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Viktor Yuschenko Addresses Congress

Aired April 06, 2005 - 11:00   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.


RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: And here's a look at what we're following right "Now in the News."
President Bush is headed to Rome at this hour to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II. In addition to the president and the first lady, the delegation includes former presidents Bush and Clinton, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, but not former President Jimmy Carter.

Monaco is mourning the death of its prince. Prince Rainier died earlier today of heart, lung and kidney failure. He was one of the world's longest-serving monarchs, and he helped build Monaco's image of glitz and glamour. Prince Rainier, known Rainier to many Americans for decades, was married to American movie star Grace Kelly, who died in 1982 in a car crash.

Funeral services begin about three hours from now for celebrated attorney Johnnie Cochran. He died last week of an inoperable brain tumor. His most famous client, no doubt, and one he will always be associated with, is O.J. Simpson. He's expected, by the way, O.J. Simpson is, to attend that funeral. Johnnie Cochran was 67 years old.

The U.S. military says that nine people were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan today. A CH-47 Chinook went down in bad weather. It was about 100 miles southwest of Kabul. It was one of two choppers returning from a routine mission in southern Afghanistan. The other landed safely at Bagram Airport.

It is now 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. out West. And from the CNN Center in Atlanta, we welcome you back. I'm Rick Sanchez.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Up first this hour, a symbol for the quest for democracy. And Ukraine visits the halls of power in the U.S.

SANCHEZ: Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko is about to address a joint meeting of Congress. He was swept into office by peaceful but powerful demonstrations. This after a disputed election.

KAGAN: And now he's asking the U.S. to help his country continue that path to democracy.

Let's go to Joe Johns, who is standing by on Capitol Hill with more on this visit -- Joe. JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, we're expecting Yushchenko to get a warm reception on the House floor for this meeting of the Senate and the House to hear him speak. Apparently, Senator Joe Biden, I'm told, wearing an orange tie out of support for the revolution in the country of Ukraine. Of course, that is something that happened over the last several months in that country after the people essentially rose up and decided they would is not accept the results of a fraudulent election there.

An election, of course, was redone. It led to the election of Viktor Yushchenko as president.

He has a number of issues he wants to speak to the United States Congress about, some of which we've heard before, of course, because he's been talking with the White House and other people in Washington for a while. Among them the issue of corruption in his country.

He's asking for $60 million to help fight corruption in that country. But there are other issues people on Capitol Hill say are more pressing, including, of course, the issue of trade.

Ukraine is trying to get into the European Union. There's also the issue of getting into the World Trade Organization. And there's also talk, of course, about Ukraine getting into NATO.

That may be very controversial, of course, for people in Russia right now. Nonetheless, it's something that he has suggested he might like to do down the road. Look for him to address many of these issues. Of course, again, expect a warm reception for Viktor Yushchenko -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Joe Johns on Capitol Hill. We will go live to Capitol Hill, to the chamber, as soon as he begins to speak.

Meanwhile, for more analysis on Mr. Yuschenko's speech and the future of U.S. and Ukraine relations, let's go to Mark Brzezinski. He served as director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs on the National Security Council during the Clinton administration.

Good morning, Mark.

MARK BRZEZINSKI, UKRAINIAN ANALYST: Good morning.

KAGAN: The world watched such a dramatic story take place, as Viktor Yushchenko did eventually win victory in Ukraine. It's one thing to win, it's another to be it and govern.

What is his greatest challenge at home right now?

BRZEZINSKI: His challenge is to get at least part of his reform program accomplished before the political season again kicks off in Ukraine. He has until March of next year, a one-year timetable, to get something done to show the Ukrainian people that he can not only talk the talk, but walk the walk in terms of essential transformations within Ukraine, creating more transparency, creating more rule of law, legal reform, and also to make real progress in getting Ukraine into important international institutions.

The trip to Washington has already been a little bit successful.

KAGAN: How's that?

BRZEZINSKI: President Bush -- President Bush on Monday, in his press meeting with Yushchenko, said that he supports Ukrainian membership in NATO. That is an essential signal to Ukraine that it is possible for it to get on the path for NATO membership. That was an uncertainty until President Bush said that.

But as Joe Johns said earlier, there are other goals as well for Ukraine to become a member of the World Trade Organization. But for that to happen, Congress has to act. And what the U.S. Congress has to do is lift the...

KAGAN: You know, Mark, I'm just going to jump in here for a second...

BRZEZINSKI: Sure.

