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American Morning
Japanese Prime Minister: Important to Help Iraq; Laci's Family Cope with Grief as Anniversary of Her Death Nears
Aired December 15, 2004 - 09:00 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.
BILL HEMMER, CO-HOST: A pair of gunmen, hundreds of police and a bus full of hostages, caught in the middle. A hijacking standoff, unfolding now in Greece.
Can the Pentagon provide enough heavy armor to protect American troops on the roads of Iraq? New questions about how much is needed after insurgent pictures reveal the force of those attacks.
And here in Japan, the country's prime minister speaks and sings. My exclusive interview on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING with Soledad O'Brien in New York and from Tokyo, Japan, Bill Hemmer.
HEMMER: Good evening, everyone. Live in Tokyo, Japan, 11 p.m. local time here. Good morning to folks back there in New York City and all across the country.
Day three of all our coverage in Tokyo. And we have come to our final hour here. It's been a great week, too. And it's only been three days, too.
As we close things out, we'll bring you my exclusive interview with the prime minister. Junichiro Koizumi and I sat down earlier today. Countless big issues facing this country, from Iraq to regional security with North Korea.
We also talked about his close relationship with President Bush.
And after 40 minutes of talking, he did some singing. Elvis is in the house tonight. We'll bring it to you. Soledad is back in New York.
Good morning there, Soledad.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CO-HOST: Good morning to you, Bill. We saw those two young ladies sharing a T-shirt. Will you get them one T- shirt apiece so that they don't have to share one?
Also ahead...
HEMMER: It's a little chilly tonight, but they made it so...
O'BRIEN: It's very cute.
Also this morning, Bill, in this country, the CNN "Security Watch." As the government works overtime to develop terrorism contingencies, has one scenario fallen right through the cracks? In just a moment, we're going to take a look at U.S. preparations for bioterrorism and why some say America is nowhere near as prepared as need -- Jack Cafferty.
JACK CAFFERTY, CO-HOST: A comforting thought, isn't it? Three years after 9/11.
Anywho (ph), the federal government is thinking about allowing cell phone use on airplanes. Good idea or not? AM@CNN.com. Get lots of e-mails. We'll share a few of them with you in a few minutes.
O'BRIEN: How does it go? Most people agree?
CAFFERTY: most people are opposed.
O'BRIEN: Really?
CAFFERTY: Yes.
O'BRIEN: I'm bucking the trend this morning. I'm all for it.
CAFFERTY: I know, but you're in the minority on this one.
O'BRIEN: OK. All right, Jack, thanks. Kelly's got the headlines.
Good morning.
KELLY WALLACE, ANCHOR: Great to see you, Soledad. Good morning again, everyone.
Now in the news, a developing story we are following out of Greece. Gunmen seized a commuter bus outside of Athens, where at least 19 passengers are still being held hostage at this hour.
Negotiations have secured the release of at least seven other passengers. The prime minister of Greece has put off his departure for a European Union summit to focus on the ongoing crisis.
CNN learning today that the man known as Chemical Ali will be the first member of the former Iraqi regime to go on trial. Ali Hassan al-Majid is believed to have played a role in the 1988 chemical attack on Iraq's Kurdish population.
According to an Iraqi official, al-Majid and at least ten other high-profile members of Saddam Hussein's regime will face war crime proceedings. Those are set to begin within the next two weeks.
Back here in the United States, an $11 billion remodeling plan in the works for Los Angeles International Airport. The L.A. city council approving work to begin as early as this spring.
Meantime, security is being beefed up at lax to protect planes from shoulder-fired missiles. That's even though authorities say there's no immediate threat there. And news about Jenna Bush. She's apparently lining up a teaching job close to home. An administration official confirming a "Washington Post" report this morning that the first daughter has applied for a position at a school in Washington, D.C. That school serves low-income students.
And of course, if Jenna does become a teacher, she would be following in her mother's footsteps. As we know, the first lady was a teacher, as well, also of course a librarian.
O'BRIEN: Good.
WALLACE: So exciting news for her.
O'BRIEN: Good for her. The start of her career.
WALLACE: And of course those students would have, you know, an interesting...
O'BRIEN: That's kind of cool to have your teacher be the daughter of the president.
WALLACE: Yes, yes. Exactly. I don't know. If you get in trouble, though, the president...
O'BRIEN: Yes, if you're not respectful of your teacher, you know -- some Secret Service agent comes and leans on you.
WALLACE: Yes.
O'BRIEN: That's what happens, pretty much.
WALLACE: Good for discipline.
O'BRIEN: Kelly, thanks.
WALLACE: Sure.
O'BRIEN: Let's head back to Bill Hemmer in Tokyo.
Hey, Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Soledad, thanks again for that. We're going to get to that exclusive interview now with Japan's prime minister.
