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NEWS STREAM

Dozens Dead in Sarin Gas Attack in Syria; Remembering Music Pioneer Ikutari Kakehashi; National Front Campaigning in French Heartland. Aired 8- 9a ET

Aired April 04, 2017 - 08:00   ET

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

[08:00:22] KRISTIE LU STOUT, HOST: Hello. I'm Kristie Lu Stout in Hong Kong. And we are following breaking news this hour, reports of a deadly

gas attack in northern Syria.

And a warning, the images coming to CNN are truly disturbing.

Let's go straight to Jomana Karadsheh who is following this from Amman, Jordan. She joins us now live. And Jomana, we've seen the horrific video.

It's been circulating online and on social media reportedly from the scene of this gas attack. What happened in Idlib?

JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kristie, we're still trying to piece together what happened in the town of Khanshahoun

(ph) in Idlib Province in northern Syria this morning according to multiple activist groups, Syrian opposition group, and the monitoring group the

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, they say that dozens were killed, the numbers range anywhere from 50 to 70 people who were killed and scores,

possibly hundreds of wounded as a result of asphyxiation after the exposure to some sort of an unknown poisonous gas or

a chemical agent according to these groups.

Now, what we do know according to one activist in that town, he told CNN that about 6:30 a.m. there was an air strike in the center of Khanshahoun

(ph) and that is when this poisonous gas attack took place, and he says five minutes later there were three more air strikes, but that they did not

include any type of poisonous gas or chemical agent.

As you mentioned, we have seen these really disturbing, horrific images, videos and photos that

have been circulating, purportedly showing the aftermath of the strike where we've seen people, including many children, being treated in

hospitals, you've seen people who are unresponsive, others who are struggling to breathe, some with oxygen masks, all these images circulating

from this attack.

And we've also heard from activists in Khanshahoun (ph) in the past hour or so saying that there

was an air strike that targeted or struck near one of the hospitals that was treating those who were impacted by this morning's attack.

And also, Kristie, we are hearing that some of those wounded are being transferred across the border into Turkey for treatment there.

LU STOUT: Jomana, who is behind this, is the Syrian regime responsible for this reported

gas attack?

KARADSHEH: Well, at this point it is unclear who is responsible for this attack, Kristie, but we are hearing from activists on the ground and also

from opposition groups, they are blaming the Syrian regime from this. We have not heard from the Syrian government yet, but they have repeatedly in

the past denied any involvement in the use of chemical -- chemicals or poisonous gas in attacks on

different civilian areas in Syria.

So we have to wait and see, but we're also hearing, Kristie, from the opposition groups who are

joined similarities to what we saw near Damascus in 2013 in the area of al- Ruta (ph), that horrific chemical attack where the United States at the time believed that more than 1,400 people had been killed in that chemical

attack.

But since then the Syrian regime reached an agreement with the international community where it destroyed its declared stockpiles of

chemical weapons, but since then, Kristie, there have been so many allegations of the use of poisonous gas, including chlorine, for

example, in different parts of the country. We saw that in the battle for Aleppo late last year, and also in recent weeks, in recent days,

there have been allegations of the use of these poisonous gas, like chlorine used as a chemical weapon as the Syrian opposition groups and

activists have claimed in recent days.

But we have not yet heard from the Syrian government, Kristie.

LU STOUT: That's right. And now we have today's incident. If confirmed, it would be one of the deadliest chemical attacks in the history of the now

six-year-long civil war in Syria. Jomana Karadsheh reporting for us live. Thank you, Jomana.

Now, right now investigators are scrambling to find a motive for the attack on the St. Petersburg metro. Now they say a suicide bomber detonated

explosives in a train carriage, killing at least 14 people and wounding dozens. Now, a three day mourning period has begun. And we're also seeing

new images of the aftermath.

It is a terrifying scene. You could hear people calling out as they frantically try to climb their way out of the train. And moments later the

camera pans over and victims are seen lying on the ground.

We are learning more about the background of the bombing suspect who officials say was born in Kyrgyzstan. Oren Liebermann is in St.

Petersburg. He joins us now.

