Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Sunday

Cardinals Decide Not to Talk to Media; Tiger Woods on a Roll at Augusta

Aired April 10, 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.


GERRI WILLIS, CNN ANCHOR: It's 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 on the West.
Hello, and welcome, I'm Gerri Willis at CNN's global headquarters.

Ahead this hour, as cardinals celebrate mass and turn their attention to the papal election, they're not talking to the media.

Tiger Woods is on a roll. We'll have a live report from Augusta National.

And George Washington? Well, sort of. Helps give away at least part of the American dream. But first, top stories "Now in the News."

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is on his way to the United States for a visit with President Bush. The two men are scheduled to meet tomorrow at the president's Texas ranch.

The Israeli leader is hoping for a political boost from Mr. Bush for his plan to remove Jewish settlements from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. The plan is drawing stiff opposition in Israel. A live report from CNN's Elaine Quijano straight ahead.

And Japan is calling on China to protect its citizens in that country as anti-Japanese demonstrations spread. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in several Chinese cities. The demonstrators are angry over Japan's bid to win a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Many Chinese also accused Japan of trying to cover up its atrocities in China during World War II.

And an Iraqi group claims it has kidnapped a Pakistani diplomat. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry says the diplomat failed to return home after Saturday evening prayers at a Baghdad mosque. CNN has not been able to confirm the claim.

And a strong earthquake has struck off Indonesia's Sumatra Island, triggering new tsunami fears, but so far no tsunami warnings are in place. Today's quake had a magnitude of 6.8, that according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Several aftershocks are also reported.

Now are going to be looking soon here at live pictures of St. Peter's Square. Another mass marking the ninth day of mourning for Pope John Paul II is under way this hour at the Vatican. But for hundreds of people gathered under rainy skies in St. Peter's Square, there is something missing.

For more than two decades, Pope John Paul II would read his Angelus message and bless the crowds gathered outside the basilica on Sunday. Now his window remain shuttered. And visitors describe the square as sad and empty. One visiting priest said he takes comfort in Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger's funeral sermon. Ratzinger said the Holy Father will still bless the people from his window in the sky.

Selection of the next pope will begin April 18th when eligible cardinals meet in a conclave. In the meantime there's plenty of speculation over possible candidates, but as CNN's Jim Bittermann reports, a code of silence is being enforced at the Vatican.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIM BITTERMANN, CNN INT'L CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As the processional chant began for the evening mass in St. Peter's directly over the newly sealed tomb of Pope John Paul II, it was not just another mass of mourning for him; it was also being carefully watched for clues to who his successor might be.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (speaking Italian)

BITTERMANN: From now on, the words and deeds of those who will select the next pope will be closely examined.

Saturday's celebrate was Cardinal Francesco Marquesano (ph). He recounted stories of the pope's humility, humility and pastoral qualities. Were those the criteria he was suggesting for the next pope?

He concluded by saying future popes should continue down the same path as John Paul. Did that mean the same theological path or was he suggesting the next pope should be media savvy or and travel a lot.

There is now way of telling and maybe less so in come days, since the Vatican press office announced the cardinals unanimously voted for a self-imposed gag rule, to stop those who might be tempted to propagate the views through the media. Reporters, the Vatican spokesman said, should respect the cardinal's silence.

JOAQUIN NAVARRO-VALLS, VATICAN SPOKESMAN (through translator): It's not a legally binding ban, if you like, but it is a request on their behalf. It is not set in stone.

BITTERMANN: Still, with no pope in charge there could be no disciplinary measures for anyone who might break the vow of silence. Hours after it was agreed some cardinals were already informally talking to the press.

And after 26 years under the leadership of one absolute monarch, several in recent days have seemed quite willing to express their own views.

(on camera): Vatican spokesmen also reported that two cardinals are too sick to attend the conclave, meaning 115 will be on hand for the papal election and that it would take 77 votes to be elected the next pope.

Jim Bittermann, CNN, Rome.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is scheduled to meet tomorrow with one of his key allies, President Bush. The Israeli leader is now on his way to Mr. Bush's Texas ranch. And when he meets with the president, Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank are expected to top the agenda. CNN's Elaine Quijano is with us now from Crawford, Texas.

