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: Coming up on the noon hour, good time to check on stocks. The big board shows the Dow Jones Industrials are down 100 -- almost 103 points there on word of rising interest rates. We understand NASDAQ is down, as well.
The weather, however, may be heating up around the country. It is summertime. Orelon Sidney checking things out from the CNN Weather Center.
Hi, Orelon.
(WEATHER REPORT)
LIN: All right. Thanks very much, Orelon.
ORELON SIDNEY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You're welcome.
Up next, I'm going to hand it off to the very capable hands of Wolf Blitzer.
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Aired July 1, 2004 - 11:20 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Once again, we are receiving a pool tape, which is -- we had one network camera inside the courtroom as Saddam Hussein was facing the seven preliminary charges of war crimes. And that tape, as it comes in, we are going to share it with you. We're expecting much more tape, much more testimony translated for you from Saddam Hussein.
But right now, I want to bring in a guest, Ahmed Al-Rikaby. He is the founder of Radio Dijila and an Iraqi journalist.
Ahmad, I'm just wondering what you made of the proceedings and how forceful Saddam Hussein was with the judge, almost overtaking the hearing today.
AHMAD AL-RIKABY, IRAQI JOURNALIST: I think Saddam Hussein appeared today as a strong man, unlike the picture we saw last December when Saddam Hussein appear as a tired, humiliated person who spent a long time in his hole.
I think today, the picture of Saddam Hussein was completely different. He was using the same gestures as before when he was president. He was talking in a language of a confident man. And I think his supporters were very happy today to see him -- or to see the images of him, even though they don't like to see him in court, but I believe Saddam Hussein used the cameras in a very, very intelligent and wise way. And I think he gave somehow some moral support to his followers in Iraq.
However, the majority of the Iraqis, and this is according to an opinion poll which was made yesterday on Radio Dijila, the majority of the Iraqis would like to see Saddam Hussein executed, about 45 percent; 13 percent would like to see him in prison, while 41 percent would like to see him released.
Now, the people who want to see him released are divided in three categories. Those who want to see him released and completely free, and those want to see him released and completely free, and those who want him to be released in a place with a Shiite majority like Sadr City to be lynched, so, however...
LIN: Unlikely to happen.
Ahmad, stay right there. We are going back to the testimony, as it is fed in, of Saddam Hussein.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): I am -- I know what I'm talking about. Anything that's outside the norms of the legal session will not be accepted then -- please allow me.
The seventh charge against Saddam Hussein was against the president of Iraq, as the commander of chief of the army. The army went to Kuwait, OK? Then it was an official matter.
So how come a charge will be levied against somebody, an official who's carrying out their duties? How can you punish that person while that person, given his title, has guarantees against being sued?
These are rights guaranteed by constitution. This is the crux of the matter.
You levy charges for acts that happened under a system whose president was Saddam Hussein, but without guarantees of the presidency. How can that happen from a legal standpoint?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Then you answer those charges. These are only charges. You have the right to answer them. Officially just go ahead and answer. Tell us your story. Tell us your side. Answer them. We need to enter that into the minutes of this session.
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Then please allow me, allow me not to sign until I get -- until the lawyers are present.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): But these minutes have to be signed. I speak for myself, the guarantees need to be signed. This needs to be signed. But this is part of the process.
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, this is not part of the process.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, this is part of the process.
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): But anyway, you are going to summon me again before you and then the papers will be reviewed in the presence of lawyers. So why should we act hastily and then make a mistake, then...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, there is no hasty decision making here. You have the right to sign. You do have to sign. These are the minutes of the session.
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): No, I will sign only when the lawyers are present.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Then you can leave. Finished?
HUSSEIN (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Yes.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LIN: All right. The testy exchange between Saddam Hussein and an Iraqi, what he called himself, an investigative judge, for the preliminary hearing where the judge asked Saddam Hussein to make his -- basically plea his case or plea against the charges against him, the seven counts of war crimes. Saddam Hussein refusing to do so, and challenging the judge's authority, challenging the court's authority, asking whether this was an extension of the U.S. occupation. The Iraqi judge answering that he is an Iraqi judge for the Iraqi people, and then proceeded to try to explain or read Saddam Hussein's his rights, that he has a right to an attorney, that he has a right to challenge the charges against him.