Junichiro Koizumi heads the country with the second largest economy in the world. He's been one of the strongest allies for the U.S. and President Bush in the current war on terror.
Since we've arrived here in Tokyo, major decisions already being announced. Japan will realign its military strategy, defending itself against the threat from North Korea. Japanese troops will stay in Iraq for at least another year, and that decision has put the prime minister's approval rating at an all-time low.
It was the topic of Iraq that began my conversation with the prime minister. When we sat down today at the conte (ph), or his office, in central Tokyo.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your time today. Why is it important for Japan to be in Iraq today?
JUNICHIRO KOIZUMI, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER (through translator): If we recognize that Japan is enjoying peace (ph) and prosperity, thanks to the peace and stability in the world, we should never allow Iraq to turn into a hub for terrorists.
HEMMER: Your decision is not popular in this country. There's some polling that suggests more than 80 percent think the reasoning that you've provided is considered insufficient. What would you say to those 80 percent of your own countrymen and women as to why -- at least at this time, now, Japanese troops remain?
KOIZUMI (through translator): If we were to turn down their request, would that be a reasonable thing for the Japanese government to do, as a member of the international society, to disappoint the willingness that the Iraqis have to, once again, get back on their feet?
HEMMER: President Bush has said that he considers you a friend. What do you consider your relationship to be with him?
KOIZUMI (through translator): If asked why do our wavelengths match so perfectly, why are we so good friends with each other, it is very difficult to explain especially why. We are mutually on the right wavelength.
Ever since the terror attacks of 9/11 we, sharing common objectives, common perceptions, common notions, have acted in concrete terms in order to uphold and defend values that are dear to us mutually. And I think it is that action, the fact that we have mutually engaged in such action on the ground, that has really provided the underpinning for this relationship of mutual trust.
HEMMER: On topic of North Korea, what would you like to see the White House do more in order to perhaps alleviate the tension that is coming out of North Korea? Because in the headlines here in Japan, we see stories about North Korea every day in our newspaper. What could Washington do more and this president do more?
KOIZUMI (through translator): You really have to think about using both negotiations in the public eye and negotiations behind closed doors.
And as far as North Korea's concerned, for the interest of their security, I believe, the six-party talk -- the framework of the six- party talks would be best.
I, myself, have directly told Mr. Kim Jong-Il on several occasions that North Korea will have much more to gain by disposing nuclear weapons than by owning them. But it seems that Mr. Kim Jong- Il cannot really get U.S. off of his mind. (END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Also, as for the 58,000 U.S. military personnel serving here in Iraq, the prime minister admits today that reductions may take place. But again, today, he says they are needed at this number to insure Japan's security. He did not dismiss the possibility that a reduction may take place.
A bit later this hour, the prime minister is a huge fan of the king. And Elvis is back in the building. We'll revisit the end of that interview in a few moments.
Soledad, back to you now in New York.
O'BRIEN: All right, Bill, thanks.
With insurgent attacks in Iraq becoming increasingly sophisticated, the U.S. military is faced with the task of finding new ways to protect those troops.
Barbara Starr joins us from the Pentagon with details, also some pretty disturbing videotape to talk about.
Barbara, good morning.
BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you again, Soledad.
Well, now, it is indeed becoming one of the toughest problems in Iraq: how to deal with those roadside bomb attacks.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STARR (voice-over): Another roadside bomb detonates, a typical attack that has killed or wounded hundreds of American troops. The insurgent's camera keeps rolling as U.S. soldiers help those wounded in the Humvee.
CNN asked military expert James Carafano to look at the video to see what can be learned.
JAMES CARAFANO, HERITAGE FOUNDATION: It's good for the Americans to know that there could be somebody watching them when they do these things, and that it's good for the Americans to look at this to see how they respond to it and looking for things the bad guys might see in the way they respond to it.
STARR: U.S. troops are stepping up countermeasures. Every attack is analyzed; convoy routes are changed often. There is more reconnaissance.
Military officials emphasize that armor alone, the subject of so much controversy, is not the total solution against improvised explosive devices.
BRIG. GEN. DAVID RODRIGUEZ, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF: You're looking at every place by how the thing was put together, how it was detonated, what type of material was used in it, what type of technology, because people design things differently.
STARR: New intelligence indicates explosives set off to the side of the road are proving very deadly. Part of the longer-term solution? New armored vehicles are being tested on the streets of Iraq that can better survive attacks, including a new version of the armored Humvee with a mounted laser that can destroy explosives up to 250 meters away.
New armored security vehicles are with U.S. military police units. They can survive 12-pound blasts under each wheel. Many convoys now carry jammers designed to keep remotely detonated devices from exploding, but some convoys still travel dangerous roads without these high-tech packages.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STARR: And Soledad, to help solve that problem, the Air Force is stepping in, as well. They've increased their cargo flights into Iraq by 30 percent in just the last month. Their hope is that will keep another 400 trucks and 1,000 military personnel off those dangerous roads in Iraq -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Let's hope so. Our Barbara Starr for us at the Pentagon this morning. Barbara, thanks.
