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Duchess of Cambridge Give Birth to Baby Boy; First Official State Visit of Trump Presidency; Mo Salah Given Prestigious "Player of the Year" Award; Israel Warns of Iran's Growing Role in Syria; Prince William Brings Royal Children to Meet New Brother; Reflecting on Avicii's Life and Legacy. Aired 11a-12n ET

Aired April 23, 2018 - 11:00   ET

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


[11:00:00] BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST: It's a boy. Just behind this door the entrance to the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's hospital in West London, the

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have welcomed a son. And CNN is there too. Next all the details on the newest member of the British Royal family.

Also, a world leader romance. U.S. President Donald Trump's relationship with the French President, Emmanuel Macron will be put to the test as he

visits Washington. We'll look at what's on the agenda. What is this state visit?

And --

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

Becky, I told you I would win this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: And win it he did. Mo Salah is the English Premier League's football player of the year. Later a short clip from my exclusive

interview with possibly the hottest footballing property on the planet.

Hello and welcome. You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi where it's 7:00 in the evening. Make room for one more your

Royal highnesses. We've got breaking news. It's a boy.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TOWN CRIER, BUCKINGHAM PALACE: Buckingham Palace probably announces the birth of a newly born Royal Prince of this saint George's day A.D. 2018.

God save the Queen. George's day ad 2018.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: The colorful, unofficial town crier as the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William welcomes their third child. Just hours ago, zipping

across town to St. Mary's hospital. Home turf for them. It's where they've had their last two kids and it's where we find our royal couple.

CNN's Max Foster who knows the family inside and out. And right next to him Kate Williams, CNN's Royal commentator and a brilliant mind on all

things monarchy. Max, a very exciting day where you are. As any parent knows busy times ahead. What's the latest on whether we have a name yet?

MAX FOSTER, CNN ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: No name. Next couple of days we'll get the name we're told. You saw the town crier. He had his moment again.

He also manages to show up at the events. Doesn't he? Despite having no official role actually. Kate Williams is with me. But first of all, I'm

just going to tell you, that we're expecting William to leave any moment. And he's going to go pick up George and Charlotte, so they can meet their

new baby brother. And only after that at will we get a chance to see new baby. No confirmation yet. They haven't decided whether or not they will

come out today. In fact, it could be tomorrow. Kate, what do you reckon?

KATE WILLIAMS, CNN ROYAL COMMENTATOR: I think this is what is a thrilling day. But it may be that we don't see them until tomorrow morning. Because

we did see them very quickly with baby one and two, with George and Charlotte. But possibly, it's a bit more of a tiring operation, longer

labor. So, we may have to wait. And certainly, that means the world's media is going to be here for another day. And yet it's packed here.

FOSTER: It does suggest she's not ready to come out to see the media. Because she has suggested that she wanted to come out and quickly as

possible to stop the disruption to the hospital.

WILLIAMS: Yes, well it's a very busy NHS hospital here with this huge amount of this media here. So, it is quite difficult for the fact that

she's had access to emergency. There are pregnant women going in and out. They want to minimize this disruption, but at the same time if they're not

ready. Because this photo -- the photo that everyone is lined up there waiting for is going to be the one that's on the front of the newspapers

tomorrow. And it's very important to the Royal family that this memorable, historic photo is how they want it to be.

FOSTER: There's not just going to be one photo. Let's just swing the camera around, Becky, to show you how many photos there'll be. So, that's

just one direction, just one pan. There are four of these. So that's the sort of thing that's going to confront George and Charlotte in the next

hour when they arrive here at the hospital. But it really does speak to the sort of world they're going to. Right?

WILLIAMS: Yes, the Princess Elizabeth's governess -- the future queen governor said royal's only private in the womb. And that was in the 30s.

And it's even more so now with photographs and 24-hour media. Royals don't have much privacy. And that's very important to William that he gives him

his privacy. So, we don't get to see them very often. So, that's why people are so excited at the chance that they might see George and

Charlotte going in or going out of the hospital.

