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Hala Gorani Tonight
Trump Jr. Meeting Included Others Who Remain A Mystery; Trump Arrives Home From Paris Amid Russia Firestorm; Macron: Nothing Will Ever Separate U.S. And France; Two Israeli Police Officers Killed; Two Arrested After Spate Of Attacks In London; U.S. Doctor To Examine Baby Charlie Gard. Aired 3-4p ET
Aired July 14, 2017 - 15:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[15:00]
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CYRIL VANIER, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: Hi. Welcome to special edition of the WORLD RIGHT NOW live from Paris. I'm Cyril Vanier.
So the story keeps changing again and again. We begin with breaking news about that meeting between Donald Trump's inner circle and a Russian
attorney last summer. Remember, the U.S. president has praised his son, Donald Trump Jr. for releasing e-mails about that meeting calling him
transparent and open.
Those are the words of the U.S. president. But CNN has now learned that there were others in the room besides those previously reported. A Russian
American lobbyist was present as well.
He has been identified by the "Associated Press" as Renat and he has ties to Russian intelligence. He denies he ever worked for the
Russian government or any of its agencies.
Let's get more on this. CNN's Dan Merica is at the White House. Dan, does the explanation that the U.S. president gave while he was in Paris still
hold? And just as a reminder to our viewers, he said anybody in the shoes of his son, Donald Trump Jr., would have taken that meeting because, after
all, it was just with a Russian attorney, who was not connected to the Russian government. That's what he explained 24 hours ago.
DAN MERICA, CNN POLITICAL PRODUCER: The problem for the president is that he's talking about the wrong shoes. This is a story where the shoes
continue to drop. I mean, this is a story that has changed in about 72 hours drastically from what we initially understood.
And that's a problem from the White House and the White House acknowledges that. President Trump says things on Twitter and says things in the press
conference and the White House aides here hope that will clear it up, take some air out of this meeting.
That that explanation will hold. But their problem is that it doesn't seem Donald Trump Jr. was totally clear initially. On Saturday the story broke
as the president was coming home from his second trip abroad.
That story, the initial story that that Donald Trump Jr. told was something that had to do with adoptions changed within 24 hours to Sunday and from
there, throughout this whole week, we have received different accounts of this story to the point now, as you reported correctly, there were
additional people in the room that we weren't aware of and hadn't been disclosed.
And this isn't just some lawyer, some lobbyist from Washington, D.C., this was a lobbyist who Republican members of the Senate have said, has ulterior
motives and is possibly acting in the United States as someone who is not registered as a foreign agent, but is working for the Russian government.
This is a Republican saying that and that's what complicates things for the people behind me at the White House here.
VANIER: Yes, and those concerns that you're citing there were actually put in writing in letters since the beginning of the year by Republican
senators and Republican representative. Look, the connection to the Russian government is obviously key here. What more do we know about this
Russian/American lobbyist?
MERICA: We know that he's a known quantity here in the United States. There are a number of members of Congress who have have met with
him who have been lobbied by him.
But as I mentioned, Chuck Grassley, this is a Republican member of the Senate who has supported Donald Trump in many different efforts wrote a
letter saying that this is somebody who was working on behalf of the Russian government and was not registered as a lobbyist as a foreign agent.
That will raise a lot of red flags when going over, why was he in this meeting? What did he have to stand and gain in this meeting? This is a
lobbyist who has worked to repeal the Magnitsky sanctions on certain Russian people -- people in Russia.
But the fact that he wasn't registered and the fact that Republicans have raised concerns about him are certainly going to be of interest when people
when people at the Special Counsel's Office, the investigators on Capitol Hill look into this meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and the number of
other people who are in the room for that meeting.
VANIER: All right, Dan Merica with the update there from Washington, thank you very much.
And President Trump arrived home from Paris just minutes ago walking directly into the eye of that storm. Now he had got a brief respite from
Washington politics during a visit full of pomp and pageantry here in Paris.
[15:05:02]And that was capped off by the Bastille Day parade, but the party is now over as you've understood from our discussion with Dan. Mr. Trump
is facing many new questions about just who in his campaign knew what and when.
I'm joined by CNN's international diplomatic editor, Nic Robertson, who is with us, as well as an American political science researcher, Amy Greene,
the author of "America After Obama." You also have a blog on American Politics.
Amy, to you first. Donald Trump had a respite. It lasted, what, 36 hours, if that?
AMY GREENE, AMERICAN POLITICAL SCIENCE RESEARCHER: Yes, if that. I mean, he had a great opportunity to come to France to celebrate the grandeur of
America's military. The enormous presence that America has in Europe and had for many years and a great role it played in helping win the First
World War.
It was an excellent opportunity for him to take a breath of fresh air, but effectively what we see is that the questions surrounding the Russia
investigation and the potential role of collusion are just unanswered, and they are taking all of the oxygen.
VANIER: Yes, there's a famous phrase in American politics, what did the president know, when did he know it? And that just keeps being bantied
about, and with good reason because that's the question everybody wants the answer to.
Nic, it just feels day in, day out, we get new explanations. It feels like yet another explanation probably tomorrow or the day after.