A messy, wintry snowstorm down south to show you. In parts of western North Carolina yesterday, near the Tennessee border, an early snowfall forced the closing of schools, as well as some parts of Interstate 40. The state highway patrol reported several accidents on area roadways.
Chad Myers taking a look at that and looking elsewhere as well.
Good morning again, Chad.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Chad, thanks for that. Here's something for you and Soledad. Been trying to explore as best we can in the past week certain aspects that are truly unique about the Japanese culture.
This is how they exchange money throughout the country. To pass money when you pay for anything, you lay it on a tray or a small dish. That goes for the taxi cab driver, maybe the cashier behind the counter.
Then to get your change, they put the money back on the tray, and that's how you get it. So make sure you don't leave without your change.
Japanese culture is all about decorum and respect. And again, that is just one small example for how that is reflected that we can see on a daily basis. Kind of cool stuff; we like it.
O'BRIEN: Nobody ever hands money back and forth?
HEMMER: Sometimes -- well, it's not respectful for me if I were buying something, to hand the money directly to you, if you were the cashier. But I have seen the cashier give the money straight back, in terms of change. But never the same way around. But mostly you see it go right in the dish.
I'll tell you, Soledad, those taxis, by the way, they are spotless.
O'BRIEN: Just like here in New York City.
HEMMER: You find -- yes, just like it. Right.
O'BRIEN: All right, Bill, thanks.
Still to come this morning, special forces have had a hijacked bus surrounded all day. We're going to find out what anti-terror troops might be looking for to end that standoff in Greece.
Also, Laci Peterson's family has been through a two-year nightmare. We're going to find out how they might be feeling now that their daughter's killer is facing Death Row.
And it is not like Anna Kournikova to keep secrets for us. Our "90 Second Pop" crew is going to tell us if the former tennis ace has made a permanent love match. That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HEATHER TOWER, U.S. ARMY: I'm Private First Class Heather Tower from Lakeville, Massachusetts. I just want to wish the Tower family in Lakeville merry Christmas and a happy new year. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: When the judge formerly sentences Scott Peterson in February, it is expected that the jury's death recommendation will become reality.
That is cold comfort, though, for the family of his murdered wife Laci. They've dealt with her disappearance and then her death for nearly two years now.
Kim Peterson, who is no relation, has worked closely with Laci's mother during that time. She is the executive director of the Carole Sung Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation. And I asked Kim just how the Rochas are doing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KIM PETERSON, CAROLE SUNG CARRINGTON MEMORIAL REWARD FOUNDATION: It's a very difficult time for them. It's been a very long two years. And they're approaching the two-year anniversary, of course, over the holidays. And so they're exhausted physically and emotionally.
But they know that they need to keep going forward, and they are focused right now on just getting through the holidays as a family.
O'BRIEN: Is now, in your experience, the toughest time? There's sort of no trial to plow through. You're sort of just left with this is the finality of what's happened, do you think?
PETERSON: That is the case. Most people think, oh, they must feel so good that they are done now. Well, they're definitely not done. Now is when the reality of Laci and Conner being gone forever will hit them harder than ever, because they don't have a trial to focus on.
It's been a very hectic and busy two years for them. And now this part is done, and the grief is going to be enormous for them. And they are aware of that.
O'BRIEN: So having worked with other families in, unfortunately, similar predicaments, how do you help them? How do you fix that?
PETERSON: You can't fix it. There's no way I can fix it for them. You just support them through it. I'm there for her. She knows whenever she needs to talk, whenever she needs someone to just -- someone's shoulder to cry on -- yesterday, she wanted to go to lunch. We went to lunch.
It's just a matter of being there and letting her know that she's not alone through, this that there's a lot of people who love her and care for her and who will be there every step of the way.
O'BRIEN: Is there a point when there is relief for the families? Is there a point when, if the relief doesn't come with the death sentence, does it come eventually with the execution? Is there just never a point where there's any relief?
PETERSON: I don't think relief is the appropriate word. There were no winners in that courtroom. Everybody lost. Everybody lost somebody that they love. And it's very intense.
And it isn't a sense of relief. It's a sense of justice when the guilty verdict comes in. But they will never feel a sense of relief over the loss of Laci and Conner.
O'BRIEN: Does the death penalty itself add to the stress that families in the position like the Rochas in this case feel, of -- to some degree, you've added the taking of somebody else's life to everything else you're dealing with.
PETERSON: Each family deals with the issue of the death penalty differently. And for some it helps them to get through the process that they need to get through. And for others, they don't want it and they don't believe in it. Each person is different in that.
O'BRIEN: Do people find that talking about it or writing about it or things like that generally, as a rule, in your experience, helps? Or do you find that sort of taking the time to not discuss it with the public, with the media, with anybody, frankly, is a better step?