KAGAN: ... because we do see President Yushchenko as he is coming into this joint meeting of Congress. A very warm reception as you predicted, also as Joe Johns predicted. We'll be back with you in a moment after we hear a little bit of what the president has to say.

Let's listen in.

(APPLAUSE)

KAGAN: With this warm reception it's going to take a little bit of time for President Yuschenko to get to the podium. So let me bring back in Mark Brzezinski.

So he's already had some success here -- well, he's coming right up to the podium, shaking hands with Vice President Dick Cheney. Let's see if he's about to begin.

(APPLAUSE)

CROWD: Yuschenko! Yuschenko! Yuschenko!

REP. TOM DELAY (R-TX), MAJORITY LEADER: Members of Congress, it is my great pleasure, and I deem it a high honor and a personal privilege, to present to you his excellency, Viktor Yushchenko, president of Ukraine.

(APPLAUSE)

VIKTOR YUSCHENKO, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, senators and House members, ladies and gentlemen, through all of this great building there is a Latin phrase that means "Out of many, one." This motto reminds the world about the American revolution, a starting point of the modern world's history of liberty.

My road here went through the orange-colored Independence Square that became known as Midan. Millions of people standing there continues (UNINTELLIGIBLE), "Together, we are many. We cannot be defeated." This motto of the Ukrainian revolution is a reminder of the fact that freedom continues to win.

Ukraine is opening a new page in the world's chronicle of liberty in the 21st century. These two mottoes have a lot in common. They speak to the strength of our peoples that comes from unity. They speak of the victories of our peoples and their struggles for freedom.

For me, the invitation to speak before the joint session of Congress is an expression of respect for my Ukrainian nation. I'm deeply honored to speak from the rostrum where before me stood so many great leaders, Winston Churchill, Lech Walesa Nelson Mandela.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to address this great forum of the American people. I perceive your eagerness to hear the new Ukraine as a token of partnership of the two nations, united by shared democratic values.

On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I would like to thank the United States Congress, presidents -- U.S. presidents George Walker Bush, Bill Clinton, George Bush, and the entire American nation for their invariable respect for the Ukraine and their support for Ukraine's democracy.

I'd like to pay special tribute to President Ronald Reagan. He's well remembered in Ukraine for his deep commitment to freedom of Ukraine.

(APPLAUSE)

KAGAN: We're listening in as the president of the Ukraine, the new president, Viktor Yuschenko, addresses a joint meeting of Congress. We have correspondents and analysts all over the world, Joe Johns on Capitol Hill, Mark Brzezinski also in Washington, and our Jill Dougherty in our Moscow bureau.

Let's go to Jill first about what we expect the president of Ukraine to be able to get from this Congress.

JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN MOSCOW BUREAU CHIEF: Well, you know, Daryn, first I have to note that when you heard the cheers in that room which were quite emotional, you heard the same cheer in the Capitol that you heard on the streets on Kiev when the orange revolution took place, that kind of rhythmic "Yuschenko, Yuschenko," that was going on for days in Kiev. So maybe there's some Ukrainians in the audience there, obviously.

But essentially what he wants is now the -- now the pedal hits the metal. They have to get money, they have to get the economy working. They have to reform it. They have to get rid of corruption, which is a major, major task. So what he's going to be doing is asking for the United States help in several different areas. One will be, of course, supporting, entering, becoming a member of the WTO, the World Trade Organization.

They want also help in terms of getting rid of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. That's an amendment that was brought -- that was passed way back in the Soviet times, when Soviet Jews could not get out of the Soviet Union.

And it's been hanging around for years, not repealed. And it doesn't really affect a lot directly, but symbolically it reminds everybody of the old Soviet Union. And that is long gone, and certainly Yushchenko will be making a pitch for that.

We also understand he wants some help in putting a new cover on Chernobyl. That's just one side issue. It's literally falling apart. Remember that big explosion that took place killing many people several -- many years ago back in the 1980s. So essentially, it's helped economically.

KAGAN: All right. Jill Dougherty in Moscow.

Let's go to Joe Johns on Capitol Hill.

Joe, we were as surprised as you were to here Jill Dougherty's voice coming out of your face.

Anyhow, on Capitol Hill we are watching live pictures as Viktor Yushchenko is addressing this joint meeting of Congress. What besides great applause and support can he expect to get from the U.S. Congress?