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: It does. There always seems to be something else to sort of fall off the tree that falls too
close to President Trump. That appears to damage him and implicate him, members of his family.
So, yes, I mean, he came here and he had, from what we can see from the body language, a great time. I mean, far better than he had at the G20
recently where he looked really isolated compared to some of the international opinion and far better than he did at the G7 before that
where again, he looked like an outlier.
So he -- the difficulty for him is to take these sort of international trips, the good ones like this, and turn them into a good narrative at home
and as long as things are falling from the tree, it's just not going to happen.
VANIER: And let's keep talking about the trip. President Trump's brief interlude in Paris was jammed with pomp and with pageantry, and he left the
city of lights with a new friend, or that's how the French president described their relationship quite officially when asked that question by a
French journalist.
Emmanuel Macron rolled out the red carpet for the president and his wife, Melania. Mr. Trump was the guest of honor at the Bastille Day Parade.
Thousands of French troops paraded down the Champs-Elysees to mark the storming of the Bastille military prison in 1789.
A turning point in the French Revolution. Of course, this Bastille Day also marked another important date in history, 100 years since the U.S.
entered World War I helping France and allied powers defeat Germany.
And that was the official reason, of course, for the presence and for the invitation of Donald Trump. Amy, this was possibly the best foreign trip
that Donald Trump has had. He hasn't had that many, granted, but --
GREENE: He's taken quite a number over the past few weeks actually. He had this brief three days without public events, but he's been traveling
quite a bit and it seems like it's effectively an opportunity for him, especially this visit, to demonstrate that he's not isolated.
I mean, one of the perhaps strategic moves that the French president was to show the American president that he has a friend in Europe. That France is
the natural leader, whereas Angela Merkel has to worry about her own campaign and her re-election.
Can't get too close to Donald Trump with the Brexit. You know, of course, Theresa May would be a natural ally for Donald Trump, but clearly the
biggest trade partner will be the European Union, even if the U.S. and Great Britain negotiate a bilateral trade deal.
So you know, he had the opportunity to come here with a French leader who is very willing to keep Donald Trump in the circle to recognize that an
otherwise isolated leader will need someone to turn to and it's probably better to be on his side to try to tame him or to help influence him than
to have him on the outside looking in.
VANIER: Nic, to this point of Mr. Macron's ability to influence Donald Trump. I've heard this expression. You heard it too, the Trump whisperer.
Is Emmanuel Macron the Trump whisperer?
ROBERTSON: You know, we think of that quote as attributed to Henry Kissinger. Who do I call when I want to call Europe? Maybe that's been
answered. You call the whisperer.
So, yes, I think President Trump has found here someone that he has this friendship with, who he understands (inaudible), has seen the grandeur and
the pageantry. He understands the nation a little better.
This is a man who is coming to the presidency with a lot to learn about the world, about how global politics works. So, yes, this is -- one would
think that when he wants to call Europe, he will think of Macron.
And Macron didn't have to give up very much here, if anything. You think about who came out of the meeting saying, maybe I've changed my mind. It
was President Trump who said there could be a different answer on climate change.
They talk about it. Did Macron come out and say, oh, Mr. -- to the effect Mr. Trump, you have changed my mind on something? No. It was the other
way around.
[15:10:07]VANIER: Amy, Mr. Trump is somebody who has said to stake a lot on personal relationships. And it was surprising -- or I was surprised to
see how much the body language changed. You know, from the previous encounters to this one. I mean, when they left, they both really made a
show of how close they had become.
GREENE: Right. Well, I mean, the relationship, obviously, started with, you referred to handshake in the introduction, the long white-knuckled
handshake and clearly there were points of discord because you know, had that Emmanuel Macron responding to Donald Trump's declaration to pull out
of Paris with the make our plan great again.
So there were moments of friction. But clearly, you know, there was a real effort on both sides perhaps to engage that personal relationship. I mean,
it's easy to see where the convergence would lie. I mean, they are both complete outsiders.
No one expected them to win even a year before they were elected to president. You know, they had very different world views. Emmanuel Macron
believes in the global community, the need for normative based international institutions whereas Donald Trump is very protectionist.
VANIER: Yes, polar opposites in that respect.
GREENE: In that respect, but nonetheless, both from a business acumen, complete outsiders, see themselves as transgressive, willing to destroy the
political mainstreams and to create something new.
And I think in that respect perhaps they see a little bit of themselves in the other or at least some form of respect or admiration around their
respective political feats.
VANIER: But you don't normally in the France/U.S. relationship, there's a total imbalance of power. There's military power, diplomatic clout. Nic,
do you feel that the American president's isolation on the world stage, does that make it easier for Emmanuel Macron?
Does that give him an in to rope in Donald Trump? Let's remind our viewers, a few days ago the French president was saying, I want to reason
with him.
ROBERTSON: It does. But there are also some very big common interests here. I mean, we've talked about, you know, the possibilities of peace in
Syria. Also talk about setting up sort of a political road map of humanitarian corridors. But I think the bigger piece of the sort of
important part of the global jigsaw puzzle for both countries is Russia.
