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World Powers Meet on Iran Nuclear Actitivites; First Female President in Africa Sworn In

Aired January 16, 2006 - 10:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And now on to the situation with Iran. Representatives from the U.S. and five other countries, including Russia and China, are meeting today to discuss what should be done about Iran's nuclear activities.
Last week Iranian officials announced their plan to resume nuclear research, despite opposition from the U.S. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says his country has a right to nuclear energy and that Iran is threatening an increase in oil prices if sanctions are imposed.

Our White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux joins us. She has the latest on today's meeting. Suzanne, hello.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, hello, Daryn.

Those meetings are taking place this morning in London, of course. On the ministerial level, we are told U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns, other U.S. officials, their counterparts from France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China -- what we're told, we'll get a read-out later this afternoon about the talks and what they've come up with.

But what they're saying now is that this is simply a strategy session to figure out whether or not the leaders of these key countries, many members of the U.N. Security Council, what they can support to force Iran to give up its nuclear program. This, of course, after talks broke down last week between European allies and Iran.

And this comes, of course, before an emergency session of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The decision whether or not they'll refer that to the U.N. Security Council for possible economic sanctions.

We heard from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on her way to Liberia, talking to reporters, saying that Iran is a company that is accustomed to a lot of inner change. People go back and forth. Lots of trade and economic relations. And they're putting a lot at risk here and I'm hoping they'll reconsider their options. She, of course, hoping that Iran will comply with international standards. Of course, talking about the possibility of economic sanctions.

Big question here, Daryn, of course, is whether or not these European allies are also going to be ready to move forward and take that kind of harsh action. We know that there are lucrative oil deals between Russia, China, Iran. Germany is the top exporter of goods to Iran. That is why members of Congress are backing this administration when they say they're keeping all of their options open, including the military one.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R), ARIZONA: There's only one thing worse than the United States exercising a military option. That is, a nuclear armed Iran. Now, military option is the last option, but cannot be taken off of the table.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: So Daryn, at the same time, administration officials say they are very early in the process here, early on that they are working the diplomatic solutions. And right now, today's meetings is simply getting those leaders together, trying to figure out what is the next step here, whether or not they're going to refer this to the U.N. Security Council throughout the International Atomic Energy Agency.

KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux, live at the White House. Suzanne, thank you.

We're still standing by waiting to hear if anyone was killed in the crash of another U.S. helicopter in Iraq today. The U.S. military says the helicopter was being used by the Army's Task Force Iron Horse. Witnesses tell Reuters News Agency that the aircraft came down after coming under rocket fire just north of Baghdad. U.S. commanders have warned of a possible increase in violence once the results of the parliamentary elections are finally announced, possibly this week.

And more potential problems surrounding the trial of Saddam Hussein. If you've been watching the proceedings, you probably recognize the man right there. He is the chief judge, Rizgar Amin. We're told he wants to step down from his post as chief judge and become just a regular judge with the tribunal. The Associated Press reports that Amin is fed up with criticism that he let the proceedings spin out of control. The head of the tribunal has to decide whether to accept that resignation.

And it might be hard to believe, but it's been 15 years since the Persian Gulf War. The U.S. invaded Iraq 15 years ago today. You might have been among the million whose watched the air attack unfold here on CNN. It was the first war captured live on television. The war was initiated after Iraq failed to withdraw its forces from Kuwait. The coalition campaign, which involved 39 countries, became known as Operation Desert Storm. Iraq conceded to a cease-fire about five weeks after this.

You might say today is the day of the woman. Two firsts in international politics. Africa swearing in its first elected female leader in Liberia this morning. And Chile also electing its first female president on Sunday. First to Africa, where Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf wore a traditional African headdress. As she took the oath of office this morning in Monrovia, she promised to unite the war-torn country, which was founded more than 150 years ago by freed American slaves. First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice were among the thousands attending the ceremony.

Jeff Koinage is in Monrovia, in Liberia, with this historic moment. Jeff, hello.

JEFF KOINANGE, CNN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT: Hello there, Daryn.

And it was indeed a historic moment. Not only Liberia's first ever woman elected president, but also all of Africa's. And they were out here showing their support. Folks -- dignitaries from around the world and around the continent. Like you mentioned, first -- U.S. First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, leading a high-powered U.S. delegation. Also, African heads of states, from Thabo Mbeki in South Africa to Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, here to show their support for Liberia's 23rd president.