PETERSON: Each person's different in that regard. Some people prefer to just deal with their grief and their pain on their own, not with a lot of people around.
Others need people there to support them each step of the way. And when they can speak to the public and have the public respond with letters and e-mails that it helps them. It gives them strength and gives them support.
Certainly, Sharon feels incredible support from all over the world, from the people that have sent cards and letters. We receive mail in our office every day for her, volumes of mail, and she reads every one of them. And it helps her keep going.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: And that was Kim Petersen.
If Scott Peterson is formally sentenced to death by lethal injection, the execution could be delayed for years because a lengthy appeals process. Since reinstating the death penalty back in 1978, ten people have been executed in California.
Let's go back to Tokyo now and Bill Hemmer.
Hey, Bill.
HEMMER: All right. Soledad, thanks. How you doing? Let's get a break here in a moment.
Flying from New York to Tokyo takes more than 14 hours. It's almost as long on the way back, and it makes for some serious jet lag. Sanjay's back in a moment. Tips on how to help you get through the major travel fatigue. Back in a moment, live in Tokyo, right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: What?
CAFFERTY: You probably -- you probably did that in school, too.
O'BRIEN: What, read over your shoulder? I never did. I was an excellent student. No need to do that. People were copying off of me, Mr. Cafferty.
CAFFERTY: If I'd have been -- I would have been copying off you, because you're a damn sight smarter than I am. I know that.
O'BRIEN: Question of the day.
CAFFERTY: Anyway, yes, cell phones and airplanes. The FCC is thinking about allowing them while the plane is in fight, which I think is an awful idea. But we want to know what you think, which is the purpose of these little segments.
Should they allow cell phones on airplanes? And here's some of what you've written to us.
Lynn in St. Petersburg writes, "I make my living on my cell phone. As a commercial realtor it is my office. It feeds and clothes my children, supports my par rich and allows me to watch Mr. Cafferty in high definition. If my cell phone annoys you, go sit in coach."
O'BRIEN: You know, she was doing so well.
CAFFERTY: Until the end, right? Let them eat cake.
O'BRIEN: Until the unnecessary...
CAFFERTY: Carol in Queensbury, New York: "Cell phone users should be treated like the smokers. No usage in the terminal either. Warning on the airplane, 'This is a non-cell phone flight. No tampering with the cell phone detectors in the bathrooms under penalty of federal law'."
And then yesterday, keeping with our Japan theme on the program this week, we talked with one of our frequent e-mail contributors, Dave in Japan. Here's a little tape of how that went.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAFFERTY: You were whining we didn't send you a coffee mug. Have you seen the CNN coffee mugs, Dave? We're doing you a huge favor. They're the cheesiest coffee mugs ever made.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, look, "DAYBREAK" already has the coffee mug. All right? "DAYBREAK" has the coffee mug. Anderson Cooper has the "360" T-shirt. Jack, what do you got, man?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CAFFERTY: Well, according to this e-mail writer, Rex in Toronto, "Dave in Japan had a point, Jack. Other shows give crap away. Why not AMERICAN MORNING? How about a Cafferty comb for the best e-mail every day, for instance. That's right, a comb. As in 'Mr. Cafferty won't be attending the CNN Christmas party this year; he's out buying a comb'."
Very good, Rex. Rex and Dave. Right now in -- we've got a few.
O'BRIEN: Rex -- when we do our show from Toronto, Rex is going to be...
CAFFERTY: Nobody tells me these things. Are we going to Toronto?
O'BRIEN: No, I'm just making it up. But don't you want to talk to Rex in Toronto?
CAFFERTY: Yes, sure, whatever. No, I don't want to talk to any of these people.
O'BRIEN: But Jack...
CAFFERTY: Yes?
O'BRIEN: Let's go back out to Bill in Tokyo this morning.
Hey, Bill.
HEMMER: Hey, Jack, just because I know you love Dave and I know you loved, like, talking to him yesterday. He gave me a small gift for you. I'm bringing it back with me.
CAFFERTY: Fine.
HEMMER: All I can tell you is wait until Monday, OK? It's coming your way.
CAFFERTY: Fine. I'll -- I'll wait with baited breath, something to look forward to.
HEMMER: You will, and my 50 cents.
CAFFERTY: You owe me a dollar, not 50 cents. You lost two bets; you owe me a dollar. Bring the George Washington.
HEMMER: I'll give you $5 -- if you'll be quiet, I'll give you 10 bucks...
CAFFERTY: Borrow it from Chirac (ph). Just pay your bets.
HEMMER: Done. Let's get a break here in a minute. What's on the roof in central Tokyo? A walk in the park high above the ground.