And Russia is important because for President Macron, he wants to know what President Trump is really thinking because to hear from Nikki Haley, the
U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and others, that's one thing that the United States is going to hold its
sanctions on Russia over its engagement in Ukraine and annexation of Crimea until
Russia makes good on the Minsk agreement.
Now it's one thing for his other seniors to say that, but President Macron is undoubtedly want to hear that from President Trump. So that's a very, I
think, important factor for President Macron to get straight, if you will, to understand the whispering.
GREENE: And I think to add to what Nic was saying. I think you also have the element that the French president recognizes that no matter who the
U.S. president is, he's still the president of the U.S. and no major problem in the world can be solved without cooperate with the U.S.
And so there's a sense that why isolate him any further when clearly on counterterrorism, on Syria, there are -- and as Russia, there are so many
points of convergence or at least the need to cooperate.
VANIER: Yes, and the French president pretty much said that explicitly, at least in their briefing to the French press ahead of Mr. Trump's visit.
They said, look, we have to find areas of agreement. We have to find because you can't do without the U.S. president, regardless of who he is
and regardless of his politics.
Amy Greene, thank you very much for coming on the show. Nic, we see you often, but it's always a pleasure. Thanks a lot.
Now President Trump's controversial travel ban just hit another setback in federal court. A judge in Hawaii says the White House misinterpreted last
month's ruling by the Supreme Court.
And as a result, the judge has greatly expanded the number of family relationships people from six Muslim majority nations can use to get into
the United States. The president's national security adviser says he has concerns about the Hawaii court ruling.
Now grandparents, grandchildren, brothers and sisters in law as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins will be considered close enough
family relationships to enter the country.
VANIER: And this just coming in to us here at CNN. The Pentagon says U.S. forces have killed Abu Sayed (ph), the leader of ISIS (inaudible), the
terror group's Afghanistan affiliate.
A spokesperson says he was killed in a raid in Kunar Province. This marks the third time a leader of the ISIS affiliate has been killed in the last
year.
All right, still to come tonight after the break, two police officers are killed near one of the world's holiest sites. A report from Jerusalem in
just a few moments.
And two arrests after five people are doused with acid in separate attacks in London. We'll have the latest right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:17:15]
VANIER: An attacker with a knife has killed two people and injured four others at a resort on the Red Sea in Egypt. Earlier Egypt's Interior
Ministry said the assailant attacked six female tourists and infiltrated the resort from a nearby public beach. The suspect is now in Egyptian
custody. A similar attack happened in the same location last January.
Police in Israel are investigating an attack which left two police officers dead. Authorities say the victims were targeted by three Israeli Arabs
near one of the most important religious sites.
Ian Lee has more from Jerusalem's old city.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
IAN LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That attack took place just here behind me at Lion's Gate. You can see there's a heavy security presence. It's been
like this since early in the morning.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In that phone conversation, Abbas condemned this attack. He
also condemned attacks that take place at any holy site.
He also urged the Israeli prime minister to reopen up this area so that Muslims can come and pray. This area has been on lockdown since early this
morning when that attack took place.
Just shortly after 7:00 a.m. these three Arab-Israeli men attacked a group of police officers, critically injuring two of them who later died in
hospital. They then fled this direction towards the Noble Sanctuary, which is known to Muslims, the temple mount known to Jews.
That's when police were able to kill them. We're learning a bit more about the three men who carried out this attack.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICKY ROSENFELD, ISRAELI POLICE SPOKESMAN (through translator): At the moment, we understand that all three of them were working together. What
we understand is they arrived in the area together. We're obviously going to have to understand how they arrived in Jerusalem and where they came in
from. That's part of the ongoing investigation.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEE: We know that these three men are from Northern Israel. Two of them are teenagers, both 19 years old. Another man 29 years old. Israel's
intelligence service said they had no prior criminal record.
This area is going to be on lockdown, according to police. They say until they feel that it is safe enough to reopen to the public. Ian Lee, CNN, in
Jerusalem's old city.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VANIER: In London now, two teenage boys are in custody after a series of horrendous acid attacks. Five men were attacked. Police say one of them
suffered life-changing injuries. Phil Black has the latest on this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
PHIL BLACK, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: This is where one of the attacks took place in East London. The 24-year-old man had acid thrown
in his face suffering what they describe as life changing injuries.
He's just one of five victims to be targeted across east and north London within a very short space of time late on Thursday night. The suspects,
two young males on a moped. All of the victims were on mopeds as well.
[15:20:06]At least two of them are said to have had their vehicles stolen by the attackers. Now individually, each of these attacks is a terrible
callous crime. But they are simply the latest in a trend which shows violent crime involving acid is becoming more common in London.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CRESSIDA DICK, LONDON METROPOLITAN POLICE COMMISSIONER: Obviously, the acid can cause horrendous injuries. The ones last night involved
robberies, we believe, a link series of robberies. I'm glad to say we've arrested somebody.
And it's not -- I don't want people to think this is happening all over London all the time, it's really not, but we are concerned because the
numbers appear to be going up.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
BLACK: The figures do show a sharp increase in 2015, there were 261 registered crimes in London involving acid. In 2016, the figure was 454.
Globally, the support and campaign group acid survivors trust international says disproportionately, the victims are women.