And Oren, we have a suspect. He has been named. What more do we know about him?

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, Kristie, as you pointed out, the preliminary indication is this was a suicide bombing, and

that's coming from both the foreign ministers of Russia and Kyrgyzstan.

It was Kyrgyzstan security authorities who identified the suspect in this case, saying they believe this is the person who carried out this attack.

And named him as Akbarzhon Jalilov born in 1995, that makes him 21 or 22 years old. So, fairly young. A Kyrgyzstan native, but a Russian citizen

who authorities here say has been in St. Petersburg, in Russia, for a few years now.

Again, they say it was a suicide bombing, at least preliminarily.

There were some indications of that yesterday. This is the first official confirmation that that is the direction that this investigation is leading.

And that leads to a major question, because there was a second explosive device found. It hadn't detonated, but authorities found it and defused

it. It was one or two stops away from where the explosion did happen. So, if this was in fact a suicide bombing and that's where this investigation

leads, who was it that planted that second explosive device and who was supposed to set it off?

So, there are still a number of questions, but let's keep in mind this is right over 24 hours since this happened. So, we're still in the very early

stages of the investigation at this point - Kristie.

LU STOUT: And three days of mourning have been declared there in St. Petersburg, such a beautiful city with breathtaking architecture. For this

city to be hit by such an ugly, brutal blast, I mean, that must have shaken residents to the core there.

What has been some of the reaction you've come across?

LIEBERMANN: Absolutely. It was stunning yesterday and it is still stunning today.

They did open the metro station right here behind me. And this is one of two metro stations that surround where the explosion took place. That

surprised us, that it opened that quickly. And we saw that it was quite busy here from very early on.

But I would say most of the people who passed by, either on their way in or their way out, stopped at what has become a memorial here to either pay

respects in their own way with a moment of silence, or to lay down or light a candle or to lay down flowers. There are hundreds of candles and perhaps

thousands of flowers there.

But this isn't the only memorial. There's one more memorial at the second stop on the metro, the other side of where this explosion happened. And

there's one downstairs in the metro near the tunnel where this happened as well.

So, it is certainly an open wound at this point, and the citizens of St. Petersburg are still coming to grips with what has happened. But they are

very much trying to hang on to their daily life as they continue to work here.

LU STOUT: Oren Liebermann live in St. Petersburg for us. Thank you.

Now, let's get more on the Russian investigation from Matthew Chance. He joins us live from Moscow. And Matthew, a suspect has been named in this

suicide bombing. What more is the Kremlin saying about it?

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, they're not saying a great deal except pointing us in the direction of the FSB, which is

investigating this and is taking the lead along with Russian prosecutors to get to the bottom of it. The Kyrgyz foreign minister, though, happened to

be in town today meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in what normally would have been a pretty bland diplomatic meeting of course turned

into something much more than that.

And the Kyrgyz foreign minister found himself somewhat under the spotlight being bombarded with questions about the Kyrgyz national who is at the

center of this investigation.

And he said that he had been told by his national security council that it was a suicide bombing, but it was not clear yet what the motivation was.

And I'm paraphrasing him here, what the motivation was for this attack, or whether there were any links or affiliations with the ISIS militant group.

And so that was a bit of extra light that the Kyrgyz foreign minister managed to shine on the

opaque investigation that's being conducted right now in Russia.

LU STOUT: And the anticipated response from Vladimir Putin in the days and weeks to come. Could he use this attack in St. Petersburg to clamp down on

the opposition, on the protest movement in Russia?

CHANCE: Well, I mean, I think that's a bit of a leap at this point, but at the same time I think that in the past Russia has certainly used terrorist

atrocities like this one that it's been the victim of to tighten its security legislation, and that security legislation, which was meant

primarily to be focused on combating terrorism and extremism in that regard has been used to perhaps stifle opposition in other areas. And it's

certainly very possible in Russia for that to take place again, particularly when there is an upsurge, a spike, in opposition protests in

the country, which are motivated by an anti-corruption campaign against government officials.

At the same time, I think it's also possible that the wind maybe taken out of the sales of those opposition protesters.