JOHNS: I think Jill hit one of the key things people are talking about here on Capitol Hill, that is repeal of Jackson-Vanik. Of course this was put in place around 1974 to assist the immigration of Jews out of certain countries inside that, if you will, Soviet bloc area.

Of course, it's frankly been waived, I'm told, for almost a decade as relates to Ukraine. Nonetheless, as she said, repeal of it would be very symbolic, and it would also make it easier for Ukraine to trade in the world community. So for him, this is, of course, a big issue.

We're also told on Capitol Hill it's something the Congress thinks it can do with a certain amount of ease, perhaps by the ends of the year, even though they do have to jump through certain procedural hurdles to get it done. So that's probably one of the very tangible things he can see in relatively short order from the United States Congress.

Also, of course, a question about how that request for $60 million will be received. I have been told that some administration officials suggesting the administration supports that $60 million to fight corruption in Ukraine. And, of course, it would be another, more or less, symbolic gesture from the United States in supports of Ukraine.

Back to you.

KAGAN: Joe Johns on Capitol Hill.

Let's bring our analyst, Mark Brzezinski, back in here.

This standing ovation and the woman you see there is Viktor Yuschenko's wife, a Chicago-born woman. He's married to an American, part of his popularity as he tours this country.

BRZEZINSKI: Yes, Viktor Yushchenko's wife is American-born. And she received Ukrainian citizenship only last Friday.

And in so doing, she had to renounce her American citizenship. Indeed, Viktor Yuschenko's wife, Kathy Yushchenko, went to Georgetown University for her undergraduate. She grew up in Chicago, where she worked when she was in high school at the local bowling alley. And she was voted by her high school as most likely to succeed, but also the woman with the coolest car.

She's a wonderful woman who has kept feet in both America and Ukrainian culture. And Viktor Yushchenko and his wife were welcomed in Chicago yesterday as local heroes. It was truly wonderful.

What I love about Yushchenko's strategy in terms of pursuing the objectives that Joe Johns was laying out there, Jackson-Vanik lifting and this type of thing, is that he has been totally open about the mistakes that the Ukraine has made in the past. Indeed, during his speeches over the last couple days here in the United States, he has said Ukrainian judges are corrupt, we need to figure out a way to change that.

He said the Ukrainian previous administration had sold missile technology to Iran and China. They've opened their books for public scrutiny, as ugly as the facts are. And I think that's the right step.

They need -- Ukraine needs to develop credibility with the west. And the way to develop credibility is by being totally open and honest. He's taken those first steps.

KAGAN: Mark Brzezinski in Washington. Joe Johns in Washington as well. And Jill Dougherty in Moscow. Thank you.

We're going to continue to monitor the speech of President Yushchenko and bring you the highlights.

SANCHEZ: We're also going to bring you the very latest on the two deaths that we've been following, the death of Prince Rainier and, of course, the death of Pope John Paul II, and the funeral being planned for Friday. We'll be taking you there.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) SANCHEZ: Mourners by the hundreds of thousands are winding through the streets of Rome today, waiting to view the body of Pope John Paul II. Record crowds. More than a million, they now say.

Some waiting in lines for as long as 12 hours to pay their final respects. Authorities say, in fact, it was a million people who viewed the body in just the first 24 hours.

A Vatican spokesman says the cardinals have read the pope's will. The contents will be made public tomorrow.

The cardinals have also set a date for the conclave to select a new pope. It will begin Monday, April 18th. That's two Mondays from now.

President Bush and official U.S. delegation left this morning, headed to Rome for the pope's funeral. In addition to the president and Mrs. Bush, the delegation includes former presidents Bush and Clinton and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Still to come on CNN LIVE TODAY, keeping all those VIP visitors at the Vatican safe and secure somehow, this is a big job, as Anderson Cooper will tell us in the next half-hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Checking the weather now.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Coming up on the half-hour. In fact, we are -- well, almost there. Another 30 seconds. We welcome you back. I'm Rick Sanchez.

KAGAN: And good morning, once again. I'm Daryn Kagan. Here's what's happening "Now in the News."

President and Mrs. Bush are flying to Rome today for Friday's funeral of Pope John Paul II. The president's father and former President Clinton are going with him. President Carter wanted to go, but the White House says there wasn't room in the official delegation.

Funeral arrangements are being made for Monaco's Prince Rainier. He died of heart and kidney failure today. He was 89 years old. His storybook marriage to actress Grace Kelly ended with her death in a car crash. The couple's bachelor son, Prince Albert, will assume the throne.