FOSTER: Well, finally, just a couple of photographers when Prince Charles was born and only about 10 when Prince William was born. So, it just goes

to show what a different world they've been born into now.

WILLIAMS: Yes, and they're born into one where their future will be discussed. This little baby will be one of most famous person in the world

-- one of the most famous people in the world talked about, discuss, who they're going to marry. I mean, within a couple of months I'm expecting to

see articles about who this baby might marry, little Prince.

[11:05:00] And it is a very, very difficult life being a royal. It's of course gilded and privilege, but it's very hard. Because you have no

privacy.

FOSTER: And what about names. Because people are saying Philip, Frederick is what I heard. It seems unlikely. What do you think?

WILLIAMS: Well, the front runners are -- which I'm not quite sure about maybe. Another front runner is Albert, which the Queen Victoria's consort,

very popular and also the father of Queen Elizabeth, George VI. His first name was Bertie Albert. So that's they might be --

FOSTER: My son is called Albert so that's probably going to be a factor.

WILLIAMS: I think this is the answer. I think we have Albert. And I think also we are expected to see two other names as well. So, possibly a

tribute to Prince Philip in there. Because we saw a tribute to Elizabeth with Princess Charlotte. It will be nice to see a tribute to Prince Philip

as well.

FOSTER: And they do have more than one name generally. So, how many names, four, perhaps?

WILLIAMS: Maybe, I think at least three.

FOSTER: Yes.

WILLIAMS: At least three.

FOSTER: And in terms of the moment when they'll will come out, he'll make the decision later about whether or not -- you know, what sort of photo

we're going to have. But why do you think they've chosen not to have George and Charlotte in the family photo when they bring the baby out.

WILLIAMS: Yes, I think that was what a lot of the world's media was hoping for, the five of them, the Royal portrait shot. So, what we will expect to

see in maybe a month or so is having Kate who loves to take photos. Perhaps taking a photo of all the children together. I think they've

chosen that because William is so protective of the children. He doesn't want them to be exposed constantly to the world's media. And I think he

might think about quite stressful for them to first meet their new baby brother and then be exposed to the whole world with all of these cameras,

all the shouts. It's all the cheers of well-wishers but it's in fact it's a hugely -- actually packed with cameras here.

FOSTER: OK, while we're going to be here, Becky, when William comes out. We'll certainly be here when George and Charlotte arrived at the hospital.

And then possibly today we'll see the new baby too.

ANDERSON: And while we await those departures and arrivals, this new little lad, Max, already making history for the first time in a thousand

years he won't get to jump ahead of his older sister to get closer to the British throne. This is the line of succession before he was born. And

this right now, well, it's the same. In any other time in history that would have happened. So, to both of you Max and Kate, just how significant

is this?

FOSTER: Well it's significant. Was it 2013 when the succession laws changed?

WILLIAMS: Yes, it was 2013.

FOSTER: And that was actually for Prince George's birth in case that was a girl and she would be set to be queen.

WILLIAMS: Yes, in 2013 Britain changed the law so that a baby girl would have exactly the same rights to the throne as a boy. Because, yes,

previously, Charlotte would have lost her position. So, she's the first child in British history -- first in British history to keep her position

when a younger brother is born. And that's a very significant moment in 2013. It really does pay tribute to the hard work of the Queen and really

say that women deserve the throne just as much as men do.

FOSTER: And it means that this baby would leapfrog Charlotte. Which he would've done just a couple of years ago.

WILLIAMS: a couple of years ago this baby would have -- as you say, would have leapfrog Charlotte. So, Princess Ann, she's after all the Queen's

children. She's the second child of the Queen, but in terms of the succession, she came fourth when they were children because she was a girl.

And that I think sent a powerful message. So, it was very important it was changed in 2013. And I think it was important to the Queen that happened

this her reign.