I mean, this this is a time of national unity. It's at times like these that the popularity of Vladimir Putin and his tough stance against

terrorism really starts to rise to spectacular levels. It's at 80- something percent. It could go much higher.

And, again, it may take out some of the motivation from some of the large crows that we've seen gather in protest against official corruption in

Russia, at least for the time being.

So, it could work both ways, Kristie.

LU STOUT: Got you. And Matthew Chance, always appreciate your insight. Many thanks indeed. Matthew Chance reporting live from Moscow.

Now, the U.S. President Donald Trump called President Putin to express his condolences over the attack. And the White House says he offered Russia

the full support of the U.S. government. And earlier on Monday, Mr. Trump with Egypt's president to discuss the fight against terrorism there.

He struck a much different tone than former President Barack Obama who criticized the Egyptian leader's human rights record.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I just want to let everybody know in case there was any doubt that we are very much behind President el-

Sisi. We are rejuvenating our military to the highest level. I think in these times probably more than ever before or certainly almost more than

ever before. That's what we need. And I just want to say to you, Mr. president, that you have a great friend and ally in the United States and

in me.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LU STOUT: Now, that meeting with the Egyptian president, that marked the start of a big week for White House diplomacy. Now, President Trump will

also meet later this week with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A Trump adviser who is deeply involved in planning that meeting with China's president, Jared

Kushner. The U.S. president's son-in-law is taking an increasingly active role in White House diplomacy meeting with the Iraqi prime minister in

Baghdad on Monday to discuss the fight against ISIS.

Let's take you to Iraq now. Ben Wedeman joins us from Irbil. And Ben, we have seen these videos, these photos, of Jared Kushner in Iraq. What is

his overall objective there?

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: I think more than anything else, Kristie, it's an opportunity for the 36-year-old, Mr. Kushner, to see

a country he's never been to before: Iraq. He doesn't have any military or diplomatic experience, so - and there's a lot to learn.

This is a very, very complicated country, which has occupied many people full-time. And therefore, he met with Iraqi prime minister, Haider al-

Abai. He met with the defense minister and we understand he's on his way to northern Iraq where he will be meeting

Kurdish leaders and possibly also American service personnel serving in the fight against ISIS in Mosul.

And of course, beyond that, we understand that they're talking about an ongoing American commitment to support Iraq in the war against ISIS and

beyond. And possibly maintain a long-term American military presence in this country.

And of course, Mr. Kushner may have to smooth some ruffled feathers here in Iraq keeping in mind that his father-in-law, then Mr. Trump during the

campaign and even as president did say, for instance, that he would like -- he would have liked the United States to keep Iraq's oil after the 2003

U.S.-led invasion. And he even entertained the idea of perhaps doing so in the future.

And of course, Iraq was also included in the list of seven countries in the initial travel ban issued by the Trump administration. It was removed in

the second one. So there were many Iraqis very unhappy with the public stances of President Trump.

On the other hand, there are many Iraqis who do appreciate what they see as a strong man. And therefore, for instance, we have met Iraqis who named

their children Trump. And we even met a man who named his restaurant Trump Fish - Kristie.

LU STOUT: Interesting.

So, there are fans of the Trump name there in Iraq. But the fact is that this is Jared Kushner, a senior adviser, a son-in-law to Donald Trump, not

the U.S. secretary of state who has traveled to Iraq. So, what message does that send?

[08:15:09] WEDEMAN: Well, I think the message is that, if you want to get through to the president, don't go through the State Department, go to

Jared Kushner, go to the White House.

Now, it's important to point out that General Mattis, the defense secretary, has visited Iraq. So, it's not that Mr. Kushner is the first

senior official to come here. But definitely, I think - and Iraqis don't forget that in previous regimes, sons and other close relatives of the

leader often have better access than ministers and, therefore, it's this - you might say there's a language here that Iraqis understand. They know

maybe perhaps Mr. Kushner is the man to talk to if you want to get through to President Trump - Kristie.

LU STOUT: Ben Wedeman live in Irbil. Thank you.