Welcome, Elaine.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hello to you, Gerri.

That's right, this would be the first time that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will visit President Bush in Crawford. As you mentioned, the prime minister left this morning and is due to arrive here in Texas later today.

Now on the top of the agenda, as you mentioned, when the two leaders meet tomorrow, Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank. It was last year that Prime Minister Sharon stood side by side with President Bush in the Rose Garden at the White House and that plan was discussed. Critics called it a unilateral move on Sharon's part, but President Bush, at that time, made quite clear that he backed the idea, saying he believed it was an opportunity to move ahead in the peace process.

Now, the withdrawal is set for July and would involve dismantling more than 20 Jewish settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. Now, Ariel Sharon is facing enormous political pressure for his idea, especially from Jewish settlers, who don't want to leave their homes. Sharon will be looking for President Bush to reaffirm his endorsement of that withdrawal plan.

But complicating the picture, of course, President Bush is expected to come down on Mr. Sharon for expanding -- or plans to expand Jewish settlements. Now, the president said just a couple of days ago that both sides have obligations in the Mideast peace process and the so-called road map for peace that President Bush envisioned. The president has said this quite often, he envisions two states living side by side in peace, Israelis and Palestinians.

The President Bush says as part of that road map for peace, Israel must freeze settlement activity. Now at the same time, President Bush says that he will also urge Ariel Sharon to work closely with the Palestinian government, with Mahmoud Abbas, specifically, the Palestinian president.

But the president very mindful of the fact that there are criticisms that perhaps Mahmoud Abbas is not doing enough to dismantle terrorist organizations, terrorist groups, a delicate balance for the U.S. president, but a lot certainly at stake for Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. A significant meeting set to take place tomorrow -- Gerri.

WILLIS: Elaine, a lot at stake, as you say. How does Sharon's visit fit into President Bush's foreign policy agenda?

QUIJANO: Taking a step back from all of this, this is right in line with what the president has talked about. We heard this at the State of the Union Address, the president very much believes in the transforming power of democracy. There have been elections in the Palestinian territories. And the president very much wants to see an atmosphere grown in the Middle East where democratic institutions are allowed to thrive.

And as part of that, Ariel Sharon's fitting into all of this, is that they would like to see an orderly withdrawal take place, so that when that takes place, there will, in fact, be an environment created so that institutions are allowed to get established, and eventually what President Bush would like to see is that Palestinian people are then governing themselves and are autonomous in that particular area, and perhaps can spread, and some kind of eventual peaceful resolution can be worked out in that particular area -- Gerri.

WILLIS: Elaine Quijano, thank you so much for that.

As the Israeli prime minister travels to the United States, the settlement issue remains a flashpoint for protesters back in Israel. Thousands of Israeli police have encircled Jerusalem's old city to keep Israeli ultra-nationalists away from a holy site and to prevent protests by Palestinians. More than two dozen Israeli demonstrates were arrested earlier today as their protests against the Gaza withdrawal quickly fizzled.

In the war on terror, the Treasury Department is reportedly looking for ways to gain access to international banking records. "The New York Times" reports the government believes the records will help to track and deter money transfers made by potential terrorists and the groups that finance them.

April 19th will mark 10 years since the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City, and Congress is being asked to commemorate that moment of domestic terrorism by declaring the week of April 17th a National Week of Hope.

Recently the city's memorial museum received the axle from the Ryder truck used in the blast. We have more from Kevin Tomitch, of our affiliate KOCO in Oklahoma City.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KEVIN TOMITCH, REPORTER, KOCO NEWS (voice-over): Since that moment, nearly a decade ago, change has been the constant at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can feel something in the air when you come out here.

TOMITCH: First-time visitor Jerry Grier instantly grasped the sadness of what the memorial reflects.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's nice to have a tribute to what happened, and I hope it never happens again.

TOMITCH: The next chapters of what happened weighed 600 pounds, and nearly nothing. The back axle, a fragment of the truck's box, and license plate from McVeigh's Ryder truck.

KARI WATKINS, OKC NATIONAL MEMORIAL: We knew this was the perfect place for it.