And she said in her inaugural address, she will tackle various problems. She will tackle an economy that's all but devastated. And she will make corruption one of her -- fighting corruption one of her first agendas. She was definitely talking the talk at the end of the day. In 150 days, in which she pledged she was going to fulfill some her pledges. People are going to see whether she can walk the walk -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Jeff, what was it about this particular woman that allowed her to have this historic breakthrough and become the first elected leader in Africa as a women?

KOINANGE: Well, for one thing, she has very impressive credentials, having worked for the World Bank, Citibank, and the United Nations Development Program. She's a Harvard graduate. She has decades of experience, a very impressive resume, and she brings that to the front.

She says she's going to use all her connections, she's going to use all her expertise and she's going to have a team in place to make sure that Liberia never goes back to what it has come to. As you well know, 14 years of a devastating civil war that claimed upwards of 200,000 lives. She wants this to be the day that Liberia turns the corner, Daryn.

KAGAN: Well, and as you point out, she has her work cut out for her. Thanks for bringing us this historic day from Monrovia, Liberia. Jeff, Koinange. Jeff, thank you.

And now to South America, where a lot of people in Chile -- they're stunned over the election of their first female leader. Michelle Bachelet is the first woman to be elected president in Chile. She's a socialist single mother, jailed during General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship. Bachelet beat out a conservative wealthy businessman with 53 percent of the vote. She's a pediatrician who served as health minister and defense minister in Chile's last administration.

The White House apparently taking steps to help seniors left without their drugs after a change in prescription benefits. We're going to bring you what's being done, ahead on CNN LIVE TODAY.

Plus, we are going to glam it up a bit and head to Hollywood. Our Sibila Vargas has staked out her spot on the red carpet for tonight's Golden Globe Awards.

That's not what you're wearing tonight, Sibila.

SIBILA VARGAS, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: No, that is not what I'm wearing tonight. But I'll tell you, Daryn, I'm almost tempted, because if it stays as cold as it is right now, I just might. But the stars will be making their way down the red carpet and I'll give you all some highlights. That's when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: And these pictures just into us here at CNN from Cairo, Egypt. Vice President Dick Cheney arriving there. He is on a quick tour of the Mideast, a tour that will include Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. This were -- Egypt and Saudi Arabia were supposed to be part of Cheney's trip that he took last month. He was in Iraq and Afghanistan, but he ended up coming home early to take part in -- to cast a tie-breaking vote in the U.S. Senate.

And as we move on back here in the U.S., a change to the controversial new Medicare drug plans. According to today's "New York Times," the Bush administration delivered a directive over the weekend to help insurers that signed up to provide prescriptions under the new plan. The directive is supposed to provide at least a 30-day supply of any drug, a beneficiary was taking, and make sure the drugs are supplied to low-income people at a lower rate. This comes after several states declared public health emergencies, according to the "Times" report. Tens of thousands were unable to get the medicines they needed.

(MARKET REPORT)

(NEWSBREAK)

KAGAN: It could be a big night for one of Hollywood's leading men. George Clooney, looking to take home trophies tonight for his work in front of an behind the camera. We are live from the red carpet with a preview of the Golden Globe Awards when CNN LIVE TODAY continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: And let's talk the Golden Globe Awards. They start tonight. will happen tonight in Hollywood, film and television, and quite a party, because there's more than just good spirits flowing.

While we're watching live on television, here's Sibila Vargas to set the scene for us live from Beverly Hills. Hi, Sibila.

VARGAS: Hi.

Well preparations are definitely under way. People are just working all around me. It's kind of windy, I'll be honest wit you. There was a sign that was up that had the Golden Globes, and that fell over yesterday. So just to give you an indication of how cold it is out here and brisk it is, the wind is, it's interesting. It's going to be interesting to see the stars walk up and down the red carpet in their little gowns, and hopefully the ladies will be wearing thermals underneath those long gowns, because it's pretty cold.

But of course the ladies of Wisteria Lane is what everybody is talking about. All four got nominations. All four of the leads. You got Eva Longoria getting a nomination this year. Of course last year some say that she was left out in the cold by the Hollywood Foreign Press, but not this year.