Back in a moment after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired December 15, 2004 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BILL HEMMER, CO-HOST: A pair of gunmen, hundreds of police and a bus full of hostages, caught in the middle. A hijacking standoff, unfolding now in Greece.
Can the Pentagon provide enough heavy armor to protect American troops on the roads of Iraq? New questions about how much is needed after insurgent pictures reveal the force of those attacks.
And here in Japan, the country's prime minister speaks and sings. My exclusive interview on this AMERICAN MORNING.
ANNOUNCER: This is AMERICAN MORNING with Soledad O'Brien in New York and from Tokyo, Japan, Bill Hemmer.
HEMMER: Good evening, everyone. Live in Tokyo, Japan, 11 p.m. local time here. Good morning to folks back there in New York City and all across the country.
Day three of all our coverage in Tokyo. And we have come to our final hour here. It's been a great week, too. And it's only been three days, too.
As we close things out, we'll bring you my exclusive interview with the prime minister. Junichiro Koizumi and I sat down earlier today. Countless big issues facing this country, from Iraq to regional security with North Korea.
We also talked about his close relationship with President Bush.
And after 40 minutes of talking, he did some singing. Elvis is in the house tonight. We'll bring it to you. Soledad is back in New York.
Good morning there, Soledad.
SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CO-HOST: Good morning to you, Bill. We saw those two young ladies sharing a T-shirt. Will you get them one T- shirt apiece so that they don't have to share one?
Also ahead...
HEMMER: It's a little chilly tonight, but they made it so...
O'BRIEN: It's very cute.
Also this morning, Bill, in this country, the CNN "Security Watch." As the government works overtime to develop terrorism contingencies, has one scenario fallen right through the cracks? In just a moment, we're going to take a look at U.S. preparations for bioterrorism and why some say America is nowhere near as prepared as need -- Jack Cafferty.
JACK CAFFERTY, CO-HOST: A comforting thought, isn't it? Three years after 9/11.
Anywho (ph), the federal government is thinking about allowing cell phone use on airplanes. Good idea or not? AM@CNN.com. Get lots of e-mails. We'll share a few of them with you in a few minutes.
O'BRIEN: How does it go? Most people agree?
CAFFERTY: most people are opposed.
O'BRIEN: Really?
CAFFERTY: Yes.
O'BRIEN: I'm bucking the trend this morning. I'm all for it.
CAFFERTY: I know, but you're in the minority on this one.
O'BRIEN: OK. All right, Jack, thanks. Kelly's got the headlines.
Good morning.
KELLY WALLACE, ANCHOR: Great to see you, Soledad. Good morning again, everyone.
Now in the news, a developing story we are following out of Greece. Gunmen seized a commuter bus outside of Athens, where at least 19 passengers are still being held hostage at this hour.
Negotiations have secured the release of at least seven other passengers. The prime minister of Greece has put off his departure for a European Union summit to focus on the ongoing crisis.
CNN learning today that the man known as Chemical Ali will be the first member of the former Iraqi regime to go on trial. Ali Hassan al-Majid is believed to have played a role in the 1988 chemical attack on Iraq's Kurdish population.
According to an Iraqi official, al-Majid and at least ten other high-profile members of Saddam Hussein's regime will face war crime proceedings. Those are set to begin within the next two weeks.
Back here in the United States, an $11 billion remodeling plan in the works for Los Angeles International Airport. The L.A. city council approving work to begin as early as this spring.
Meantime, security is being beefed up at lax to protect planes from shoulder-fired missiles. That's even though authorities say there's no immediate threat there. And news about Jenna Bush. She's apparently lining up a teaching job close to home. An administration official confirming a "Washington Post" report this morning that the first daughter has applied for a position at a school in Washington, D.C. That school serves low-income students.
And of course, if Jenna does become a teacher, she would be following in her mother's footsteps. As we know, the first lady was a teacher, as well, also of course a librarian.
O'BRIEN: Good.
WALLACE: So exciting news for her.
O'BRIEN: Good for her. The start of her career.
WALLACE: And of course those students would have, you know, an interesting...
O'BRIEN: That's kind of cool to have your teacher be the daughter of the president.
WALLACE: Yes, yes. Exactly. I don't know. If you get in trouble, though, the president...
O'BRIEN: Yes, if you're not respectful of your teacher, you know -- some Secret Service agent comes and leans on you.
WALLACE: Yes.
O'BRIEN: That's what happens, pretty much.
WALLACE: Good for discipline.
O'BRIEN: Kelly, thanks.
WALLACE: Sure.
O'BRIEN: Let's head back to Bill Hemmer in Tokyo.
Hey, Bill.
HEMMER: All right, Soledad, thanks again for that. We're going to get to that exclusive interview now with Japan's prime minister.
Junichiro Koizumi heads the country with the second largest economy in the world. He's been one of the strongest allies for the U.S. and President Bush in the current war on terror.