But in London, they say, overwhelmingly, around two-thirds, the victims are young men. Campaigners, citizens, some politicians are pushing for laws
and regulations to change.
First, they want it much harder for people to be able to get their hands on corrosive substances like acid. They want tougher regulations, perhaps a
licensing system, and they also want tougher punishments for people who are carrying it and using it as a weapon. Phil Black, CNN, London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VANIER: A judge in the United Kingdom says Baby Charlie Gard will be evaluated by a doctor from the United States now. The doctor is developing
a therapy that might help the baby. The 11-month-old Charlie is on life support suffering from a progressive debilitating disease. Erin McLaughlin
has this story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ERIN MCLAUGHLIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The 11-month-old Charlie Gard lies in a London hospital. He can't move his arms or his legs. He
can't breathe on his own. His brain damaged, doctors say.
Charlie has an extremely rare and fatal genetic disease called mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome. In June, the U.K.'s Supreme Court
cited with the hospital caring for Charlie and ruled experimental treatment is futile. It's in Charlie's best interest to die. A heartbreaking
decision and a ruling his parents reject.
CONNIE YATES, CHARLIE GARD'S MOTHER: He's our flesh and blood. We feel that it should be our right as parents to decide to give him a chance at
life.
MCLAUGHLIN: Now the judge has agreed to hear new evidence that experimental treatment could help. A key question is Charlie's brain
damage reversible? Because without that, what sort of life could Charlie lead?
(on camera): A New York-based medical expert testified that new research shows with treatment, there is a small but significant chance of
improvement in Charlie's brain function. And so in light of this new research, the judge has asked all sides, the experts, the hospital, the
parents to get together to try and reach a consensus on what's best for Charlie.
(voice-over): It's a case that sparked international interest. The tweets from Pope Francis and President Trump, a powerful U.S.-based anti-abortion
organization and a controversial reverend now working with Charlie's parents.
REVEREND PATRICK MAHONEY, DIRECTOR OF THE CHRISTIAN DEFENSE COALITION: The help of putting a campaign together, getting petitions. We're in constant
contact with the White House.
MCLAUGHLIN: Things at times have become heated. Anonymous threats made against the hospital and the judiciary. But the judge in this case insists
he will not be swayed by tweets. He wants to see new and concrete evidence Charlie's life can improve. Otherwise, the original ruling stands. Erin
McLaughlin, CNN, London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VANIER: Still ahead on THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, is this the beginning of a fine friendship. We'll take a closer look at President Trump's trip to
Paris and the alliance between the U.S. and France.
And it was a ceremony full of pomp and pageantry. I will speak to one of the people who took part in it. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:26:58]
VANIER: Welcome back. New questions today about that meeting between Donald Trump's inner circle and a Russia attorney last summer. CNN has now
learned there were others in the room besides those previously reported. A Russian American lobbyist was among those present. He denies reports that
he has ties to Russian intelligence.
An attacker with a knife has killed two people and injured four others at a resort on the Red Sea in Egypt. Earlier, Egypt's Interior Ministry said
the assailant had attacked six female tourists. The suspect is now in Egyptian custody.
Israel is investigating the fatal shooting of two police officers in Jerusalem's old city. Authorities say this surveillance video shows the
moment they were attacked. Police say the attackers were three Israeli- Arabs who were shot and killed.
And two teenage boys were in custody after a series of horrendous acid attacks in London. Five men were attacked and police say one of the
victims suffered life-changing facial injuries. The city's most senior police officer says she's concerned by the rise in acid attacks which she
called completely barbaric.
Let's turn back to President Donald Trump's -- let's return to President Donald Trump's brief trip to Paris. At a time when it seems like he has
few friends in Europe. His growing closeness with Emmanuel Macron really does stand out.
The U.S. president was French leader, Emmanuel Macron's guest of honor at the Bastille Day Parade. The two leaders seemed to have become the best of
friends with Mr. Macron rolling out the red carpet for the president and his wife, Melania.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
EMMANUEL MACRON, FRENCH PRESIDENT (through translator): The presence today of the president of the United States and his wife at my side is a sign of
a friendship that goes through the ages.
I want to thank them. Thank the United States of America for their choice made 100 years ago. We found reliable allies, friends who came to our
rescue. The United States of America is one of them and that's why nothing will ever break us apart.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VANIER: Bertrand Badie, A French political scientist and international relations specialist joins me now. It's great to have you with us
especially because for the perspective that you bring to this and the Franco-American friendship.
You have seen so many duos, the French and American president and how they get along and how that shapes world affairs. I mean, you have seen,
obviously you've looked at closely George Bush and Jacques Chirac, the freedom fries.
We remember France refusing to go into the Iraq war. Then there was Hollande and Obama. That was a different dynamic. Based on this sort of
short relationship that these two men have struck up, how would you define the Trump/Macron relationship?
BERTRAND BADIE, POLITICAL SCIENTIST AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EXPERT: Well, I would say that there is a kind of change of goods between both of
them because you know, Macron is a new president. His new coming in the international arena and to have a visibility, and I think it's a good trait
for getting involved in the international arena and to have a voice.
