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Prism

Provincial Political Rivals Resort To Violence In The Philippines, 21 Are Kidnapped, Raped, Murdered As They Try To File Candidacy Papers

Aired November 23, 2009 - 12:00   ET

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

STAN GRANT, CNN INT'L. ANCHOR, PRISM (voice over): At least 21 people are massacred in pre-election violence in the Philippines.

Saudi Arabia's show of force, the country parades its security ahead of the Hajj.

And in tonight's "Prism Segment" Mahmoud Ahmadinejad heads to Brazil. Is the Iranian president seeking new legitimacy in Latin America?

From CNN Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates, this is PRISM, where we take a story and look at it from multiple perspectives. I'm Stan Grant.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo says no effort will be spared in tracking down those responsible for the kidnapping and killing of at least 21 people. As Maria Ressa tells us the slaughter in the south has ominous political overtones.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARIA RESSA, CNN INT'L. CORRESPONDENT: This is a story about election, violence and media. Early this morning about 40 people in the southern Philippines, most of them women, about half of them journalists, set out to file the certificate of candidacy of a politician who wanted to run for provincial governor in Maguindanao, in the May 2010 elections.

While they went out on the main road they were surrounded by about 100 armed men, whom the military claims were followers of a rival politician. They were kidnapped and brought to a mountainous area in Maguindanao, there the military claims they were tortured, perhaps raped, perhaps beheaded. The man who wanted to run for governor, now the incumbent vice mayor, Totu (ph) Mangudadatu, claimed that precisely he sent women in his family because he was warned that if he went he would be kidnapped.

He pinpointed his political rival on television, a member of the powerful Ampatuan Clan, which has long controlled this part of the southern Philippines. The armed forces of the Philippines confirms that 21 people are dead. They called this an escalation of violence between two rival politicians.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has condemned the violence and has called on the military to immediately restore law and order.

Maria Ressa, for CNN, Manila.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

GRANT: In Cambodia the wheels of justice are grinding closer to a conclusion, in the war crimes trial of a man known as Dutch. He ran the notorious S21 prison during the Khmer Rouge's four-year reign in the late `70s.

Closing arguments began today before the U.N. backed tribunal in Phnom Phen. Dutch is the highest-ranking member of the former regime to face charges of crimes against humanity. A verdict is expected by early next year.

A dissident who criticized the Chinese government's response to last years' earth quake in the Szechuan Province, has been sentenced to three years in prison. A district court convicted Wan Chi of illegally possessing state secrets. A charge often used in cases against activists. Wan was arrested last June after posting the complaints on his web site. He also questioned the construction standards of schools that were destroyed in the earthquake.

It is not the first time his web site has landed him in jail. Wan spent five years in prison for publishing politically sensitive articles on his web site.

NATO's boss is embarking on a mission of his own. The secretary general wants alliance members to boost their forces in Afghanistan. And it is thought Rasmussan (ph) wants more troops, equipment and funding for training of Afghanistan troops. Such requests have fallen on deaf ears, in the past.

At the same time the U.S. is weighting whether to send 10 of thousands more soldiers to the war zone. The president meets with his security team later, to discuss that proposal.

Gilad Shalit's three-year imprisonment at the hands of Hamas, could soon be over. Negotiators are discussing a prisoner swap in Cairo. The talks may be a promising sign, but Israel's prime minister won't call it a done deal. Ben Wedeman joins us from CNN Cairo with more on the negotiations.

And, Ben, we are talking about Gilad Shalit, we are also talking about thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. What is going to be involved in this swap?

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SR. INT'L. CORRESPONDENT: Well, it is a fairly complicated swap. Basically the Palestinians are hoping that as many as 450 to 470 Palestinian prisoners, out of 10,000 will be released in exchange for the release of Gilad Shalit, who was captured by Palestinian militants in June of 2006.

Now, according to some reports coming out of Israel, really, the point of difference is just one name on the Palestinian list. Now, today, Mahmoud Zahar and other leaders of the Hamas movement, came from Gaza. They are in Cairo now meeting with Omar Sulaiman, who is the head of Egyptian intelligence. Yesterday, Shimon Perez, the Israeli president was here meeting with Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, and apparently most of their conversation was dominated by progress in the deal.