TOMITCH: But getting the pieces into place took long negotiations of Ryder and five years of reminding the FBI.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Saying, when this is all over we would like for it to come here to Oklahoma City and not just go into a warehouse. But of course, I'm sure everybody thought we were crazy in Washington.

TOMITCH: The transport dolly scratches to the box and tiny initials are also part of the story. They're leftovers from the FBI investigation when the ammonium nitrate turned up in the evidence.

WATKINS: It begins to tell the story of the investigation and how it was resolved. And it was important, I think, to show that there are consequences to people's actions. And so as people think about doing -- making bad choices they realize that this piece really did lead to the arrest of Timothy McVeigh.

TOMITCH: With another part in its rightful place, there's another reason to return, to remember, and to pray that...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That it never happens again.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: That report from Kevin Tomitch from CNN affiliate KOCO in Oklahoma City.

Blizzard like conditions in part of the U.S. in April? It's true. We'll show you where just ahead.

Plus, Tiger Woods on the path to victory? He's taken charge at the Masters. We're going to have a live report on that. And these students hit the jackpot in education. Their secret to success, that's also coming ahead. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WILLIS: Welcome back. If you love watching the best golfers in the world tee it up at August, today's the day. Rain earlier in the week means the leaders will play 27 holes today to decide the Masters tournament.

Who's in the hunt for the green jacket? Well, let's check in on the action at the season's first major. Patrick Snell is in Augusta.

And, Patrick, after a soggy start I hear it's beautiful again today.

PATRICK SNELL, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Gerri. Welcome back to Augusta.

Yes, fantastic sunshine, and that's been par for the course, if you'll forgive the pun, over the last couple of days. And thousands still pouring onto the course here at Augusta National, and they're all coming to see -- maybe -- Tiger Woods win his first major in 11 attempts.

Now, the world No. 2 really got back into contention during Saturday. He started Saturday at 2 over par, but he pretty rapidly went to 9 under. That was an 11-shot swing. He shot a 66 during the second round, and then went one better Sunday with a 65 completing the third round.

Resuming with a flurry of birdies, and that meant seven straight, in total, over the last couple of days, tying Steve Pate's record in '99, for the most consecutive birdies. It also ties the record for most birdies over three straight rounds, 19 in total, a quite staggering amount.

Woods 11 under par now for the championship, three clear of his fellow American, Chris DiMarco. Now, of course, Woods still has some way to go if he is to surpass the legendary Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors. But he could reach the halfway point, of course, later today.

The Golden Bear announcing yesterday that this was probably his last major. It had been an emotional buildup to this one, of course, following the tragic death of his 17-month-old grandson, but a 9 over par total meant that Nicklaus missed the cut, and he's saying almost certainly that he won't be around to play in the Masters next year. I do understand he could well play in the British Open in St. Andrew's, Scotland later this year in July, in fact, the venue for two of his British Open triumphs. But potentially a very sad day for Jack Nicklaus -- Gerri.

WILLIS: Yes, Patrick, a very emotional day for Nicklaus and Nicklaus fans.

But I've got to ask you, Tiger, boy, he seems to have the old stuff all over again. Who's challenging him?

SNELL: Well, Chris DiMarco, basically, was the man of the moment over the two and a half days here. And he had a 5-shot lead beginning Sunday morning, but he really did almost kind of go to pieces. He'd stressed yesterday that he wasn't going to give this one away, that someone would have to come out and shoot mid-60s again to try and wrestle it away from him.

But he began Sunday and he gave up five shots, shooting a 74, which is not really the kind of score you're looking for on the final day. He's 3 shots back. There are still 18 holes left. The chances are now he'll play a little more relaxed golf, the constraint's off, if you like. He's playing catch-up with Tiger. Maybe now Tiger has it all to lose. We shall see -- Gerri.

WILLIS: Patrick, thanks for that. You're going to have a long day out there, I'm sure.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WILLIS: Here's a check of other "News Across America". They remembered Matt Maupin in southern Ohio this weekend. The Army reservist has been missing since his convoy was ambushed one year ago, yesterday, in Iraq. He was seen on videotape a week after his capture. The Army promoted him to sergeant earlier this month.