Since we've arrived here in Tokyo, major decisions already being announced. Japan will realign its military strategy, defending itself against the threat from North Korea. Japanese troops will stay in Iraq for at least another year, and that decision has put the prime minister's approval rating at an all-time low.
It was the topic of Iraq that began my conversation with the prime minister. When we sat down today at the conte (ph), or his office, in central Tokyo.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for your time today. Why is it important for Japan to be in Iraq today?
JUNICHIRO KOIZUMI, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER (through translator): If we recognize that Japan is enjoying peace (ph) and prosperity, thanks to the peace and stability in the world, we should never allow Iraq to turn into a hub for terrorists.
HEMMER: Your decision is not popular in this country. There's some polling that suggests more than 80 percent think the reasoning that you've provided is considered insufficient. What would you say to those 80 percent of your own countrymen and women as to why -- at least at this time, now, Japanese troops remain?
KOIZUMI (through translator): If we were to turn down their request, would that be a reasonable thing for the Japanese government to do, as a member of the international society, to disappoint the willingness that the Iraqis have to, once again, get back on their feet?
HEMMER: President Bush has said that he considers you a friend. What do you consider your relationship to be with him?
KOIZUMI (through translator): If asked why do our wavelengths match so perfectly, why are we so good friends with each other, it is very difficult to explain especially why. We are mutually on the right wavelength.
Ever since the terror attacks of 9/11 we, sharing common objectives, common perceptions, common notions, have acted in concrete terms in order to uphold and defend values that are dear to us mutually. And I think it is that action, the fact that we have mutually engaged in such action on the ground, that has really provided the underpinning for this relationship of mutual trust.
HEMMER: On topic of North Korea, what would you like to see the White House do more in order to perhaps alleviate the tension that is coming out of North Korea? Because in the headlines here in Japan, we see stories about North Korea every day in our newspaper. What could Washington do more and this president do more?
KOIZUMI (through translator): You really have to think about using both negotiations in the public eye and negotiations behind closed doors.
And as far as North Korea's concerned, for the interest of their security, I believe, the six-party talk -- the framework of the six- party talks would be best.
I, myself, have directly told Mr. Kim Jong-Il on several occasions that North Korea will have much more to gain by disposing nuclear weapons than by owning them. But it seems that Mr. Kim Jong- Il cannot really get U.S. off of his mind. (END VIDEOTAPE)
HEMMER: Also, as for the 58,000 U.S. military personnel serving here in Iraq, the prime minister admits today that reductions may take place. But again, today, he says they are needed at this number to insure Japan's security. He did not dismiss the possibility that a reduction may take place.
A bit later this hour, the prime minister is a huge fan of the king. And Elvis is back in the building. We'll revisit the end of that interview in a few moments.
Soledad, back to you now in New York.
O'BRIEN: All right, Bill, thanks.
With insurgent attacks in Iraq becoming increasingly sophisticated, the U.S. military is faced with the task of finding new ways to protect those troops.
Barbara Starr joins us from the Pentagon with details, also some pretty disturbing videotape to talk about.
Barbara, good morning.
BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you again, Soledad.
Well, now, it is indeed becoming one of the toughest problems in Iraq: how to deal with those roadside bomb attacks.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STARR (voice-over): Another roadside bomb detonates, a typical attack that has killed or wounded hundreds of American troops. The insurgent's camera keeps rolling as U.S. soldiers help those wounded in the Humvee.
CNN asked military expert James Carafano to look at the video to see what can be learned.
JAMES CARAFANO, HERITAGE FOUNDATION: It's good for the Americans to know that there could be somebody watching them when they do these things, and that it's good for the Americans to look at this to see how they respond to it and looking for things the bad guys might see in the way they respond to it.
STARR: U.S. troops are stepping up countermeasures. Every attack is analyzed; convoy routes are changed often. There is more reconnaissance.
Military officials emphasize that armor alone, the subject of so much controversy, is not the total solution against improvised explosive devices.
BRIG. GEN. DAVID RODRIGUEZ, JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF: You're looking at every place by how the thing was put together, how it was detonated, what type of material was used in it, what type of technology, because people design things differently.
STARR: New intelligence indicates explosives set off to the side of the road are proving very deadly. Part of the longer-term solution? New armored vehicles are being tested on the streets of Iraq that can better survive attacks, including a new version of the armored Humvee with a mounted laser that can destroy explosives up to 250 meters away.
New armored security vehicles are with U.S. military police units. They can survive 12-pound blasts under each wheel. Many convoys now carry jammers designed to keep remotely detonated devices from exploding, but some convoys still travel dangerous roads without these high-tech packages.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STARR: And Soledad, to help solve that problem, the Air Force is stepping in, as well. They've increased their cargo flights into Iraq by 30 percent in just the last month. Their hope is that will keep another 400 trucks and 1,000 military personnel off those dangerous roads in Iraq -- Soledad.