FOSTER: Ok, they are, Becky, it's a historic moment in many ways. But that's one of the reasons it does actually mark a change in a millennium of

history.

ANDERSON: No, absolutely, a good analysis. You are, as you rightly point out, both swamped in a sea of reporters. Also, there are some super happy

Royal super friends. I want to get our viewers just get a sense of their zeal, hold on.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We've been here for 15 days. It's brilliant for the country. Going to lift everyone's spirit.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every time I get excited. Every time we need a new baby to replace the older babies. And it's fantastic. Every time I come.

And yet butterflies. I'll get butterflies peers

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm so delighted. I'm are surrounded told everybody else. And of course, we're so pleased is on St. George's day and our

patron saint.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: This St. George's day of course, and the energy, of course, as well pumped up surely by another royal event that is just down the line,

Harry marrying Meghan. Wrap up the mood for us, if you will, Max.

FOSTER: Well, I think, you know, there is a huge amount of excitement about the Royal wedding. I think that's down to a few things. I think

it's down to the fact that there's a lot of grim news around the world right now. There is a bit of escapism related to that. I think they are

fascinated by Meghan Markle and what she represents.

[11:10:01] Would you say, Kate, that you know, it's almost more of a fairytale, the Meghan Markle wedding, then the Kate Middleton wedding.

Because of what she represents. She's from America and is in a castle.

WILLIAMS: You're absolutely right, Max. I think it is a fairytale and it's a whirlwind. We were waiting for the William and Kate announcement

for quite a long time. And it's a real whirlwind with Harry and Meghan. And she's such a fascinating figure and she's such a different figure. And

I certainly think that right from the beginning people were talking about who Prince Harry would marry and she was so different. So, we do see a

real excitement there. And I think there is as much excitement if not more than there was about the royal wedding in 2011.

FOSTER: There's a flurry because one of the Royal security has come out. And to show the public pan over there, we can show the public is braced as

well with their phones. The amount of cameras here is quite astonishing. But I think William is about to leave. The challenge he's going to have

when he gets back to the palace is to judge his two toddlers and see whether or not they are in a fit mental state to come out to this. It's

fair enough, isn't it, because if the children are going to be upset by it.

WILLIAMS: Yes, so, I mean Prince George is really very good with the cameras. But it's more difficult for Princes Charlotte. She is very

young. And I remember when Prince George was born, they were also very impressed by how quickly William got out of hospital, got the baby into the

car. But things are more difficult with a full collection of them. And I think we'll see Prince William -- he'll have spoken to the Queen this

morning and discussed the birth of the baby. She's the first person to know. So, as soon as the baby is born the information go straight to the

Queen. So, she already knows. But they will be also be trying to work out when she's coming to pay a visit. Because they expect her to pay a visit

to them at Kensington Palace when their home. And maybe that's going to be tomorrow morning or maybe tomorrow afternoon. Because we don't know when

they're going to be going out.

FOSTER: It's funny, you've got that sort of stillness that you have before a royal moment right now.

WILLIAMS: Yes, something exciting going to happen.

FOSTER: And then it all turn into cheering, Becky, in just a moment. You'll hear that. And also, it's a matter of photographers' flashes as

well. You've been here, of course, in these events. You in the town crier you tend to turn up to these major events.

ANDERSON: That's right. And you say he's a lovely catch.

While we sit on that door because it is important. And we will sit on it. We are expecting to see William come out and drive -- what is it? The

couple of miles from Paddington where you are now to Kensington, just down the road where the palace is, where they live. Pick up the toddlers and

bring them back. This baby, of course, isn't just the talk of London, he's the talk of the global village. Get a load of this viewers. Some of our

viewers comments into "CNN TALK" of that show, Max, of course, comments from Japan, from Malaysia, from Swaziland, from Japan, from Nigeria, from

Bermuda, all welcoming the new royal baby to our world. Let's bring that shot of that front door back on the Lindo wing if we can. And Max, we'll

sit on this shot as we just discussed. Here we go. This is likely to be Prince William coming out. Proud new dad.