The Israelis, the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is saying there is not deal yet. It is going to be debated in the Knesset or the Israeli parliament, and then put a vote in the Israeli cabinet. So, there does seem to be progress, but we should be cautious here, Stan, because this is not the first time where all these different parties have said a deal is close. They have almost made a deal and then it only falls apart at the last moment. So, there is still a lot of caution mixed with some of this optimism, Stan.

GRANT: Ben, thank you for that. Ben Wedeman, joining us live, there, from Cairo.

Now, in today's "Prism Segment" Iran seeks support in South America. As it becomes increasingly isolated by the West, over its nuclear ambitions. We start in Brazil, where Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived today for his first-ever visit.

But not everyone in Brazil welcomed him with open arms. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on a Rio de Janeiro beach to protest Mr. Ahmadinejad. His repeated denials of the Holocaust, along with his anti- Israel and anti-homosexual rhetoric.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHEL GHERMAN, PROTEST LEADER (through translator): To protest against the visit of Ahmadinejad is not only a protest against his presence, but a protest for Brazil. Ahmadinejad represents anti-democracy, we represent democracy. Ahmadinejad represents a lack of religious freedom. Brazil represent the freedom of religion. Ahmadinejad represents the denial of the Holocaust; Brazil has a commitment to the legacy of the holocaust.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRANT: Now, Brazil's President Ignacio De Lulu DeSilva calls it an honor to receive Mr. Ahmadinejad. He defended Iran's nuclear program, and called for increased diplomacy, saying, "There is no point in leaving Iran isolated. It is important that some one sits down with Iran, talks establish some balance, so that the Middle East can return to a certain sense of normalcy.

Iran's president is also visiting Bolivia, and Venezuela, where he counts Hugo Chavez as a close ally. Let's to what Chavez had to say, following protests at Ahmadinejad's reelection, this past June.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HUGO CHAVEZ, PRESIDENT OF VENEZUALA: Today I talked with the president of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to let him know of our solidarity with him in the face of the attack that he is coming under from world capitalism. And he said, don't' worry president, we will overcome the situation. And I don't doubt it, in Shala (ph).

(END VIDEO CLIP)

GRANT: Now compare that to U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who earlier this year said, "I'm more concerned about Iranian meddling in the region than I am the Russians. I'm concerned about, frankly, subversive activity that the Iranians are carrying on in a number of places in Latin America."

While Mr. Ahmadinejad visits South America, Iran's armed forces launched a new round of war games. The five-day drill began Sunday and is aimed at protecting Iran's nuclear facilities from attack. Military leaders, there, boasted they can deter any potential military strike by Israel.

Well, will Latin America give Iran the political legitimacy it seeks? Let's ask Doctor Alireza Nourizadeh; he is a senior researcher and director of the Center for Arab and Iranian Studies, in London.

Let's take look at Brazil, first of all, here. Now, there is much to be gained. They want to increase their trade with Iran, from $2 billion to $15 billion. There is potential nuclear cooperation, a lot of uranium reserves deposits in Brazil as well. But I a lot of criticism of inviting Ahmadinejad, is this a wise move?

DR. ALIREZA NOURIZADEH, CENTER FOR ARAB & IRANIAN STUDIES: Well, I think, as far as the Brazilian concern, I mean, they are looking to Iran as a country with a huge capacity to provide oil, crude oil, and other commodities for Brazil. And also, Iranians looking at Brazil as one of the best partners they would ever have. Because since Iran lost Canada, after the killing of Canadian-Iranian Journalist Zaro Causa (ph), in Iran, Iran was always looking for a partner.

I think Brazil is the best one. A developed country with a successful economic program, and also, an industrial country, which can provide Iran with tools, machinery, which has been deprived to find it in any other place. Therefore, it is a natural interest. And they both are looking forward to expanding their relations.

GRANT: Let's look at these joint interests that they have. Now, Iran, obviously is about regime survival. It is not just developing relationships with Brazil, but other countries in Latin America, also, China, also Russia. Is what Iran is trying to do here is create a counter to Western influence, particularly from the United States?

NOURIZADEH: Absolutely. Let's go back to `60s, when President Jalab Abdu Nasr of Egypt, when he was confronting the West, and the United States. Looking for partners, all over the place, Russia, China, Latin America. Iran is in the same position. Ahmadinejad lacks legitimacy inside Iran, millions of Iranians, they don't recognize him as their president. They believe that Mr. Mousavi was the winner in the elections.