Now, you're watching News Stream. Still ahead on the program, the battle over president Trump's Supreme Court pick is headed toward a major

showdown. We'll explain what's at stake.

And caught in a diplomatic row. A South Korean company has a message for China. Up next, a rare interview with the CEO of Lotte.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LU STOUT: An update on the breaking news we're following this hour from Syria. And again, a warning, the images coming to CNN, the images we're

going to screen to you, are disturbing.

Activist groups say dozens of people, including 10 children, who have been killed and over

200 wounded in a gas attack in northern Idlib Province. And we've heard from an activist group shortly after when one of the hospitals treating the

wounded was hit by an air strike resulting in more injuries.

Now, a short time ago on CNN New Day, host Alisyn Camerota spoke with U.S. Senate Republican John McCain. McCain is also the chair of the U.S. Senate

armed services committee. And she asked him what he would like to see U.S. President Donald Trump do about the apparent attack?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN, (R) ARIZONA: I want to hear him say we're going to arm the Free Syrian Army. We're going to dedicate ourselves to the removal of

Bashar al-Assad. We're going to have the Russians pay a price for their engagement, the Iranians and Hezbollah also heavily involved all players

here are going to have to pay a penalty, and the United States of America is going to be on the side of people who fight for freedom and we will not

sit by and watch chemical weapons being used to slaughter innocent women and children.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LU STOUT: And we will continue to bring you updates soon as they're available. But now to the political showdown in the U.S. Senate over

President Trump's Supreme Court nominee. Now Democrats now have enough support to block the confirmation of Neil Gorsuch through a filibuster,

that's when Senators talk on the floor for as long as possible to prevent a vote from taking place. But Republicans are threatening to change the

rules, to push the confirmation through.

Now for more, CNN's Sunlen Serfaty joins us now live from Washington.

And Sunlen, there's been talk about Republicans using the so-called nuclear option. Exactly what is that? And why does it have such a doomsday

description?

SUNLEN SERFATY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It certainly does have a doomsday description, Kristie, because it essentially changes the rules of the

Senate going forward, not only to get Neil Gorsuch, Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee through this time, but has implications for Supreme Court

nominees down the road, and this is what Democrats are doing now that they have secured these numbers to essentially block Neil Gorsuch.

It basically dares Republicans to make good on that threat to invoke that so-called nuclear

option.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SEN. JOHN CORNYN, (R) TEXAS: Judge Gorsuch will be confirmed by the end of the week by the United States Senate.

SERFATY (voice-over): Senate Republicans poised to invoke the nuclear option for Supreme Court nominees to confirm Neil Gorsuch.

SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, (R) SOUTH CAROLINA: I'm going to vote to change the rules, because I'm not going to be part of the Senate where Democrats get

their judges, and Republicans can never get theirs.

SERFATY: After Democrats secured enough votes to filibuster his nomination.

SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D-CA), INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE RANKING MEMBER: This nomination is not the usual nomination. SERFATY: The Senate majority leader

vowing to change the rules so that Gorsuch and future Supreme Court nominees will only need a simple majority to secure confirmation, needing

51 votes rather than 60.

SEN. ORRIN HATCH (R), UTAH: I think that's unworthy of the Senate. I don't think it's the right thing to do.

GRAHAM: The judges will become more ideological, because you don't have to reach across the aisle to get one vote any longer. So this is going to

haunt the Senate. It's going to change the judiciary, and it's so unnecessary.

SERFATY: But Democrats have been emboldened after Republicans refused to hold a hearing last year for President Obama's Supreme Court justice pick,

Merrick Garland.

SEN. CHRIS COONS (D-DE), JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: If seven months of preventing Judge Merrick Garland from getting a hearing and a vote is anything, it is

the longest and most successful partisan filibuster in Senate history.

SERFATY: The Supreme Court showdown playing out on Capitol Hill as the White House tries to revive the health care battle. Vice President Mike

Pence meeting with the House Freedom Caucus late last night, hoping to win them over with two new offers. First, allowing states to opt out of

providing essential health benefits required under Obamacare. Also on the table, a waiver for insurers to opt out of requirements that ban them from

charging higher premiums based on gender, age, or prior illness.