We want to get back to Ahmad Al-Rikaby. He is an Iraqi journalist and the founder of Radio Dijila. Again, Ahmad, you were giving me your impressions of Saddam Hussein's appearance, you told me about a poll conducted with your listeners, 41 percent of those people you -- 45 percent of the people surveyed say that they want him executed. But there seems to be a split, because 41 percent want him released. What does that tell you about how this trial is going to play out with Saddam Hussein supporters and his critics inside of Iraq?
AL-RIKABY: Well, I don't think it is different from the percentages and the numbers I gave you. People still would like to see, I mean, Saddam Hussein, 45 percent, let's say, would like to see this court ending with the execution of Saddam while the others would like to see him in prison or released.
However, this court today didn't make many people happy because, I mean, those who wanted to see Saddam Hussein humiliated didn't see him this way. He was treated in a very, very respectful way, while those who still believe Saddam Hussein is their leader didn't like to see him in court.
LIN: Were you surprised, Ahmad, were you surprised when Saddam Hussein took over the proceedings, challenging the judge's authority and went on from there?
AL-RIKABY: Well, what I was surprised -- I was surprised that Saddam Hussein appeared this way. I'm not surprised, because Saddam Hussein did, I mean, experienced the courts before, and he did experience judges before.
We should remember that Saddam Hussein spent about one year in prison in 1964, and he was wanted for a number of times by previous Iraqi governments. So I don't think this was a new thing for Saddam Hussein. And he used the time. He had about six times in prison to prepare himself for this day. I think he was dreaming about this day and preparing himself mentally for this day. And he knew probably how this day was going to be used by the current Iraqi government or by the U.S., so he did prepare himself for this moment and, therefore, I'm not surprised that Saddam Hussein is talking or feeling this way.
What do you think it was like for the Iraqis sitting on that tribunal, for the Iraqis in that courtroom today? What do you think it felt like for them to be looking at their former leader in this position?
AL-RIKABY: What are they like to see Saddam in this position?
LIN: No, I'm just thinking, because I looked at -- Ahmad, I looked at the judge in this case. He looks very young. He look like he was struggling to gain control over the proceedings. What was it like for that young Iraqi judge to look at Saddam Hussein in the eye? I want to get a sense of what it was like for the Iraqis in the courtroom.
AL-RIKABY: Well, again, we didn't see much of the judge. The judge spoke to Saddam Hussein in a very respectful way. And I don't think this was, I mean, at least for his supporters, let's say, this is how you should behave, Mr. Judge, because you are talking to the president of Iraq. And for the entire Saddam people, they would say, look, we're treating him with justice. We're talking to him in a respectful way. This is not what -- the way he treated us before. But I think what make the followers, let's say the people, the enemies of Saddam Hussein happy somehow or comfortable somehow, is that they know that the end of Saddam Hussein is most likely to be execution. So they are waiting and they are willing to be patient. So I believe this is how it is.
KYRA PHILLIPS, ANCHOR: You really think that Saddam Hussein is going to be executed by this court after this trial? I man, you think that they can afford the political impact of making that kind of decision?
AL-RIKABY: Well, many Iraqis -- OR those who believe that Saddam Hussein should be executed believe that the execution of Saddam will bring a new future for Iraq, that Iraq will turn the old page and will start its days or start reading its future from a new page.
So there is a psychological effect. There is a psychological impact on the street. If Saddam Hussein is executed, this will be an end of an era. As long as Saddam Hussein is alive, his followers will still use him as a symbol.
PHILLIPS: All right.
AL-RIKABY: So it's not only about getting rid of a man. It's about getting rid of an era.
PHILLIPS: Ahmad Al-Rikaby. Obviously, the trial has yet to formally start. He doesn't have his representation there. But we will see what happens. Thank you very much for joining us.