And separate searches continue this weekend in Pennsylvania for a missing couple. Friends looked for the pair in Marlton and Philadelphia. Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone were last seen at a Philadelphia restaurant in February.

Brad Pitt, Al Pacino and Tom Hanks will hit MTV and other networks to get people involved in anti-poverty efforts. "The One" campaign ads want people to call on Congress to spend 1 percent of the U.S. budget on fighting international poverty and AIDS.

Finally, proof you can find anything at all at Wal-Mart. Beverly McCutchen (ph) and Glen Hawkins (ph) got married at a suburban Albany, New York Wal-Mart yesterday. McCutchen (ph) works there as a cashier. Her co-worker friends couldn't get the day off, so she had the ceremony right there at the store.

CNN's "RELIABLE SOURCES" is coming up on the half hour. Howard Kurtz is here with a preview -- Howard.

HOWARD KURTZ, HOST, RELIABLE SOURCES: Thanks, Gerri.

And all-star lineup ahead on our program this morning. Frank Rich of "The New York Times", CNN's Jeff Greenfield and Peggy Wehmeyer, former religion reporter for ABC News. We'll talk about the coverage of the death of the pope. Was it overdone or were the media just following the huge crowds in Rome?

And changes at ABC News, Ted Koppel says he's leaving and Peter Jennings now stepping aside while he battles cancer. What's ahead for ABC and the rest of network news?

And the newlywed Prince Charles and the press -- not exactly a love affair. All next on "RELIABLE SOURCES".

WILLIS: Sounds like a great show. We'll look forward to that.

The future is bright for some Washington area students, and their families are filled with pride.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I see him stepping into wonderful, wonderful adventures in life and greatness, and into depths of everything of the American dream.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WILLIS: Dreams do come true and these students are ready for the road ahead. Their story coming up next on CNN LIVE SUNDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WILLIS: Welcome back. Nine lucky students in the nation's capital got the surprise of a lifetime when a prize patrol came to their public high schools to award them full scholarships to one of the nation's best universities. Kathleen Koch reports on some of the chosen few.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A price patrol on the prowl of Washington, D.C. public high schools...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is Baba (ph) available?

KOCH: ...seeking nine seniors who hit the academic jackpot, full scholarships to George Washington University worth nearly $200,000 each.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to thank all of my teachers that helped me.

STEVE TRACHTENBERG, PRESIDENT, GW: My name is Steve Trachtenberg...

KOCH: Presentations by GW's president at Bannaker High School may have had a game show quality.

TRACHTENBERG: Miss Thou Han Tren (ph), Crystal (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

KOCH: But he made clear the university has serious expectations.

TRACHTENBERG: We expect that they're going to work their tails off, and graduate at the absolute top of their class.

KOCH: Twenty thousand students applied for the scholarships. They are awarded every year by the university based on grades, SAT scores, community service and other achievements.

Saba Fassil came to the United States two years ago from Ethiopia and plans to study medicine.

SABA FASSIL, STUDENT: I feel blessed. I feel excited.

TAWANA EDWARDS, SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: She does want to become a medical doctor. She's been saying that since she was three years old almost since she could speak.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Charles Conway.

KOCH: Charles Conway has spent his teens years living with his great aunt who is already putting five other children through college.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just praise God for this blessing.

CHARLES CONWAY, SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: I'm speechless really.

KOCH: Charles had limited his search to small, inexpensive colleges until a teacher passed on valuable advice.

CONWAY: I shouldn't worry about the money right now just focus on applying and getting into school and then the money will come.

KOCH: With this money comes limitless opportunity for the self described scholar, athlete who hopes to go to law school.

FANNIE SINGLETARY, CHARLES' GREAT AUNT: I see him stepping into wonderful, wonderful adventures in life and greatness to depths of everything of the American dream.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you so much.

KOCH: And on a day full of surprises.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I wasn't expecting this at all. My mom had kept the secret pretty well.

KOCH: Dreams and reality don't seem so far apart.

Kathleen Koch, CNN Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: That's it for CNN LIVE SUNDAY. Up next, "RELIABLE SOURCES" with Howard Kurtz.