O'BRIEN: Let's hope so. Our Barbara Starr for us at the Pentagon this morning. Barbara, thanks.
A messy, wintry snowstorm down south to show you. In parts of western North Carolina yesterday, near the Tennessee border, an early snowfall forced the closing of schools, as well as some parts of Interstate 40. The state highway patrol reported several accidents on area roadways.
Chad Myers taking a look at that and looking elsewhere as well.
Good morning again, Chad.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HEMMER: Chad, thanks for that. Here's something for you and Soledad. Been trying to explore as best we can in the past week certain aspects that are truly unique about the Japanese culture.
This is how they exchange money throughout the country. To pass money when you pay for anything, you lay it on a tray or a small dish. That goes for the taxi cab driver, maybe the cashier behind the counter.
Then to get your change, they put the money back on the tray, and that's how you get it. So make sure you don't leave without your change.
Japanese culture is all about decorum and respect. And again, that is just one small example for how that is reflected that we can see on a daily basis. Kind of cool stuff; we like it.
O'BRIEN: Nobody ever hands money back and forth?
HEMMER: Sometimes -- well, it's not respectful for me if I were buying something, to hand the money directly to you, if you were the cashier. But I have seen the cashier give the money straight back, in terms of change. But never the same way around. But mostly you see it go right in the dish.
I'll tell you, Soledad, those taxis, by the way, they are spotless.
O'BRIEN: Just like here in New York City.
HEMMER: You find -- yes, just like it. Right.
O'BRIEN: All right, Bill, thanks.
Still to come this morning, special forces have had a hijacked bus surrounded all day. We're going to find out what anti-terror troops might be looking for to end that standoff in Greece.
Also, Laci Peterson's family has been through a two-year nightmare. We're going to find out how they might be feeling now that their daughter's killer is facing Death Row.
And it is not like Anna Kournikova to keep secrets for us. Our "90 Second Pop" crew is going to tell us if the former tennis ace has made a permanent love match. That's ahead on AMERICAN MORNING.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HEATHER TOWER, U.S. ARMY: I'm Private First Class Heather Tower from Lakeville, Massachusetts. I just want to wish the Tower family in Lakeville merry Christmas and a happy new year. Thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
O'BRIEN: When the judge formerly sentences Scott Peterson in February, it is expected that the jury's death recommendation will become reality.
That is cold comfort, though, for the family of his murdered wife Laci. They've dealt with her disappearance and then her death for nearly two years now.
Kim Peterson, who is no relation, has worked closely with Laci's mother during that time. She is the executive director of the Carole Sung Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation. And I asked Kim just how the Rochas are doing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KIM PETERSON, CAROLE SUNG CARRINGTON MEMORIAL REWARD FOUNDATION: It's a very difficult time for them. It's been a very long two years. And they're approaching the two-year anniversary, of course, over the holidays. And so they're exhausted physically and emotionally.
But they know that they need to keep going forward, and they are focused right now on just getting through the holidays as a family.
O'BRIEN: Is now, in your experience, the toughest time? There's sort of no trial to plow through. You're sort of just left with this is the finality of what's happened, do you think?
PETERSON: That is the case. Most people think, oh, they must feel so good that they are done now. Well, they're definitely not done. Now is when the reality of Laci and Conner being gone forever will hit them harder than ever, because they don't have a trial to focus on.
It's been a very hectic and busy two years for them. And now this part is done, and the grief is going to be enormous for them. And they are aware of that.
O'BRIEN: So having worked with other families in, unfortunately, similar predicaments, how do you help them? How do you fix that?
PETERSON: You can't fix it. There's no way I can fix it for them. You just support them through it. I'm there for her. She knows whenever she needs to talk, whenever she needs someone to just -- someone's shoulder to cry on -- yesterday, she wanted to go to lunch. We went to lunch.
It's just a matter of being there and letting her know that she's not alone through, this that there's a lot of people who love her and care for her and who will be there every step of the way.
O'BRIEN: Is there a point when there is relief for the families? Is there a point when, if the relief doesn't come with the death sentence, does it come eventually with the execution? Is there just never a point where there's any relief?
PETERSON: I don't think relief is the appropriate word. There were no winners in that courtroom. Everybody lost. Everybody lost somebody that they love. And it's very intense.
And it isn't a sense of relief. It's a sense of justice when the guilty verdict comes in. But they will never feel a sense of relief over the loss of Laci and Conner.
O'BRIEN: Does the death penalty itself add to the stress that families in the position like the Rochas in this case feel, of -- to some degree, you've added the taking of somebody else's life to everything else you're dealing with.
PETERSON: Each family deals with the issue of the death penalty differently. And for some it helps them to get through the process that they need to get through. And for others, they don't want it and they don't believe in it. Each person is different in that.