REP. MARK MEADOWS (R-NC), CHAIR, HOUSE FREEDOM CAUCUS: We're encouraged by at least the idea, intrigued by the idea, but would certainly need a whole

lot more information before we can take any action.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SERFATY: And back on the Gorsuch battle, the wheels on this will start turning slowly today here in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch

McConnell at some point today he will likely end debate on Neil Gorsuch. That sets up a procedural vote for Thursday. We expect that that

filibuster will not be defeated, which means that that's when this nuclear option would be potentially invoked by

the Senate majority leader, that potentially sets up a final vote for Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Friday here in the Senate - Kristie.

LU STOUT: Well, the gloves are off in the Supreme Court fight. Sunlen Serfaty reporting, thank you.

Now, another issue Democrats have tangled with Republicans on, the issue of internet privacy. On Monday, Mr. Trump officially signed off on killing

some privacy protections. They had been approved, but had not gone into effect before the House of Representatives voted to repeal them. They

would have required internet service providers to get user permission before sharing private information such as browsing history and location.

Now, privacy advocates say with the rules gone, providers can sell your internet habits to the

highest bidder.

North Korea appears to be getting boulder with its cyberattacks. The Russian cyber security firm Kaspersky says the victims now include banks in

some 18 countries around the world. You can see how widespread it is right here on the map.

Some experts believe that the stolen money is spent on advancing North Korea's nuclear program. This is not the first time the country has been

accused of hacking. South Korea says its banks and broadcasters were hit in 2013. The United States pointed the finger at North Korea for a

major hack on Sony Pictures in 2014.

Now, the U.S. doubled down on its commitment to counter any threat from North Korean and has sent a missile defense system to South Korea. But one

country not happy with that arrangement is China, and a major South Korean company says it is been targeted as a result.

Now, Paula Hancocks sat down with the CEO of Lotte.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: A massive fireworks display for the grand opening of South Korea's highest building, marketing

the 50th anniversary of the retail giant, a rare positive story for a beleaguered company. Lotte says it's bearing the brunt of Chinese

retaliation for the deployment of the U.S. missile defense system THAAD in South Korea.

China sees it as a threat to its own security. Lotte gave up the land the system will be based on.

In a rare interview, Chairman Shin Dong-bin stresses that decision was not was not voluntary.

SHIN DONG-BIN, LOTTE GROUP CHAIRMAN: If a country orders to give up the land to private corporation like us, I don't think we can deject the order.

HANCOCKS: A senior defense official confirms in a matter of national security like this, Lotte would not have had a choice.

Shin calls it a misunderstanding, hoping it will be solved within two months.

SHIN: We employ about 25,000 people, all Chinese, and in that sense we have some contribution to the Chinese economy.

HANCOCKS: China has denied retaliation over THAAD, but state-run media Xinhua said last month the decision to make land available, quote, "would

turn into a nightmare for Lotte.

Lotte has been operating in China for around 20 years now and sees it as one of its biggest growth opportunities, as many companies do.

But as of today, out of 99 of its largest stores in the country, 87 have been closed. China's authorities claiming fire safety violations.

Shin wants to go to China to solve the issue, but he's banned from travel by state prosecutors, part of a massive corruption scandal that's brought

down a president.

Sin, along with other leaders of big business here in South Korea testified to lawmakers early December about donation they made to foundation run by

an unelected confidante of the former president Choi Soon-sil. Choi is currently on trial for abuse of power and brivery, charges she denies.

SHIN: When we donated, we had no idea who is behind this foundation.

HANCOCKS: Shin says his company has done nothing wrong. He believes the investigation is

unfair and politically motivated, not fearing charges or imprisonment in this case.

SHIN: I got accustomed to this kind of situation, so not so much concerned.

And anyway, the donations which we make, as I mentioned, is the one with good faith.

HANCOCKS: The Lotte chief far more concerned with the 50th anniversary celebrations, optimistic this troubled era will soon pass.