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


Aired April 6, 2005 - 11:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: And here's a look at what we're following right "Now in the News."
President Bush is headed to Rome at this hour to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II. In addition to the president and the first lady, the delegation includes former presidents Bush and Clinton, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, but not former President Jimmy Carter.

Monaco is mourning the death of its prince. Prince Rainier died earlier today of heart, lung and kidney failure. He was one of the world's longest-serving monarchs, and he helped build Monaco's image of glitz and glamour. Prince Rainier, known Rainier to many Americans for decades, was married to American movie star Grace Kelly, who died in 1982 in a car crash.

Funeral services begin about three hours from now for celebrated attorney Johnnie Cochran. He died last week of an inoperable brain tumor. His most famous client, no doubt, and one he will always be associated with, is O.J. Simpson. He's expected, by the way, O.J. Simpson is, to attend that funeral. Johnnie Cochran was 67 years old.

The U.S. military says that nine people were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan today. A CH-47 Chinook went down in bad weather. It was about 100 miles southwest of Kabul. It was one of two choppers returning from a routine mission in southern Afghanistan. The other landed safely at Bagram Airport.

It is now 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. out West. And from the CNN Center in Atlanta, we welcome you back. I'm Rick Sanchez.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Up first this hour, a symbol for the quest for democracy. And Ukraine visits the halls of power in the U.S.

SANCHEZ: Ukrainian president Viktor Yushchenko is about to address a joint meeting of Congress. He was swept into office by peaceful but powerful demonstrations. This after a disputed election.

KAGAN: And now he's asking the U.S. to help his country continue that path to democracy.

Let's go to Joe Johns, who is standing by on Capitol Hill with more on this visit -- Joe. JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, we're expecting Yushchenko to get a warm reception on the House floor for this meeting of the Senate and the House to hear him speak. Apparently, Senator Joe Biden, I'm told, wearing an orange tie out of support for the revolution in the country of Ukraine. Of course, that is something that happened over the last several months in that country after the people essentially rose up and decided they would is not accept the results of a fraudulent election there.

An election, of course, was redone. It led to the election of Viktor Yushchenko as president.

He has a number of issues he wants to speak to the United States Congress about, some of which we've heard before, of course, because he's been talking with the White House and other people in Washington for a while. Among them the issue of corruption in his country.

He's asking for $60 million to help fight corruption in that country. But there are other issues people on Capitol Hill say are more pressing, including, of course, the issue of trade.

Ukraine is trying to get into the European Union. There's also the issue of getting into the World Trade Organization. And there's also talk, of course, about Ukraine getting into NATO.

That may be very controversial, of course, for people in Russia right now. Nonetheless, it's something that he has suggested he might like to do down the road. Look for him to address many of these issues. Of course, again, expect a warm reception for Viktor Yushchenko -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Joe Johns on Capitol Hill. We will go live to Capitol Hill, to the chamber, as soon as he begins to speak.

Meanwhile, for more analysis on Mr. Yuschenko's speech and the future of U.S. and Ukraine relations, let's go to Mark Brzezinski. He served as director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs on the National Security Council during the Clinton administration.

Good morning, Mark.

MARK BRZEZINSKI, UKRAINIAN ANALYST: Good morning.

KAGAN: The world watched such a dramatic story take place, as Viktor Yushchenko did eventually win victory in Ukraine. It's one thing to win, it's another to be it and govern.

What is his greatest challenge at home right now?

BRZEZINSKI: His challenge is to get at least part of his reform program accomplished before the political season again kicks off in Ukraine. He has until March of next year, a one-year timetable, to get something done to show the Ukrainian people that he can not only talk the talk, but walk the walk in terms of essential transformations within Ukraine, creating more transparency, creating more rule of law, legal reform, and also to make real progress in getting Ukraine into important international institutions.

The trip to Washington has already been a little bit successful.

KAGAN: How's that?

BRZEZINSKI: President Bush -- President Bush on Monday, in his press meeting with Yushchenko, said that he supports Ukrainian membership in NATO. That is an essential signal to Ukraine that it is possible for it to get on the path for NATO membership. That was an uncertainty until President Bush said that.

But as Joe Johns said earlier, there are other goals as well for Ukraine to become a member of the World Trade Organization. But for that to happen, Congress has to act. And what the U.S. Congress has to do is lift the...

KAGAN: You know, Mark, I'm just going to jump in here for a second...

BRZEZINSKI: Sure.