Well, some former members of Saddam Hussein's regime are also facing court proceedings today. The 11 were turned over to Iraqi legal custody, along with Saddam. They include his former deputy prime minister, Tariq Aziz, and the man dubbed Chemical Ali, who is accused of using chemical weapons against Iraqi civilians.
And late news on Iraq on our web site. Also -- all you have to do is logon to CNN.com to view profiles of the key prisoners legally handed over to Iraq, including Saddam Hussein. There's also an interactive overview of the new Iraqi government.
Back with more news right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
CAROL LIN, ANCHOR: I'm Carol Lin at the CNN Center in Atlanta. Let's check the headlines at this hour for July 1.
Saddam Hussein appeared in an Iraqi courtroom today, defiant and claiming to be the president of Iraq. He heard the judge outline seven preliminary charges against him, including crimes against humanity and genocide.
Afterwards he was taken to a new holding cell, still under the guard of the U.S. military.
Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez handed over command of the multinational troops in Iraq today. General George Casey took over in a Baghdad ceremony. He is now in charge of 160,000 U.S. and allied forces in Iraq.
A half million demonstrators crowded Hong Kong streets today to mark seven years since the city's handover to China. Protesters demanded full democracy and expanded voting rights. Tensions have been running high since April when Beijing set limits on elections set for 2007.
And AIDS patients who take a multivitamin may slow the progression of that disease somewhat. Researchers say the vitamins boost the immune system and may hinder the virus' ability to copy itself.
We now want to take a look at some of the after-effects of 9/11. New security rules to guard against terror attacks are taking effect today at ports in U.S. and around the world.
CNN national security correspondent Jeanne Meserve is at the port of Baltimore this morning.
Jeanne, what exactly is going to happen?
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Carol, it's a complex picture. The big one is this: today about 260 foreign flagged vessels are slated to arrive in the U.S. The Coast Guard expects to turn away just a few less than ten, because of the new security measures.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's how they secure from people coming up.
MESERVE (voice-over): U.S. Coast Guard inspectors board a Dutch flagged ship in Baltimore's harbor to check out security. Are doors locked? I.D.s checked? Does it have an international ship security certificate?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I need to have you copy that front page where it's stamped.
MESERVE: As of today, each and every foreign flagged vessel entering U.S. ports will be inspected. If it does not meet security standards or if one of its last five ports of call was out of compliance with the new international security code, the penalty is potentially harsh.
TOM RIDGE, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: There will be a point in time where, if they do not comply we will -- we can conceivably exercise the right to ban them from the United States. And that's the only way we can operate.
MESERVE: Analysts predict that most governments will say their port security is up to international standards, but...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The reality will be something altogether different. And I suspect that less than half of the ports that will report as being compliant will actually have taken the measures that were expected of them by the U.N.
MESERVE: Over 95 percent of U.S. overseas trade moves through the nation's ports. Their economic importance and proximity to important infrastructure and large populations make them a potentially tempting terrorist target.
Starting today, U.S. ports also must implement new security plans.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It may have meant building a fence. It may have meant improving access controls. It may have meant installing a camera.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MESERVE: There are some criticisms. The General Accounting Office points out that in thousands of instances, the port facilities, not the Coast Guard, have certified these safety plans.
Some critics also point out that the plans do nothing to address the risk of a water-borne attack, like the one al Qaeda conducted against the USS Cole.
But despite all of that, the general consensus is these are good steps in the right direction -- Carol.
LIN: All right. Thank you very much, Jeanne Meserve.
Now I want to get back to our the top story, the preliminary hearing with Saddam Hussein as faced charges, seven charges so far, of war crimes. We've been watching videotape come in of his testimony, or at least his argument with an Iraqi judge.
We're wondering what the White House thinks of today's events in Baghdad. Standing by with that is CNN's Elaine Quijano, who's standing on the White House lawn.
Good morning, Elaine.
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Well, the White House says that President Bush is pleased that Saddam Hussein and his regime leaders are going to be brought to justice by Iraqi people in Iraqi courts. That being the overall theme coming out of the White House this morning as reaction to the news events comes out now.