Paula Hancocks, CNN, Seoul.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LU STOUT: Now, still ahead right here on News Stream Russia is dealing with the devastation of a bombing on the St. Petersburg metro. We'll take

a look at some of the deadliest terror attacks to ever take place on Russian soil.

And we are just hours away from the second French presidential debate. Far right leader Marine Le Pen is a top contender. Coming up, a report from

the National Front's heartland.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(HEADLINES)

[08:31:43] LU STOUT: Monday's subway bombing in St. Petersburg is just the latest in a long line of terror attacks in Russia.

CNN's Phil Black has a look at that.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PHIL BLACK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Russia's military brutally crushed Chechen separatists when they sought to break away from the Russian federation

around the turn of the century. But awarded men fighters went underground or deep into forest to continue their campaign against the Russian state.

In 2002, Chechen invaded a Moscow theater holding 852 people hostage. One hundred twenty nine were killed. Most from the gas used by Russian security

forces to knock out the terrorists.

Two passenger planes which have departed Moscow in August 2004 were brought down by explosions almost simultaneously. Authorities blamed two Chechen

women. The combined death toll, 89 people.

The next month, the world watch with harrow as more than 1,000 people were held hostage for days at a school in Beslan in the north caucuses. It ended

when Russian forces stormed the school. More than 330 people were killed including 186 children.

Moscow's metro system was targeted with suicide bombs in both 2004 and 2010 killing around 80. In November 2009, a bomb derailed the high speed train

between Moscow and St. Petersburg killing 28 people.

Thirty six died in January 2011 when the arrivals area at Moscow's Domodedovo airport was struck by a suicide blast. Before the St. Petersburg

metro bombing the most recent Russian terrorist attacks took place in the southern city of Volgograd at the end of 2013.

First the local train station was hit, killing 18 people. A day later a suicide blast tore apart a bus, killing at 36 deep.

Russian authorities are now also worried about the terror threat from Syria. It's believed thousands of people from the Russian federation have

traveled to Syria to joined Islamist groups.

President Vladimir Putin told the Russian people that's why he ordered air strikes there in late 2014 to kill the terrorists before they could return

and kill people within Russia's borders.

Analyst believe Russia's efforts in Syria have also motivated Islamist to strike back at Moscow and point to the ISIS bomb which brought down a

Russian passenger jet over the Sinai Peninsula in October 2015.

Russia has dedicated huge resources to fighting terrorism at home and abroad. Authorities will be desperate to learn how those responsible for

the St. Petersburg attacks were able to get pass Russia's formidable security and intelligence services.

Phil Black, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LU STOUT: Now, Spanish leaders are trying to cool tensions with the UK over what will happen to Gibraltar after Brexit.

Now, the rocky headland on the southern tip of Spain is shaping up at Brexit's first battleground. The dispute began after the EU's draft Brexit

guidelines appear to increase Spain's influence over the future of the British-controlled territory.

Now, Theresa May has dismissed comments by former UK Conservative Party leader who hinted Britain should be prepared to take military action to

keep control of the territory.

Now, France's presidential hopefuls are getting ready for the second televised debates happening in just a few hours from now, this will be the

first time all 11 candidates will be on stage.

The first debate only feature the top five. Now, the race is getting increasingly tight.

Opinion polls have Centrist Emanuel Macron and far right National Front leader Marine Le Pen neck and neck. The first round of voting is later

this month.

Now, Le Pen believes it is time for her party to lead and her supporters share her vision in

bringing dramatic change in France.

Melissa Bell found out what motivates the far right movement in a small town considered a

National Front stronghold.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

[08:35:42] MELISSA BELL, CNN INTERANTIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Nearly 700 kilometers to the south of Paris in the heart of Provence sits Carpentras,

a town protected by a gate built in medieval times when popes still called nearby Avignon home.

Today, the town's Christian heritage continues to loom large, even if the splendors of the past have long since faded in what is the poorest parts of

the country.

It's market day, and with less than a month until the election, the far right is out leafletting as is the far left.

On the whole, though, the National Front gets a warm reception.

The party has not only won mp here, but also two mayors.