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 10, 2005 - 11:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
GERRI WILLIS, CNN ANCHOR: It's 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 on the West.
Hello, and welcome, I'm Gerri Willis at CNN's global headquarters.

Ahead this hour, as cardinals celebrate mass and turn their attention to the papal election, they're not talking to the media.

Tiger Woods is on a roll. We'll have a live report from Augusta National.

And George Washington? Well, sort of. Helps give away at least part of the American dream. But first, top stories "Now in the News."

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is on his way to the United States for a visit with President Bush. The two men are scheduled to meet tomorrow at the president's Texas ranch.

The Israeli leader is hoping for a political boost from Mr. Bush for his plan to remove Jewish settlements from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. The plan is drawing stiff opposition in Israel. A live report from CNN's Elaine Quijano straight ahead.

And Japan is calling on China to protect its citizens in that country as anti-Japanese demonstrations spread. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in several Chinese cities. The demonstrators are angry over Japan's bid to win a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Many Chinese also accused Japan of trying to cover up its atrocities in China during World War II.

And an Iraqi group claims it has kidnapped a Pakistani diplomat. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry says the diplomat failed to return home after Saturday evening prayers at a Baghdad mosque. CNN has not been able to confirm the claim.

And a strong earthquake has struck off Indonesia's Sumatra Island, triggering new tsunami fears, but so far no tsunami warnings are in place. Today's quake had a magnitude of 6.8, that according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Several aftershocks are also reported.

Now are going to be looking soon here at live pictures of St. Peter's Square. Another mass marking the ninth day of mourning for Pope John Paul II is under way this hour at the Vatican. But for hundreds of people gathered under rainy skies in St. Peter's Square, there is something missing.

For more than two decades, Pope John Paul II would read his Angelus message and bless the crowds gathered outside the basilica on Sunday. Now his window remain shuttered. And visitors describe the square as sad and empty. One visiting priest said he takes comfort in Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger's funeral sermon. Ratzinger said the Holy Father will still bless the people from his window in the sky.

Selection of the next pope will begin April 18th when eligible cardinals meet in a conclave. In the meantime there's plenty of speculation over possible candidates, but as CNN's Jim Bittermann reports, a code of silence is being enforced at the Vatican.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JIM BITTERMANN, CNN INT'L CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As the processional chant began for the evening mass in St. Peter's directly over the newly sealed tomb of Pope John Paul II, it was not just another mass of mourning for him; it was also being carefully watched for clues to who his successor might be.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (speaking Italian)

BITTERMANN: From now on, the words and deeds of those who will select the next pope will be closely examined.

Saturday's celebrate was Cardinal Francesco Marquesano (ph). He recounted stories of the pope's humility, humility and pastoral qualities. Were those the criteria he was suggesting for the next pope?

He concluded by saying future popes should continue down the same path as John Paul. Did that mean the same theological path or was he suggesting the next pope should be media savvy or and travel a lot.

There is now way of telling and maybe less so in come days, since the Vatican press office announced the cardinals unanimously voted for a self-imposed gag rule, to stop those who might be tempted to propagate the views through the media. Reporters, the Vatican spokesman said, should respect the cardinal's silence.

JOAQUIN NAVARRO-VALLS, VATICAN SPOKESMAN (through translator): It's not a legally binding ban, if you like, but it is a request on their behalf. It is not set in stone.

BITTERMANN: Still, with no pope in charge there could be no disciplinary measures for anyone who might break the vow of silence. Hours after it was agreed some cardinals were already informally talking to the press.

And after 26 years under the leadership of one absolute monarch, several in recent days have seemed quite willing to express their own views.

(on camera): Vatican spokesmen also reported that two cardinals are too sick to attend the conclave, meaning 115 will be on hand for the papal election and that it would take 77 votes to be elected the next pope.

Jim Bittermann, CNN, Rome.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is scheduled to meet tomorrow with one of his key allies, President Bush. The Israeli leader is now on his way to Mr. Bush's Texas ranch. And when he meets with the president, Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank are expected to top the agenda. CNN's Elaine Quijano is with us now from Crawford, Texas.