Scott McClelland, the White House press secretary, holding an off-camera briefing a short time ago, saying that the president at that time, about an hour and a half or so ago, had not had the opportunity to watch the news coverage for himself as he was in his usual daily briefings, but certainly would be watching some of the replays.
But Scott McClelland saying that this was an important step for the people of Iraq, saying that it would bring them closure. And he called the -- he said that it would bring closure to what he called the, quote, "dark past of Saddam Hussein's brutal dictatorship."
And McClelland was asked to comment specifically on the statements made during the court proceedings by Saddam Hussein. Scott McClelland would not answer directly in response to some of those statements.
Instead, saying that he was sure that Saddam Hussein would say a lot of things. And instead, refocused and said what was important was that Saddam Hussein and his regime leaders were going to be brought to justice by the Iraqi courts, by the Iraqi people.
So that is the overall reaction coming out of the White House. Very careful to make sure that they do not respond directly to any of the accusations that have been made this morning in Baghdad.
Instead, again, Scott McClelland saying that this is important for the Iraqi people. Again, also saying that this was a sign that justice and the rule of law are part of the new Iraq.
LIN: All right. Thank you very much. Elaine Quijano, reporting live, with construction in the background this morning.
Well, for anyone going into the hospital, it's a nightmare like none other. A medical mistake that cost them dearly. Starting today, there's a big push to stop this, once and for all. Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a look next.
And later, a view of Saturn like nothing we've ever seen before. We'll have the brand new pictures, coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: In our "Daily Dose" of health news, trying to prevent medical mistakes in the operating room. New procedures take effect at hospitals around the country today.
And CNN's senior medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, has details on what's being done to reduce mistakes in the O.R.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: We're in the pre-op holding area here at Emory Crawford Long Hospital. The topic today, surgical mistakes.
There are about 70 million operations performed yearly in the United States. And one-tenth of one percent of those, according to government figures, result in a surgical mistake.
Today -- starting today, a national campaign underway to try and cut that number down. Here's the problem, and here's how it might be solved.
(voice-over) Willie King had the wrong foot amputated, leaving him with no feet.
Linda McDougal had a double mastectomy, only to find out her biopsy results were switched with another patient. Linda never had breast cancer in the first place.
They are among the thousands of patients who have suffered from medical mistakes in the operating room. And starting today, hospitals are adopting procedures aimed at reducing the numbers. It's as simple as a checklist, the same kind pilots have used for years.
Mary Haun is getting a total knee replacement at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
MARY HAUN, PATIEN: I was going to put an arrow down there, and then I wanted to write wrong knee. They said I can't do that.
GUPTA: Mary marked her knee with her doctor's initials the night before surgery.
According to new federal rules, the doctor, not just the nurse, must now check with the patient to confirm the type of surgery and the surgery's site.
DR. JAMES RICHERSON, ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON: I put my initials on just below where you marked it.
GUPTA: Then a nurse makes sure again they have the right patient.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: First off, can you tell me your name?
HAUN: Mary.
UNIDENTIFID FEMALE: OK.
GUPTA: And the right procedure.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: And Ms. Haun, what are you having done today? HAUN: Right knee.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK.
GUPTA: Then, before the surgeons make the first cut, a time-out is taken, where the whole staff verifies a third time that they have everything right.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is that the right knee you have prepped?
RICHERSON: Yes.
GUPTA: Surgical checklists are not new, but a national standard is. And doctors are optimistic that it will help bring medical errors down.
RICHERSON: I love it. I wouldn't -- I wouldn't practice without it. It's very reassuring to me to be able to glance down at the patient's extremity and see initials there that confirm that I'm doing the correct thing and not the wrong thing.
GUPTA: Still, doctors realize that medicine, a very human profession, will always be vulnerable to mistakes.
RICHERSON: There are a lot of steps in this process. And there are a lot of humans involved. There's always room for human error.
GUPTA: If you're a patient in the hospital and waiting for an operation, expect these questions from the hospital staff.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You should expect it and if you don't find it occurring, you should stop everybody and ask why not.