GEORGES MICHEL, NATIONAL FRONT ASSISTANT SECRETARY (through translator): When you start having local representatives like mayors, you're in the

political landscape. You are recognized, and then you necessarily get a different sort of perception. As they say, victory leads to

victory.

BELL: And it is the victory of Marine Le Pen that Georges now believes will follow. He doesn't hesitate to hand his leaflets even to the town's

veiled women. There are no figures on the size of the Muslim population here, French law doesn't allow the data to be collected. But Georges

believes that it is now not far from half.

The market here in Carpentras has existed since Roman times, and much of what is sold has been sold here for centuries. What has changed, though,

is the nature of the local population. some say it's changed beyond all recognition. And what many of those intending to vote National Front here

told us today was that they're intending to do so, not so much to make France great again, as to make France

French again.

Karine Clement began campaigning for the National Front five years ago when she says she realized that the Muslim population was changing.

KARINE CLEMENT, NATIONAL FRONT CAMPAIGNER: 20 years ago, that - their parents tried to assimilate. The new generation was born in France, they

don't want to be assimilated French.

BELL: Karine she shows us into the National Front headquarters. From here, the party fought a successful campaign to get Marine Le Pen's niece Marion

Michelle Le Pen (ph) elected as a lawmaker in 2012.

Now the fight is to get Marine Le Pen into the Elysees Palace. One of the party's volunteers

explains why.

JEAN-PAUL CHAUVIN, NATIONAL FRONT CAMPAIGNER (through translator): We feel a little bit less French. We've given a lot to these migrants who have

come into France illegally and now we don't look after our homeless people. We should look after ourselves first.

BELL: Back in the market, it is a view rejected by some who fear that the National Front is scaremongering, even if there does seem to be a strong

sense of abandonment by the more traditional political elite.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): The politicians are prepared to say that it's the Syrians who want to come and steal your jobs, who are

going to take your houses, that there's no money for the French, that there are homeless people in the street. It is

just dividing all the better to rule.

BELL: Even hear where support for the National Front has been strong and where the desire for change is real, there is a sense that Marine Le Pen

might just represent a change too far.

Melissa Bell, CNN, Carpentras.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LU SOTUT: You're watching News Stream. And coming up, another headache for Samsung, a newly found flaw in its Galaxy phone isn't as explosive as

the last one, but it could cause some security headaches. We've got the details next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[08:40:42] LU STOUT: Welcome back.

Now, most people have smart phones that need to be unlocked with a pass code or a fingerprint. Samsung is trying to take biometric security one

step further by using facial recognition in its upcoming Galaxy S8 phone. Now the S8 is supposed to only unlock when it sees and recognizes the

owner's face.

But that new feature is proving to be less secure than planned. As you can see, someone managed to unlock the phone using just a photo of his face,

and that means anyone with a clear enough picture of your face could be able to access your Galaxy S8 and any

data on there such your photos or your email.

Now, in a statement Samsung addressed this. The company says facial recognition is not used

for Samsung Pay or the secure folder feature.

So, payments as well as any apps or files placed in the secure folder, that will require a

fingerprint. But they confirmed that facial recognition can unlock the Galaxy S8 potentially leaving it open for someone else to access your

phone.

Now, before we go, we want to mark the legacy of a pioneer in electronic music, Ikutari Kakehashi, the founder of Japanese music company Roland

Corporation died at age 87 over the weekend. Tweets remember Kakehashi have been pouring in.

Now, he led the way for the unique sounds of 80s pop and hip-hop with the TR808, a drum

machine that defined songs by a range of artists including Marvin Gaye and Afrika Bambaataa.

That's the 808. And it was so iconic, many artists made reference to it like 808 State, or Kanye West's s 808s and Heartbreak alum. It was just

one of many electronic music machines that he invented, now Kakehashi also helped create the way we consume music. He was one of the original

architects of midi, which lets different musical machines communicate with each other.

His contributions helped fuse technology and music together, forever changed the modern music scene.

And that is News Stream. I'm Kristie Lu Stout, but don't go anywhere, World Sport with Christina Macfarlane is next.

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