And maybe I think that President Trump needs also to have new partners as he got very isolated, especially in Europe. And probably, this kind of
change of rules is a kind of strategy, no more than that, because you don't --
VANIER: Oh, so you don't believe in the personal closeness?
BADIE: No, I don't think so because contrary to what has been said, Macron and Trump are very different.
VANIER: Absolutely.
BADIE: Because Macron is no --
VANIER: Well, I think that was noted. That was said a lot.
BADIE: Yes, but some people say that there are some similarities between both them but that's true. Macron is supporting globalization and the
globalization of the world and was pushing the European integration, while Trump appears as what I would call a neo-nationalist.
And there is a strong difference. Macron is also a member of the French establishment, while Trump is a populist and was criticizing the American
establishment. Remember, during the campaign --
VANIER: Yes.
BADIE: -- it was very, very clear. So two persons who are very different but two persons who are looking a position inside the international arena.
The Trump campaign was very eager against all the other countries around the world and was promoting the American national interests, and now, you
know how the relationship between Germany and U.S. is really bad.
And even the relationship between Theresa May and Trump didn't really set off as we saw that he had -- Trump had to renounce to his trip to Great
Britain. And this is a paradox as --
VANIER: So is Mr. Macron a person now that the U.S. President calls if he wants to speak to Europe or if he wants to put a message across?
BADIE: Exactly what he is probably looking for in the two parts, but I am not sure that this is really working.
VANIER: How?
BADIE: Well --
VANIER: You're a pessimist. You're a pessimist on this relationship?
BADIE: A pessimist for this reason that I mention, that they are promoting two different visions, really opposed vision, while kind of contentious was
possible with Theresa May, kind of -- even a kind of agreement with Putin with Putin and Trump are two nationalists political actors. When Macron is
-- don't forget that, Macron is calling for refoundation of Europe.
VANIER: Absolutely.
BADIE: How is it possible to refound Europe without promoting a common diplomacy and common ground in French policy?
VANIER: But it looks like they've found one area of very concrete agreement on which they want to act rapidly and that's Syria. And it
looks, that as far as Syria is concerned, it looks like really the planets had aligned, you know. France, Russia, the United States, want the same
things.
BADIE: Yes. First, I think American foreign policy in Middle East and Syria is very clear. Second, I would say the same for France.
VANIER: Well, there is that ceasefire in southwestern Syria.
BADIE: Yes, quite particularly, that is quite clear. And the agreement between Russia and the U.S. on the ceasefire in the south of Syria is
really working well. But this is a concrete approach to the conflict.
VANIER: Yes.
BADIE: If now we look at the Franco-American partnership, I don't see which kind of concrete initiative can be taken. And, you know, there is
something which is now an issue at stake. Are Western powers really able to solve anything in the Middle East? The idea of Barack Obama --
VANIER: Well, that's the big question, yes.
BADIE: -- the leadership from behind and promote the role of regional powers for trying to solve the conflict was much more efficient. Now, we
can observe that when Western powers are getting involved in conflict in Africa or in Middle East, generally, it doesn't reach the end that is
really looked at.
VANIER: Well, we'll see. We'll see what impact that has on Syria, especially in the short-term, medium-term, whether the alignment of those
big powers, the U.S. and Russia in particular, for Syria has an impact.
But, Bertrand Badie, I want to thank you for coming on this show. It's been a pleasure to see you again.
BADIE: My pleasure. My pleasure.
VANIER: Thank you very much.
[15:34:58] And the White House says the U.S. and France stand taller and more united than ever following President Trump's trip to Paris. Mr. Trump
and French President, Emmanuel Macron, were witness to an elaborate military display -- we've been showing you that on CNN -- as thousands of
French soldiers were joined by their U.S. counterparts.
It wasn't the only event Mr. Macron attended, and the other one was much more somber.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VANIER: This was Nice, the scene of a horrific terror attack one year ago today. Eighty-six people were killed. The President had some stirring
words for the victims and the French public after the attack. Listen to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
EMMANUEL MACRON, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE (through translator): The whole of France was tested by this very serious trial. You're energy, you're
refusal to be daunted by violence and fear, you have allowed this nation to raise its head again. And for that, today, I should like to thank you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VANIER: Now, let's bring in someone who was part of that Bastille Day Parade. Army First Lieutenant of the First Infantry Division Jillian
Collins joins me now.
It's such a pleasure to have you with us. And this morning, you were marching -- in fact, you were one of those almost 200 U.S. troops that were
kicking off the military parade right here on the Champs Elysees. The whole -- by the way, all of France was watching you. How did that feel?
FIRST LIEUTENANT JILLIAN COLLINS, UNITED STATES ARMY FIRST INFANTRY DIVISION: Sir, it was awesome or it is great. There is a sense of pride -
-
VANIER: Awesome's good. We like awesome.
COLLINS: There is a sense of pride that comes over you as you stand in position on the avenue and you watch the flyovers come over as you're
marching down the avenue towards the presidents. And --
VANIER: I would note that there were two U.S. stealth bombers that the French public, I think, did not -- were not familiar with that were
screeching down the Champs Elysees at that time.