KAGAN: ... because we do see President Yushchenko as he is coming into this joint meeting of Congress. A very warm reception as you predicted, also as Joe Johns predicted. We'll be back with you in a moment after we hear a little bit of what the president has to say.

Let's listen in.

(APPLAUSE)

KAGAN: With this warm reception it's going to take a little bit of time for President Yuschenko to get to the podium. So let me bring back in Mark Brzezinski.

So he's already had some success here -- well, he's coming right up to the podium, shaking hands with Vice President Dick Cheney. Let's see if he's about to begin.

(APPLAUSE)

CROWD: Yuschenko! Yuschenko! Yuschenko!

REP. TOM DELAY (R-TX), MAJORITY LEADER: Members of Congress, it is my great pleasure, and I deem it a high honor and a personal privilege, to present to you his excellency, Viktor Yushchenko, president of Ukraine.

(APPLAUSE)

VIKTOR YUSCHENKO, UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT (through translator): Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, senators and House members, ladies and gentlemen, through all of this great building there is a Latin phrase that means "Out of many, one." This motto reminds the world about the American revolution, a starting point of the modern world's history of liberty.

My road here went through the orange-colored Independence Square that became known as Midan. Millions of people standing there continues (UNINTELLIGIBLE), "Together, we are many. We cannot be defeated." This motto of the Ukrainian revolution is a reminder of the fact that freedom continues to win.

Ukraine is opening a new page in the world's chronicle of liberty in the 21st century. These two mottoes have a lot in common. They speak to the strength of our peoples that comes from unity. They speak of the victories of our peoples and their struggles for freedom.

For me, the invitation to speak before the joint session of Congress is an expression of respect for my Ukrainian nation. I'm deeply honored to speak from the rostrum where before me stood so many great leaders, Winston Churchill, Lech Walesa Nelson Mandela.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to address this great forum of the American people. I perceive your eagerness to hear the new Ukraine as a token of partnership of the two nations, united by shared democratic values.

On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I would like to thank the United States Congress, presidents -- U.S. presidents George Walker Bush, Bill Clinton, George Bush, and the entire American nation for their invariable respect for the Ukraine and their support for Ukraine's democracy.

I'd like to pay special tribute to President Ronald Reagan. He's well remembered in Ukraine for his deep commitment to freedom of Ukraine.

(APPLAUSE)

KAGAN: We're listening in as the president of the Ukraine, the new president, Viktor Yuschenko, addresses a joint meeting of Congress. We have correspondents and analysts all over the world, Joe Johns on Capitol Hill, Mark Brzezinski also in Washington, and our Jill Dougherty in our Moscow bureau.

Let's go to Jill first about what we expect the president of Ukraine to be able to get from this Congress.

JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN MOSCOW BUREAU CHIEF: Well, you know, Daryn, first I have to note that when you heard the cheers in that room which were quite emotional, you heard the same cheer in the Capitol that you heard on the streets on Kiev when the orange revolution took place, that kind of rhythmic "Yuschenko, Yuschenko," that was going on for days in Kiev. So maybe there's some Ukrainians in the audience there, obviously.

But essentially what he wants is now the -- now the pedal hits the metal. They have to get money, they have to get the economy working. They have to reform it. They have to get rid of corruption, which is a major, major task. So what he's going to be doing is asking for the United States help in several different areas. One will be, of course, supporting, entering, becoming a member of the WTO, the World Trade Organization.

They want also help in terms of getting rid of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment. That's an amendment that was brought -- that was passed way back in the Soviet times, when Soviet Jews could not get out of the Soviet Union.

And it's been hanging around for years, not repealed. And it doesn't really affect a lot directly, but symbolically it reminds everybody of the old Soviet Union. And that is long gone, and certainly Yushchenko will be making a pitch for that.

We also understand he wants some help in putting a new cover on Chernobyl. That's just one side issue. It's literally falling apart. Remember that big explosion that took place killing many people several -- many years ago back in the 1980s. So essentially, it's helped economically.

KAGAN: All right. Jill Dougherty in Moscow.

Let's go to Joe Johns on Capitol Hill.

Joe, we were as surprised as you were to here Jill Dougherty's voice coming out of your face.

Anyhow, on Capitol Hill we are watching live pictures as Viktor Yushchenko is addressing this joint meeting of Congress. What besides great applause and support can he expect to get from the U.S. Congress?