Therefore, Ahmadinejad is seeking legitimacy outside Iran. First of all, he was hoping to have that kind of legitimacy by having talks with the United States. But unfortunately, that project failed, because Ayatollah Khamenei is not convinced it is in the interest of the Iran to have good relations with United States. Even to open up to the United States.

Now, Brazil, of course, Ahmadinejad is looking for legitimacy. If he comes back with a big deal, and let's not forget that Ahmadinejad has got a strategic relations Chavez. Iran paid $700 million to buy and island in Venezuela where they are building all kinds of military bases. It is crazy, but they are doing it. And then also with Bolivia, and now Brazil. So, therefore, we should look from that point of view, that Ahmadinejad has that if he manages to get a country like Brazil to welcome him and President of Brazil, as you mentioned, looking forward to having good relations with Iran, he would go back to Iran and tell the Iranian people, listen, you do not recognize me, but look at the world.

GRANT: OK.

NOURIZADEH: This is what is happening.

GRANT: OK, but Brazil is not the United States. And ultimately, the United States is going to continue to try to apply pressure to Iran. Is it going to be enough to develop those relationships to be able to stand up to the United States, to continue to refuse to accede to what the United States wants?

NOURIZADEH: No, I mean, up 'til now, besides Russia and China, most of Iran's allies were, you know, third, middle, these kinds of country, as far as their weight, is concerned in the international community. Syria, Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Gambia, these sort of countries. A country like Brazil, that's very important, which is in Latin America, close to United States, politically and economically. And such a major power in Latin America. So, it would be very, very important for Ahmadinejad. That is why he is taking with him huge numbers of aids and advisors to Brazil. And he is aiming, his aim, and he is hoping to have certain agreements in the area of industry and oil and gas and petrochemicals, with Brazil.

GRANT: Doctor, thank you very much for sharing your insights with us. Doctor Alireza Nourizadeh, the senior researcher and director at the Center for Arab and Iranian Studies in London.

And as he was pointing out there, a lot of trade, also, between Brazil and Iran. They are looking to increase it to about $15 billion. And there are 200 businessmen traveling on this trip as well, with Ahmadinejad.

Now, we want to know from you, what do you think of this? Is this a wise move for Brazil, given all the criticism that it is attracting for this visit. Send your thoughts to my Twitter account. That is StanGrantCNN.

Well, the ousted president of Honduras is making a plea to leaders across the Americas, asking them to reject upcoming elections. The Associated Press reports that Manuel Zelaya sent a letter asking presidents across the region to support his government. The letter warned that democracy and stability were at risk, if the election goes ahead. Sunday's poll would choose a new president to take office in January.

Millions of pilgrims from across the globe descending on Mecca. We'll have an update on the final preparations for the Hajj, and also a look at the tight security.

Then it is not quite the running of the bulls, but these four legged stars certainly cause some excitement. We'll explain.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRANT: Welcome back. Millions of Muslims are making their way toward Mecca, right now. The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially begins Wednesday, but Saudi officials are already busy with plans to protect pilgrims from rising security threats. Now, Isha Sesay is in Mecca now to tell us all about it --Isha.

ISHA SESAY, CNN INT'L. CORRESPONDENT: Hi, there, Stan. Yes, as custodians of Islam's holiest site, Saudi authorities face the massive task of organizing the Hajj. And they say they are leaving nothing to chance.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SESAY (voice over): Parading their military might for all the world to see. Just days before the Hajj this show of force by Saudi security personnel, broadcast live on Saudi television and the message accompanying the images is loud and clear.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We reject anything that violates the sanctity of the occasion and this place. And everybody knows that we deal with those who tamper with the Hajj security with total force and resolve.

SESAY: Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from all across the world come together in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia has been targeted by terrorists in the past.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We have foiled hundreds of plots in recent years.

SESAY: Giving rise to scenes like this. Security personnel ringing the perimeter of Islam's holiest site, the Mastid Al Quaram (ph), or Grand Mosque, the whole time highly visible and on high alert. A recently erected security post is nearby in the event of any unrest in the vicinity. Security is also tight at nearby sacred sites. Saudi authorities say they have deployed more than 100, 000 security personnel for this year's Hajj, a higher figure than in previous years. They are aided by 1,800 close circuit security cameras, positioned to observe every stage of the pilgrimage.