Look, I want to bring the viewers a little bit into your personal history. This was personal for you because you have told us that your great
grandfather was among those who participated in World War I. He was one of the 2 million-plus U.S. troops that were sent to Europe and went to war on
the side of France and the allies. And you've brought us some of the letters of your great grandfather.
I want to read some of the -- just some parts of it. I think the great thing is it just helps bridge the gap between 1917 and a hundred years
later where we are now, 2017.
Dear Aunt Jeannie, I am writing this on the edge of my departure from Paris for the front. You can scarcely imagine what the ruined parts of norther
France look like. I still retain my early impression of France and its people. They are a great nation and one which we may well study.
This is personal for you.
COLLINS: Yes. So for me, it means a lot to me too because a hundred years ago, he was a war commissioned lieutenant here in France. And the next
officer that we've had for the Army and a hundred years later, I have the honor and the privilege to be hear as a lieutenant in France commemorating
his sacrifice and service during World War I.
VANIER: I don't think your great grandfather could have predicted that a hundred years later, his letters would be read out, but thanks for sharing
them. And I think it really drives home the point that, also, the U.S. President was making about how old and how long-standing this alliance is
between France and the U.S.
COLLINS: Yes. So in one of the letters, he does explain that he believed, back then, that we need to study France more. And he strongly believed
that the alliance we have here is worth keeping.
VANIER: Have you spoken with your family about what you did today, about the meaning of it in terms of generations?
COLLINS: Yes, sir. For me, I shared photos earlier where the French news actually published this photo on the news to show him a hundred years ago
in his World War I uniform. For us, it's kind of like family business every generation. We have people way back to the Civil War going through.
VANIER: The people that you march with -- I mean, I say the people. The U.S. troops, the service men -- the Air men, Navy, ground troops -- that
you marched with, were they -- in preparing this over the last few days, were there a lot of questions about the history?
COLLINS: There were a lot of questions about why the United States was chosen for this parade and why the 16th Infantry Regiment Colors were in
front of the fray. I'm a member of the 16th Infantry Regiment, so for me that was part of the surprise that came over, that I got the chance to
honor my great grandfather here while marching behind my battalion colors down the avenue this morning.
VANIER: And you were also marching in front of a new U.S. President. I don't want to draw you into politics. I know that, you know, the military
doesn't deal with politics, but how was that for you?
COLLINS: It was an honor to be in his presence. Looking forward on the parade route, you could see him in the distance holding his blue (ph) and
pulling (ph) as we walked by. And that has been an honor to be able to march by him this morning.
[15:40:08] VANIER: Listen, it's been such a pleasure talking to you and I appreciate you taking the time. I know these things are hard to organize
and coordinate, so I appreciate you coming to speak to us here on the show for this perspective, you know, from generation to generation to
generation. Thanks a lot.
COLLINS: Thank you.
VANIER: Thanks for taking the time.
And turning now to some news coming into CNN. The Pentagon says U.S. forces have killed Abu Sayed, the leader of ISIS Khorasan, the terror
group's Afghanistan affiliate. A spokesperson says he was killed in a raid in Kunar Province.
Let's find out more. Let's go live to CNN's Ryan Browne. He's at the Pentagon.
Ryan, what can you tell us?
RYAN BROWNE, CNN PENTAGON REPORTER: Well, we're learning a little bit more about this strike that killed Abu Sayed, the recently elected leader of
ISIS in Afghanistan. We're now told it was a drone strike and not a raid that killed him there in Kunar Province.
And, again, he was recently chosen because his predecessor was killed in a ground raid against an ISIS target in Nangarhar -- in neighboring Nangarhar
Province just in April. In fact, this is the third ISIS in Afghanistan leader that the U.S. forces had killed in the last year.
Secretary Mattis just speaking to reporters just now calling it a victory. He said that would set the group back there in Afghanistan. Again, the
U.S., unlike some of its other missions in Afghanistan which are focused on training and advising local Afghan troops, U.S. forces have actually
performed offensive counter terrorism operations against ISIS in Afghanistan.
Out there in the eastern part of the country which, you know, bordering Pakistan, very remote part of the country, they've conducted a series of
airstrikes and ground raids. This latest strike, they're now -- the Pentagon is saying it can now confirm that it believes it has killed the
ISIS leader Abu Sayed there in Afghanistan. So, again, a success as far as the Secretary of Defense James Mattis is concerned in the U.S. counter
terrorism measure there.
VANIER: Yes. Ryan, I think it's important to remind our viewers, even as all eyes are trained on Iraq and Syria and the fight against ISIS there,
that there are still thousands of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and that they continue to conduct a terror -- counter terrorism mission, which has now
expanded to, as you explained to us, fighting ISIS Khorasan, the Afghan affiliate.
Look, what do we know and what can you tell us about the state of ISIS in Afghanistan right now?
BROWNE: Well, the ISIS in Afghanistan is something that the U.S. has made a particular focus on. The Commanding General there in Afghanistan,
General John Nicholson has made statements in the past where he said that the U.S. and its Afghan partners there could potentially eliminate ISIS in
Afghanistan by the end of 2017. That's ambitious target.
ISIS has lost a lot of its territory in eastern Afghanistan. It was in multiple provinces. Now, it's down to only about two. It's lost some of
its fighters down -- it used to have thousands of fighters. They believe - - the U.S. and its local allies believe they've reduced that by some.