Welcome, Elaine.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hello to you, Gerri.

That's right, this would be the first time that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon will visit President Bush in Crawford. As you mentioned, the prime minister left this morning and is due to arrive here in Texas later today.

Now on the top of the agenda, as you mentioned, when the two leaders meet tomorrow, Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank. It was last year that Prime Minister Sharon stood side by side with President Bush in the Rose Garden at the White House and that plan was discussed. Critics called it a unilateral move on Sharon's part, but President Bush, at that time, made quite clear that he backed the idea, saying he believed it was an opportunity to move ahead in the peace process.

Now, the withdrawal is set for July and would involve dismantling more than 20 Jewish settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. Now, Ariel Sharon is facing enormous political pressure for his idea, especially from Jewish settlers, who don't want to leave their homes. Sharon will be looking for President Bush to reaffirm his endorsement of that withdrawal plan.

But complicating the picture, of course, President Bush is expected to come down on Mr. Sharon for expanding -- or plans to expand Jewish settlements. Now, the president said just a couple of days ago that both sides have obligations in the Mideast peace process and the so-called road map for peace that President Bush envisioned. The president has said this quite often, he envisions two states living side by side in peace, Israelis and Palestinians.

The President Bush says as part of that road map for peace, Israel must freeze settlement activity. Now at the same time, President Bush says that he will also urge Ariel Sharon to work closely with the Palestinian government, with Mahmoud Abbas, specifically, the Palestinian president.

But the president very mindful of the fact that there are criticisms that perhaps Mahmoud Abbas is not doing enough to dismantle terrorist organizations, terrorist groups, a delicate balance for the U.S. president, but a lot certainly at stake for Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. A significant meeting set to take place tomorrow -- Gerri.

WILLIS: Elaine, a lot at stake, as you say. How does Sharon's visit fit into President Bush's foreign policy agenda?

QUIJANO: Taking a step back from all of this, this is right in line with what the president has talked about. We heard this at the State of the Union Address, the president very much believes in the transforming power of democracy. There have been elections in the Palestinian territories. And the president very much wants to see an atmosphere grown in the Middle East where democratic institutions are allowed to thrive.

And as part of that, Ariel Sharon's fitting into all of this, is that they would like to see an orderly withdrawal take place, so that when that takes place, there will, in fact, be an environment created so that institutions are allowed to get established, and eventually what President Bush would like to see is that Palestinian people are then governing themselves and are autonomous in that particular area, and perhaps can spread, and some kind of eventual peaceful resolution can be worked out in that particular area -- Gerri.

WILLIS: Elaine Quijano, thank you so much for that.

As the Israeli prime minister travels to the United States, the settlement issue remains a flashpoint for protesters back in Israel. Thousands of Israeli police have encircled Jerusalem's old city to keep Israeli ultra-nationalists away from a holy site and to prevent protests by Palestinians. More than two dozen Israeli demonstrates were arrested earlier today as their protests against the Gaza withdrawal quickly fizzled.

In the war on terror, the Treasury Department is reportedly looking for ways to gain access to international banking records. "The New York Times" reports the government believes the records will help to track and deter money transfers made by potential terrorists and the groups that finance them.

April 19th will mark 10 years since the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City, and Congress is being asked to commemorate that moment of domestic terrorism by declaring the week of April 17th a National Week of Hope.

Recently the city's memorial museum received the axle from the Ryder truck used in the blast. We have more from Kevin Tomitch, of our affiliate KOCO in Oklahoma City.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KEVIN TOMITCH, REPORTER, KOCO NEWS (voice-over): Since that moment, nearly a decade ago, change has been the constant at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can feel something in the air when you come out here.

TOMITCH: First-time visitor Jerry Grier instantly grasped the sadness of what the memorial reflects.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's nice to have a tribute to what happened, and I hope it never happens again.

TOMITCH: The next chapters of what happened weighed 600 pounds, and nearly nothing. The back axle, a fragment of the truck's box, and license plate from McVeigh's Ryder truck.

KARI WATKINS, OKC NATIONAL MEMORIAL: We knew this was the perfect place for it.