JOHNS: I think Jill hit one of the key things people are talking about here on Capitol Hill, that is repeal of Jackson-Vanik. Of course this was put in place around 1974 to assist the immigration of Jews out of certain countries inside that, if you will, Soviet bloc area.

Of course, it's frankly been waived, I'm told, for almost a decade as relates to Ukraine. Nonetheless, as she said, repeal of it would be very symbolic, and it would also make it easier for Ukraine to trade in the world community. So for him, this is, of course, a big issue.

We're also told on Capitol Hill it's something the Congress thinks it can do with a certain amount of ease, perhaps by the ends of the year, even though they do have to jump through certain procedural hurdles to get it done. So that's probably one of the very tangible things he can see in relatively short order from the United States Congress.

Also, of course, a question about how that request for $60 million will be received. I have been told that some administration officials suggesting the administration supports that $60 million to fight corruption in Ukraine. And, of course, it would be another, more or less, symbolic gesture from the United States in supports of Ukraine.

Back to you.

KAGAN: Joe Johns on Capitol Hill.

Let's bring our analyst, Mark Brzezinski, back in here.

This standing ovation and the woman you see there is Viktor Yuschenko's wife, a Chicago-born woman. He's married to an American, part of his popularity as he tours this country.

BRZEZINSKI: Yes, Viktor Yushchenko's wife is American-born. And she received Ukrainian citizenship only last Friday.

And in so doing, she had to renounce her American citizenship. Indeed, Viktor Yuschenko's wife, Kathy Yushchenko, went to Georgetown University for her undergraduate. She grew up in Chicago, where she worked when she was in high school at the local bowling alley. And she was voted by her high school as most likely to succeed, but also the woman with the coolest car.

She's a wonderful woman who has kept feet in both America and Ukrainian culture. And Viktor Yushchenko and his wife were welcomed in Chicago yesterday as local heroes. It was truly wonderful.

What I love about Yushchenko's strategy in terms of pursuing the objectives that Joe Johns was laying out there, Jackson-Vanik lifting and this type of thing, is that he has been totally open about the mistakes that the Ukraine has made in the past. Indeed, during his speeches over the last couple days here in the United States, he has said Ukrainian judges are corrupt, we need to figure out a way to change that.

He said the Ukrainian previous administration had sold missile technology to Iran and China. They've opened their books for public scrutiny, as ugly as the facts are. And I think that's the right step.

They need -- Ukraine needs to develop credibility with the west. And the way to develop credibility is by being totally open and honest. He's taken those first steps.

KAGAN: Mark Brzezinski in Washington. Joe Johns in Washington as well. And Jill Dougherty in Moscow. Thank you.

We're going to continue to monitor the speech of President Yushchenko and bring you the highlights.

SANCHEZ: We're also going to bring you the very latest on the two deaths that we've been following, the death of Prince Rainier and, of course, the death of Pope John Paul II, and the funeral being planned for Friday. We'll be taking you there.

Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) SANCHEZ: Mourners by the hundreds of thousands are winding through the streets of Rome today, waiting to view the body of Pope John Paul II. Record crowds. More than a million, they now say.

Some waiting in lines for as long as 12 hours to pay their final respects. Authorities say, in fact, it was a million people who viewed the body in just the first 24 hours.

A Vatican spokesman says the cardinals have read the pope's will. The contents will be made public tomorrow.

The cardinals have also set a date for the conclave to select a new pope. It will begin Monday, April 18th. That's two Mondays from now.

President Bush and official U.S. delegation left this morning, headed to Rome for the pope's funeral. In addition to the president and Mrs. Bush, the delegation includes former presidents Bush and Clinton and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Still to come on CNN LIVE TODAY, keeping all those VIP visitors at the Vatican safe and secure somehow, this is a big job, as Anderson Cooper will tell us in the next half-hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Checking the weather now.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

SANCHEZ: Coming up on the half-hour. In fact, we are -- well, almost there. Another 30 seconds. We welcome you back. I'm Rick Sanchez.

KAGAN: And good morning, once again. I'm Daryn Kagan. Here's what's happening "Now in the News."

President and Mrs. Bush are flying to Rome today for Friday's funeral of Pope John Paul II. The president's father and former President Clinton are going with him. President Carter wanted to go, but the White House says there wasn't room in the official delegation.

Funeral arrangements are being made for Monaco's Prince Rainier. He died of heart and kidney failure today. He was 89 years old. His storybook marriage to actress Grace Kelly ended with her death in a car crash. The couple's bachelor son, Prince Albert, will assume the throne.

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