We remember that very large bomb that was dropped in the Achin District, the mother of all bombs, several other operations against groups. So
they're really focused. It's very different from, you know, the bulk of the U.S. troops in Afghanistan, the 8,400 troops that are there.
Most of them are in training, advising roles, more of a supporting function. But this mission, much more kinetic, much more combat intensive.
In fact, the majority of U.S. casualties in Afghanistan have come fighting ISIS, not fighting the Taliban, so -- in that eastern part of the country.
So, again, this has kind of been a focused point of effort. And the U.S. believes it -- and Afghan government believe they've made some serious
gains against the terror group in recent months.
VANIER: And, Ryan Browne, thank you very much for updating us there from the Pentagon. Appreciate it.
BROWNE: You bet.
VANIER: This is THE WORLD RIGHT NOW. Still ahead on the show, a force to be reckoned with. Roger Federer sails into the Wimbledon final. We'll
have the latest on that in just a moment. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:46:06] VANIER: It is not that often that we get to talk about sports in this show, but it is happening in THE WORLD RIGHT NOW. So let's take
you to Wimbledon where a tennis legend is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Roger Federer is through to the final of championship for the 11th time in his career. Ravi Ubha has more from Wimbledon.
Ravi, Federer is 35, I believe. Another remarkable achievement in his career!
RAVI UBHA, CNN SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR: It is just a fabulous achievement. So you're talking about how many finals he's played at Wimbledon, number 11.
He's looking for that eighth title. And if he does, he would pull away from Pete Sampras and also William Renshaw in getting to that number eight.
It was a very good display today from Federer, especially, I think, Cyril, when you consider that all the other major contenders were out. I'm
talking about Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal.
And the reason why I say that, you think it's OK, maybe you think he's going to be now the heavy, heavy favorite, but that comes with a pressure
of its own. And he was able to beat Berdych, who was the -- Thomas Berdych, who was the 2010 finalist, pretty comfortably in three tight sets.
VANIER: Look, I don't know until what age you can expect greatness out of a tennis player, but how much longer, do you think, we can expect to see
Federer playing at that level?
UBHA: Well, it's a good question, Cyril. And actually, he was just talking about that in his press conference. He didn't give away any
particular years, but he did say that the Olympics in 2020 was on his radar. Now, he didn't commit to playing, but it's on his radar.
And he has said in the past that he is definitely playing through all of next year. Now, when you are his age -- he's 35, soon to be 36 -- you have
to look after your body. He had a major injury last year with his knee, had surgery for the first time in his career, took the last six months of
last year to get ready for 2017. It turned out to be the right move.
He won the Australian Open, then took another preventative measure. He did not play the French Open. Again, it turned out very well because he want
to tune up, Hala (ph), on the grass and he is playing so well here. He has not lost a set en route to the final.
VANIER: Ravi, the women now. Venus Williams is another legend who is just not resting on her laurels. What do we expect from her in the final?
UBHA: Well, she's taking on a Spaniard, Cyril, by the name of Garbine Muguruza. Muguruza is a player who has actually won a Grand Slam title --
one of them, so not the seven like Venus has. But she has won one. She's 23 years of age to Venus' 37. So you have the experience of Venus, also
the class of Venus, and the younger player in Muguruza.
Now, Muguruza has beaten Venus the last time they played, just a couple of months ago but that was on cleat, not on the grass. And I think also,
Cyril, very important to note, Venus has lost eight Grand Slam finals but seven of them were to Serena.
So there will be no Serena across the net tomorrow. Does that mean an opportunity enough for Venus potentially?
VANIER: Ravi, thank you very much for updating us from Wimbledon.
And coming up on the show, a handshake? Or was it a manshake? The moments from President Trump's visit to Paris which left many scratching their
heads. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:51:13] VANIER: Welcome back. We have to attend to a very serious matter. Donald Trump's visit to Paris has given us plenty to talk about,
from the pageantry on display to the politics at play. But there were a few moments that were a little more unusual.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VANIER: From a French Army taking on Daft Punk to this handshake, which -- well, let's just say, raises some questions. It's just all over the place.
First, the hand. Then the laughter and shimmy.
And then wait for it, the trilateral as Mr. Trump holds on to the first lady of France simultaneously. A full 29 seconds of that handshake.
Enough, of course, to put to bed any storylines about tension between the two presidents. Still, for us, well, we find it a little awkward.
So I spoke earlier to comedian, Olivier Giraud, to get his take on how to secure the perfect handshake.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VANIER: The man of the hour, Olivier.
OLIVIER GIRAUD, FRENCH COMEDIAN: Nice to meet you.
VANIER: Thank you for coming on the show.
GIRAUD: Thank you.
VANIER: All right. We need your help here. And maybe --
GIRAUD: I'm glad.
VANIER: Maybe more specifically, the French and American presidents need your help. In your show, you explained that the French and the Americans
have different ways of greeting each other.
GIRAUD: Completely, yes.
VANIER: So -- and clearly, they're not in sync. OK? We've seen that. They're not in sync, Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump. So how is it
supposed to happen? What would look natural to you, and what would be your advice?