TOMITCH: But getting the pieces into place took long negotiations of Ryder and five years of reminding the FBI.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Saying, when this is all over we would like for it to come here to Oklahoma City and not just go into a warehouse. But of course, I'm sure everybody thought we were crazy in Washington.

TOMITCH: The transport dolly scratches to the box and tiny initials are also part of the story. They're leftovers from the FBI investigation when the ammonium nitrate turned up in the evidence.

WATKINS: It begins to tell the story of the investigation and how it was resolved. And it was important, I think, to show that there are consequences to people's actions. And so as people think about doing -- making bad choices they realize that this piece really did lead to the arrest of Timothy McVeigh.

TOMITCH: With another part in its rightful place, there's another reason to return, to remember, and to pray that...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That it never happens again.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: That report from Kevin Tomitch from CNN affiliate KOCO in Oklahoma City.

Blizzard like conditions in part of the U.S. in April? It's true. We'll show you where just ahead.

Plus, Tiger Woods on the path to victory? He's taken charge at the Masters. We're going to have a live report on that. And these students hit the jackpot in education. Their secret to success, that's also coming ahead. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WILLIS: Welcome back. If you love watching the best golfers in the world tee it up at August, today's the day. Rain earlier in the week means the leaders will play 27 holes today to decide the Masters tournament.

Who's in the hunt for the green jacket? Well, let's check in on the action at the season's first major. Patrick Snell is in Augusta.

And, Patrick, after a soggy start I hear it's beautiful again today.

PATRICK SNELL, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Gerri. Welcome back to Augusta.

Yes, fantastic sunshine, and that's been par for the course, if you'll forgive the pun, over the last couple of days. And thousands still pouring onto the course here at Augusta National, and they're all coming to see -- maybe -- Tiger Woods win his first major in 11 attempts.

Now, the world No. 2 really got back into contention during Saturday. He started Saturday at 2 over par, but he pretty rapidly went to 9 under. That was an 11-shot swing. He shot a 66 during the second round, and then went one better Sunday with a 65 completing the third round.

Resuming with a flurry of birdies, and that meant seven straight, in total, over the last couple of days, tying Steve Pate's record in '99, for the most consecutive birdies. It also ties the record for most birdies over three straight rounds, 19 in total, a quite staggering amount.

Woods 11 under par now for the championship, three clear of his fellow American, Chris DiMarco. Now, of course, Woods still has some way to go if he is to surpass the legendary Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors. But he could reach the halfway point, of course, later today.

The Golden Bear announcing yesterday that this was probably his last major. It had been an emotional buildup to this one, of course, following the tragic death of his 17-month-old grandson, but a 9 over par total meant that Nicklaus missed the cut, and he's saying almost certainly that he won't be around to play in the Masters next year. I do understand he could well play in the British Open in St. Andrew's, Scotland later this year in July, in fact, the venue for two of his British Open triumphs. But potentially a very sad day for Jack Nicklaus -- Gerri.

WILLIS: Yes, Patrick, a very emotional day for Nicklaus and Nicklaus fans.

But I've got to ask you, Tiger, boy, he seems to have the old stuff all over again. Who's challenging him?

SNELL: Well, Chris DiMarco, basically, was the man of the moment over the two and a half days here. And he had a 5-shot lead beginning Sunday morning, but he really did almost kind of go to pieces. He'd stressed yesterday that he wasn't going to give this one away, that someone would have to come out and shoot mid-60s again to try and wrestle it away from him.

But he began Sunday and he gave up five shots, shooting a 74, which is not really the kind of score you're looking for on the final day. He's 3 shots back. There are still 18 holes left. The chances are now he'll play a little more relaxed golf, the constraint's off, if you like. He's playing catch-up with Tiger. Maybe now Tiger has it all to lose. We shall see -- Gerri.

WILLIS: Patrick, thanks for that. You're going to have a long day out there, I'm sure.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WILLIS: Here's a check of other "News Across America". They remembered Matt Maupin in southern Ohio this weekend. The Army reservist has been missing since his convoy was ambushed one year ago, yesterday, in Iraq. He was seen on videotape a week after his capture. The Army promoted him to sergeant earlier this month.