I recently spoke to Mark Sherry, and I know, Daryn, that you did as well. Mark Sherry, what a wonderful guy. He's the creator of "Desperate Housewives." Just a few years ago, he was broke. He had to oh borrow money from his mom, and boy, is he reaping the rewards now. I mean, 24 million viewers get to watch this show. He tried to sell it to five networks before ABC finally picked up "Desperate Housewives."

And, boy, like I said, they are reaping the rewards -- 24 million people tune in almost every Sunday night to see this show. So I mean, definitely it will be interesting to see the ladies walking down this red carpet. And who knows, maybe they'll walk down together. And we can't wait to see what they're going to be wearing, of course, because it's all about fashion.

Now, stealing their thunder may be the cowboys of "Brokeback Mountain," which of course has seven Golden Globe nominations, the most nominations of any film. Ang Lee got a best director nod as well as Heath Ledger for best actor. And Michelle Williams got a supporting actress nod. And I'm not sure if you know this, but Michelle Williams just recently had Heath Ledger's child. So of course they're going to be separating. It will be Interesting to see if they walk down the red carpet together.

Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: And to put nit perspective, what the Golden Globes are, it's fewer than a hundred people voting on all these awards, and yet, they have this kind of freaky track record of picking potential Oscar winners.

VARGAS: They sure do. And as a matter of fact, about 45 out of the 62 past winners of the Golden Globes have gone on to win Oscar gold. So it is a very good precursor. And also, two thirds of the actors and actresses that get Golden Globes end up winning Oscars, as well. So it's sort of like a crystal ball, in a way. KAGAN: Yes. Now, here's my tip for you for red carpet. You keep that coat handy. You put it over the gown, and then right before they come to you live, you take it off.

VARGAS: Take it off. OK. Will do.

KAGAN: All right. Have a great time tonight.

VARGAS: Thanks.

KAGAN: And it will be a big night for George Clooney. He is nominated for three Golden Globes this is year. CNN entertainment correspondent Brooke Anderson talked to Clooney about his work and what he thinks is important right now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BROOKE ANDERSON, CNN ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With three individual Golden Globe nominations for two different films, George Clooney just may be the man of the evening at this year's award ceremony on January 16.

The Edward R. Murrow drama "Good Night and Good Luck," which Clooney co-wrote, directed and co-starred in, earned him nominations for best director and best screenplay.

GEORGE CLOONEY, ACTOR: Why am I being investigated?

ANDERSON: And the political thriller "Syriana," which Clooney produced, won him a nomination for best supporting actor.

CLOONEY: If you started this time last year and said that at the end of the year, not only would we be getting some nominations but both films would be making money, we would have thought -- I have thought you're crazy.

ANDERSON: A crazy year, indeed, for the man who got his start as the heartthrob handy man in "The Facts of Life"...

CLOONEY: OK, let's see what we got.

ANDERSON: ... and as the handsome Dr. Ross on the TV drama "E.R." Twenty years, multiple TV projects and more than 20 films later, Clooney's career has evolved from struggling actor to multitasking movie mogul.

CLOONEY: The older I get, the more interested I am in other people's issues and trying to find out why they feel a specific way. So I think if I'm growing at all, it's just by being -- asking more questions.

ANDERSON: Both "Good Night" and "Syriana" raise topical political questions.

CLOONEY: I think that I'm curious as a filmmaker and as a human being and a citizen of the country. ANDERSON: And Clooney's Golden Globe nominations suggest the critics like what he's asking.

Brooke Anderson, CNN, Los Angeles.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Let's check some of the time around the country. It's just after 7:53 in Seattle, Washington. Just after 10:53 here in Atlanta, where friends and family are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Live pictures on -- from both places there for you. The coast to coast weather forecast is coming up after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: We're looking at live pictures from here in Atlanta, an eventually celebrating Martin Luther King Day. This is the 20th year that Americans mark the national holiday honoring the civil rights leader. This event is being held at Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church. That, by the way, is where Dr. King preached the last eight years of his life and where his mother was shot to death, actually, six years after his own assassination.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: So, are you ready to reverse the aging process with some huffing and puffing? Apparently you can. At least that's what two experts believe. We'll hear from them in the next hour.

Also ahead, an awards show guru joins me with more on tonight's Golden Globes, including predictions on some surprise winners you might want to watch out for.

The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins right now.

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