GUPTA: For Mary, the new O.R. checklist and her own involvement in her care gives her peace of mind.
HAUN: You feel a little more in control of the situation. Because you lay there thinking, "Oh, I hope they get the right knee." But this way, if it's marked, it's going to be right.
GUPTA (on camera): Well, here at the Emory Hospital system, the procedures you just saw have already been in effect for some time, since 2002, in fact.
For other hospitals around the country, you can expect to see these regulations go into force today. If hospitals do not abide, they're at risk of losing their accreditation. So some real teeth behind this.
Patients at home can expect to see these questions every time they visit the hospital from now on.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE) LIN: And to get your "Daily Dose" of health news online, logon to our web site. You'll find the latest medical news at health library and information on diet and fitness. The address is CNN.com/health.
Back in a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: Hey, the Cassini space probe began beaming back spectacular pictures of Saturn and its rings this morning. The craft went into orbit around the big, gassy planet last night, slipping through a gap in Saturn's rings.
And if all goes well, Cassini will be on the job for the next four years, collecting data and pictures of a distant world.
Space correspondent Miles O'Brien is at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Miles, I understand that the scientists may even learn about the beginnings of planet Earth.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN SPACE CORRESPONDENT: Yes, that could very well happen, Carol. In particular, when Cassini gets around to Titan, the really interesting moon of Saturn, which is going to be the focus of attention about six months from now, when Cassini will release a small probe that will land on Titan.
Titan is largely mercury and has an atmosphere that might resemble what Earth looked like before life took hold here. It could be kind of a deep freeze of primordial Earth.
Now let's look at the rings, though, for just a moment, because Cassini is like an eager tourist, having arrived at Saturn after a long journey. It's got that camera out. It's been sending back all kinds of post cards.
Take a look at this image. This is from above the rings after Cassini went through them twice, through these gaps in the rings successfully, taking pictures all along the way.
And here's what interests the scientists the most, these gaps right here. What causes those gaps? Very likely a moon of Saturn. And as they get closer and closer and see more of these gaps, they think it is likely there might be additional moons that might be very soon discovered by the Cassini spacecraft.
There are 31 known moons of Saturn right now. You can take it to the bank there will be more than 31 by the time Cassini is done in four years. As a matter of fact, there will be some discoveries that will come out very quickly. These moons kind of sweep the way clear, you know, sort of like a Zamboni going down the ice, causing these gaps.
Let's look at some of the pictures which came down earlier. About 90 pictures already on Earth. The folks here at Jet Propulsion Lab pouring over them now, trying to decipher exactly what they -- they all mean and what these rings can tell us about the formation of planets, for example. These disk-like structures are how planets ultimately form.
Once again, seeing those very distinct rings. If you see the gaps between them, the key issue is what causes the gaps? What creates the little motorboat waves behind them? And could there be all kinds of things orbiting inside those rings that scientists have not seen before?
Cassini is off to the races on this four-year mission. As we said, we're going to -- Cassini will drop by Titan, will send a probe down to it. It will fly close by a half dozen other moons. And who knows what else it will find along the way?
So far, for the people here at the Jet Propulsion Lab, it's been an exciting time. Some of the people, Carol, on this project have spent upwards of 20 years working on it. They were holding their breath last night as it flew through those rings twice. The possibility that it could have been completely taken out by a rock the size of a marble.
But so far, so good -- Carol.
LIN: You make it come alive. Thanks, Miles.
Business and weather are next, so don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LIN: Coming up on the noon hour, good time to check on stocks. The big board shows the Dow Jones Industrials are down 100 -- almost 103 points there on word of rising interest rates. We understand NASDAQ is down, as well.
The weather, however, may be heating up around the country. It is summertime. Orelon Sidney checking things out from the CNN Weather Center.
Hi, Orelon.
(WEATHER REPORT)
LIN: All right. Thanks very much, Orelon.
ORELON SIDNEY, CNN METEOROLOGIST: You're welcome.
Up next, I'm going to hand it off to the very capable hands of Wolf Blitzer.
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