O'BRIEN: Do people find that talking about it or writing about it or things like that generally, as a rule, in your experience, helps? Or do you find that sort of taking the time to not discuss it with the public, with the media, with anybody, frankly, is a better step?
PETERSON: Each person's different in that regard. Some people prefer to just deal with their grief and their pain on their own, not with a lot of people around.
Others need people there to support them each step of the way. And when they can speak to the public and have the public respond with letters and e-mails that it helps them. It gives them strength and gives them support.
Certainly, Sharon feels incredible support from all over the world, from the people that have sent cards and letters. We receive mail in our office every day for her, volumes of mail, and she reads every one of them. And it helps her keep going.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
O'BRIEN: And that was Kim Petersen.
If Scott Peterson is formally sentenced to death by lethal injection, the execution could be delayed for years because a lengthy appeals process. Since reinstating the death penalty back in 1978, ten people have been executed in California.
Let's go back to Tokyo now and Bill Hemmer.
Hey, Bill.
HEMMER: All right. Soledad, thanks. How you doing? Let's get a break here in a moment.
Flying from New York to Tokyo takes more than 14 hours. It's almost as long on the way back, and it makes for some serious jet lag. Sanjay's back in a moment. Tips on how to help you get through the major travel fatigue. Back in a moment, live in Tokyo, right after this.
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O'BRIEN: What?
CAFFERTY: You probably -- you probably did that in school, too.
O'BRIEN: What, read over your shoulder? I never did. I was an excellent student. No need to do that. People were copying off of me, Mr. Cafferty.
CAFFERTY: If I'd have been -- I would have been copying off you, because you're a damn sight smarter than I am. I know that.
O'BRIEN: Question of the day.
CAFFERTY: Anyway, yes, cell phones and airplanes. The FCC is thinking about allowing them while the plane is in fight, which I think is an awful idea. But we want to know what you think, which is the purpose of these little segments.
Should they allow cell phones on airplanes? And here's some of what you've written to us.
Lynn in St. Petersburg writes, "I make my living on my cell phone. As a commercial realtor it is my office. It feeds and clothes my children, supports my par rich and allows me to watch Mr. Cafferty in high definition. If my cell phone annoys you, go sit in coach."
O'BRIEN: You know, she was doing so well.
CAFFERTY: Until the end, right? Let them eat cake.
O'BRIEN: Until the unnecessary...
CAFFERTY: Carol in Queensbury, New York: "Cell phone users should be treated like the smokers. No usage in the terminal either. Warning on the airplane, 'This is a non-cell phone flight. No tampering with the cell phone detectors in the bathrooms under penalty of federal law'."
And then yesterday, keeping with our Japan theme on the program this week, we talked with one of our frequent e-mail contributors, Dave in Japan. Here's a little tape of how that went.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CAFFERTY: You were whining we didn't send you a coffee mug. Have you seen the CNN coffee mugs, Dave? We're doing you a huge favor. They're the cheesiest coffee mugs ever made.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, look, "DAYBREAK" already has the coffee mug. All right? "DAYBREAK" has the coffee mug. Anderson Cooper has the "360" T-shirt. Jack, what do you got, man?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CAFFERTY: Well, according to this e-mail writer, Rex in Toronto, "Dave in Japan had a point, Jack. Other shows give crap away. Why not AMERICAN MORNING? How about a Cafferty comb for the best e-mail every day, for instance. That's right, a comb. As in 'Mr. Cafferty won't be attending the CNN Christmas party this year; he's out buying a comb'."
Very good, Rex. Rex and Dave. Right now in -- we've got a few.
O'BRIEN: Rex -- when we do our show from Toronto, Rex is going to be...
CAFFERTY: Nobody tells me these things. Are we going to Toronto?
O'BRIEN: No, I'm just making it up. But don't you want to talk to Rex in Toronto?
CAFFERTY: Yes, sure, whatever. No, I don't want to talk to any of these people.
O'BRIEN: But Jack...
CAFFERTY: Yes?
O'BRIEN: Let's go back out to Bill in Tokyo this morning.
Hey, Bill.
HEMMER: Hey, Jack, just because I know you love Dave and I know you loved, like, talking to him yesterday. He gave me a small gift for you. I'm bringing it back with me.
CAFFERTY: Fine.
HEMMER: All I can tell you is wait until Monday, OK? It's coming your way.
CAFFERTY: Fine. I'll -- I'll wait with baited breath, something to look forward to.
HEMMER: You will, and my 50 cents.
CAFFERTY: You owe me a dollar, not 50 cents. You lost two bets; you owe me a dollar. Bring the George Washington.
HEMMER: I'll give you $5 -- if you'll be quiet, I'll give you 10 bucks...
CAFFERTY: Borrow it from Chirac (ph). Just pay your bets.
HEMMER: Done. Let's get a break here in a minute. What's on the roof in central Tokyo? A walk in the park high above the ground.
Back in a moment after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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