The entire operation is being overseen by a 24 hour command center in Minnah (ph). The pilgrims we spoke to expressed confidence in the security measures.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have not seen anything out of the ordinary. I think everything is controlled.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Everything is controlled.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): Everything is perfectly fine. We feel perfectly safe.

ISAY: But accompanying this year's Hajj, are heightened fears of unrest, involving Iranian Shiite pilgrims due to recent terse exchanges between officials from both countries. A point put Saudi Arabia's minister of interior.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): We heard conflicting messages from Iran in the past. But we appreciate the latest positive messages by Iranian officials visiting the country. We hope that no unwanted incidents happen during the Hajj season.

SESAY: Cross border skirmishes with Yemeni separatists are also a concern for Saudi officials. The Hooti (ph) rebels are seeing autonomy for their region in northern Yemen. Saudi Arabia says it is trying to force a buffer zone around its border. According to local media reports, at least three Saudi soldiers have died in recent clashes in the Yemeni/Saud border area.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SESAY: Stan, Saudi authorities very aware that their security and logistics are under close scrutiny. Just a short time ago they held a run through of their emergency procedures for dealing with large cases of H1N1, all of this done in full view of the cameras. All of this to show they are completely prepared, Stan.

GRANT: Isha, thank you. Isha Sesay, joining us live there, from Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Well, the mayor of Cadz calls a halt to filming on Tom Cruise's latest project. Some dangers to the locals, is to blame, we'll explain that.

Much of the UK is still waterlogged and there is still more rain to come. We'll take a look at your worldwide weather picture. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

GRANT: Filming has been suspended on the latest Tom Cruise/Cameron Diaz project in Spain. Seven of their four-legged co-stars -bulls that is, escaped from the Cadz-based set Monday, slightly injuring at least two women. Cadz's mayor says there will be no more filming until the movie makers can guarantee the safety of local residents.

Looks a bit dangerous.

Time now for a look at the global weather pictures. Mary Ramos at the CNN Global Weather Center.

Hi, Mari.

MARI RAMOS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Hey, that was pretty scary, yes.

Let's take a look at the weather here for Europe. You know, what Stan, we were talking this last week, remember? About all of this rain that was expected across this northwestern corner of Europe. It has been significant rainfall.

Let's go ahead and roll the video first of all. This is what it looks like in the aftermath. All of this debris everywhere. It is going to take days and days to clean up all of this garbage that is left over. It used to be people's belongings, now it is just garbage because it has been ruined by this raging floodwaters from nearby rivers that burst their banks and filled this entire area. They are calling it a 1,000 year flood. In other words we will probably never see anything like this again.

Really a disaster for the families and residents in this community. Come back over to the weather map over here. Let me just show you what has been going on. We have an area of low pressure with rain and strong winds. That one has moved one. Here comes our next weather system, with more rain, more wind that is going to be on the way.

There are flood advisories across some of these areas here, in Northern England, and also into southern parts of Scotland. Again, some of these same areas that were hard hit, could get an additional, up to 100 millimeters of additional rainfall, and that is significant. And that is going to be a concern. We are seeing also, some of that rain already, you can see that a little better over on our radar picture over here. That flow that continues to come off the Atlantic, very moist conditions, very mild weather; also hasn't really been that cold.

That rain, the heaviest rain, now stretching here from the Netherlands, through Germany, all the way down through Luxemburg, Belgium, and even into parts of France. That is where the heaviest weather is, so you are getting a bit of a break so to speak, across much of the UK. But round two will be coming in tomorrow. So be aware of that. Very windy also as we head across some of these areas, Stan. So, expect travel delays, stretching all across Northern Europe.

Southern Europe actually not doing to bad. We did get some heavy rain also across parts of Turkey. And this video is really quite spectacular and very sad for the people that were affected. Take a look this. This home, this building, filled with water, completely collapses, because of all of the heavy rain that they have had.

Can you imagine seeing all of your belongings just crushed like this? This is just one of several homes, Stan, several buildings that were affected by the heavy rain in this area. Lot of water still left over, but at least the rain in that part of Turkey is over, for now. Back to you.

GRANT: You can see from those pictures the exasperation of that man, watching everything he owns, just disappear. Terrible, just terrible sight.

Mari, thank you very much for that.

And that's it for me, Stan Grant, in Abu Dhabi. "VITAL SIGNS" coming up next after we update the headlines.

END