And separate searches continue this weekend in Pennsylvania for a missing couple. Friends looked for the pair in Marlton and Philadelphia. Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone were last seen at a Philadelphia restaurant in February.

Brad Pitt, Al Pacino and Tom Hanks will hit MTV and other networks to get people involved in anti-poverty efforts. "The One" campaign ads want people to call on Congress to spend 1 percent of the U.S. budget on fighting international poverty and AIDS.

Finally, proof you can find anything at all at Wal-Mart. Beverly McCutchen (ph) and Glen Hawkins (ph) got married at a suburban Albany, New York Wal-Mart yesterday. McCutchen (ph) works there as a cashier. Her co-worker friends couldn't get the day off, so she had the ceremony right there at the store.

CNN's "RELIABLE SOURCES" is coming up on the half hour. Howard Kurtz is here with a preview -- Howard.

HOWARD KURTZ, HOST, RELIABLE SOURCES: Thanks, Gerri.

And all-star lineup ahead on our program this morning. Frank Rich of "The New York Times", CNN's Jeff Greenfield and Peggy Wehmeyer, former religion reporter for ABC News. We'll talk about the coverage of the death of the pope. Was it overdone or were the media just following the huge crowds in Rome?

And changes at ABC News, Ted Koppel says he's leaving and Peter Jennings now stepping aside while he battles cancer. What's ahead for ABC and the rest of network news?

And the newlywed Prince Charles and the press -- not exactly a love affair. All next on "RELIABLE SOURCES".

WILLIS: Sounds like a great show. We'll look forward to that.

The future is bright for some Washington area students, and their families are filled with pride.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I see him stepping into wonderful, wonderful adventures in life and greatness, and into depths of everything of the American dream.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WILLIS: Dreams do come true and these students are ready for the road ahead. Their story coming up next on CNN LIVE SUNDAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WILLIS: Welcome back. Nine lucky students in the nation's capital got the surprise of a lifetime when a prize patrol came to their public high schools to award them full scholarships to one of the nation's best universities. Kathleen Koch reports on some of the chosen few.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A price patrol on the prowl of Washington, D.C. public high schools...

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Is Baba (ph) available?

KOCH: ...seeking nine seniors who hit the academic jackpot, full scholarships to George Washington University worth nearly $200,000 each.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want to thank all of my teachers that helped me.

STEVE TRACHTENBERG, PRESIDENT, GW: My name is Steve Trachtenberg...

KOCH: Presentations by GW's president at Bannaker High School may have had a game show quality.

TRACHTENBERG: Miss Thou Han Tren (ph), Crystal (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

KOCH: But he made clear the university has serious expectations.

TRACHTENBERG: We expect that they're going to work their tails off, and graduate at the absolute top of their class.

KOCH: Twenty thousand students applied for the scholarships. They are awarded every year by the university based on grades, SAT scores, community service and other achievements.

Saba Fassil came to the United States two years ago from Ethiopia and plans to study medicine.

SABA FASSIL, STUDENT: I feel blessed. I feel excited.

TAWANA EDWARDS, SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: She does want to become a medical doctor. She's been saying that since she was three years old almost since she could speak.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Charles Conway.

KOCH: Charles Conway has spent his teens years living with his great aunt who is already putting five other children through college.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just praise God for this blessing.

CHARLES CONWAY, SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: I'm speechless really.

KOCH: Charles had limited his search to small, inexpensive colleges until a teacher passed on valuable advice.

CONWAY: I shouldn't worry about the money right now just focus on applying and getting into school and then the money will come.

KOCH: With this money comes limitless opportunity for the self described scholar, athlete who hopes to go to law school.

FANNIE SINGLETARY, CHARLES' GREAT AUNT: I see him stepping into wonderful, wonderful adventures in life and greatness to depths of everything of the American dream.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you so much.

KOCH: And on a day full of surprises.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I wasn't expecting this at all. My mom had kept the secret pretty well.

KOCH: Dreams and reality don't seem so far apart.

Kathleen Koch, CNN Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIS: That's it for CNN LIVE SUNDAY. Up next, "RELIABLE SOURCES" with Howard Kurtz.

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