GIRAUD: When you don't know the person, like, perfectly, you shake hand --
VANIER: Right
GIRAUD: -- like two seconds. One, two. Look at the eyes. That's it. Only two seconds.
VANIER: OK.
GIRAUD: If you know the person a bit better, you kiss on the cheeks. It's true in Paris, so I've seen that Melania and Donald Trump had some trouble
with the kiss in the cheeks. Very easy.
VANIER: Yes. I don't expect Donald Trump and Mr. Macron to kiss on the cheeks --
GIRAUD: They can do it.
VANIER: -- but, you know, they can practice.
GIRAUD: They can do it. Friends is better, but -- so it's very easy.
VANIER: Right. Start --
GIRAUD: Right leg.
VANIER: Oh, with the hips.
GIRAUD: Leg, right one.
VANIER: Best foot forward.
GIRAUD: You kiss.
VANIER: Oh, all right.
GIRAUD: One, two kisses.
VANIER: Yes, not that bad.
GIRAUD: Another big difference, the hug. In Paris, we don't hug. I mean, only when somebody is dying, you know, like in a church like this.
VANIER: Oh, oh.
GIRAUD: That's life. C'est la vie. But we don't feel that good with a hug.
VANIER: So if I were to come in and I were to sort of half-hug and maybe slap the shoulders and maybe stroke the arm a little bit --
GIRAUD: It's too much. Too much.
VANIER: -- and I'm holding on for a little while?
GIRAUD: No, no good.
VANIER: You -- you're not feeling this?
GIRAUD: No, not at all. No. Just the hand. Take this arm off. And that's it.
(LAUGHTER)
VANIER: And by this stage, by the way, we haven't even brought the first lady into it. You know, if they -- if she were here, I would be like --
we'd have this triangle going on.
GIRAUD: No, no. It's not possible. Thank you.
VANIER: Olivier, thank you so much for your help.
GIRAUD: Thank you so much.
VANIER: The do's and don'ts.
GIRAUD: Thank you.
VANIER: Thanks a lot.
GIRAUD: Thanks a lot.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VANIER: The things you do for news. And if you're in Paris, you can catch Olivier's show. It's very night, running for a year. It's called "How to
Become Parisian in One Hour."
Now, there was something we didn't see during President Trump's visit to Paris, or rather someone we didn't see. There was no sign of his so-called
friend, Jim, who's name Mr. Trump mentioned several times on the campaign trail when talking about France. Jeanne Moos investigates.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): President Trump got the royal treatment. But whether he was wringing the hand of the first
lady of France or complimenting her physique --
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: You're such in good shape. Beautiful.
MOOS (voice-over): -- or getting chummy with her husband, the President, somebody was missing. Jim!
TRUMP: A friend of mine. He is a very, very substantial guy. He loves the city of lights. He's told me for years, Paris, Paris.
Jim, let me ask you a question. How's Paris doing?
[15:55:00] Paris? I don't go there anymore. Paris is no longer Paris.
France is no longer France.
MOOS (voice-over): He talked about Jim so often trying to make the point that France had succumbed to terrorism that "The New Yorker" started
hunting for Jim in vain. He inspired memes and tweets like: just hanging out with #Jim.
But when the White House refused to say whether Jim actually exist, thus was born Jim, the President's imaginary friend. With his own Twitter
account insisting, I exist, "The View," dedicated a photo album to Jim.
A French reporter brought him up at the joint press conference.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You've mentioned a friend, Jim, who told you that Paris is no longer Paris.
TRUMP: That's a beauty. You know what, it's going to be just fine because you have a great president.
MOOS (voice-over): If Jim were imaginary, it won't be the first time that an invisible character has entered the political fray. Would it?
CLINT EASTWOOD, ACTOR: What do you mean shut up?
(LAUGHTER)
MOOS (voice-over): Clint Eastwood wowed the Republican convention riffing with an imaginary Barack Obama.
EASTWOOD: What do you want me to tell Romney? I can't tell him to do that. He can't do that to himself.
(LAUGHTER)
MOOS (voice-over): Judging from their body language, Donald Trump's imaginary friend didn't get between the two presidents.
TRUMP: I'm coming back.
MACRON: And you're always welcome.
MOOS (voice-over): But what about Jim? They're making him jealous!
Jeanne Moos, CNN.
TRUMP: France is no longer France.
MOOS (voice-over): New York!
TRUMP: They won't like me for saying that. You see what happened in Nice. You see --
(END VIDEOTAPE)
VANIER: You have been watching THE WORLD RIGHT NOW. And it has been absolute pleasure bringing it to you live from Paris.
I'm Cyril Vanier. Thank you so much for joining us. "QUEST MEANS BUSINESS" is up next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ZAIN ASHER, CNN ANCHOR: Oh, we've got a studio packed in as well. That sound marks the end of yet another trading day on Wall Street. Trading
week, in fact.
Let me just show you. Come over here. Come over here. Let me just show you what the markets did.
[16:00:03] They ended the day up, almost about a hundred points pretty much on us here. But look at how they started. It started the day pretty much
flat as investors began to digest the bank earnings that we got and also retail sales as well.
END