FOSTER: There he is. He's beaming. Obviously, he's driving his car as well. This is a break from tradition. Obviously, previous generations

they would've had drivers for them. But he's driving the car. You're going to see it come past us. We're going to see if he stalls. And he

doesn't. It's clearly an automatic. There he is. He's going off to pick up Charlotte and George. And they're going to hopefully come back in about

half an hour. It does depend, I'm told, what sort of mood they're both in, which I think is fair enough. He's got to walk in front of this lot back

in. So, in about half an hour he'll return with George and Charlotte. And they're going to meet their little brother for the first time. So, the

primary thing really, I think knowing the family a bit is that they will want to have their private family time together. So, they're not going to

rush out after that once George and Charlotte arrive.

ANDERSON: Max, I'm just thinking back to the birth of Prince George and that famous moment when we were I guess slightly surprised. A similar

moment to this one which has just happened moments ago when Prince William has come out as you say rightly to go and get the kids. Do you remember

back when Prince George was first born? He came out with the baby and he got into that car. He put Prince George in the back of the car and

everybody was anticipating whether he get it all right. That's the sort of microscope that these Royal youngsters are under, isn't it? Will he be

able to get the baby into the back of the car? Will he be able to, you know, get his seat belt on, right? I mean, when we talk about the sort of

-- I don't know, whether we should call it an invasion of privacy, but the fact that they are just so in the spotlight with as many cameras around.

It must be difficult for them quite frankly.

FOSTER: Yes, well I interviewed them a couple weeks after that moment and I asked them about that. First of all, I ribbed him for the fact he

managed to clip the car seat in first time which no new dad has been able to do in the history of fatherhood. But he was very shocked with himself,

the fact that he can do that.

[11:15:00] Which is fair enough. I had to give that to him. But also, I spoke about the fact he was -- he did it all himself and didn't have a

driver or staff around him. The same moment when he was a baby, Prince Charles wore a jacket and a tie and Diana carried the baby into the

backseat without a car seat, which is quite extraordinary. But then they had a driver drive them off.

It's actually, you know, if you think about the progression of monarchy and the modernization of monarchy, that was a big moment in that. Open neck

shirt, did it all himself. And he said he just wanted to do it his own way. And actually, if you look at the next generation, he is doing stuff

increasingly on his own way. Not being pressured by the palace, and if you look at the way the palace is set up around him, he is very much in charge

and control or is it all of his advisors are there as just advisors. They don't tell him what to do. And I think this is very much a product of his

upbringing where he was brought up with his mother in a system and she felt that the system took liberties with her. She didn't have control over the

system. And he just doesn't want that to happen to him. So, everything that you see, that he does, is very carefully controlled. And even that he

decides what he puts out there and it's in his own way.

ANDERSON: Kate Williams is with Max. Max Foster is outside the Lindo wing and there's been a new arrival for Kate and William today, a little boy.

We don't know his name yet. We'll find that out imminently, but at present Prince William has just left that maternity wing to go and get the kids if

they are in a good enough mood to come back and see their new baby brother. Max, always a pleasure. Thank you so much. We'll be right back to you

after this short break. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: It is 19 minutes past 7:00 in Abu Dhabi. This is our Middle East broadcasting hub. And you are watching CONNECT THE WORLD with me

Becky Anderson. And if you were just joining us you are more than welcome.

U.S. President, Donald Trump facing a crucial week of diplomacy ahead with the leaders of France and Germany visiting back to back. But if his

Twitter page is any indication that's not top on the President's mind. He is, well, it seems ranting about everything from immigration, to the Russia

investigation, to his personal attorney's legal troubles. CNN's Kaitlin Collins has more.

[11:20:00] (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KAITLIN COLLINS, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): President Trump pushing back on reports that his longtime personal attorney, Michael

Cohen, who is under criminal investigation, could turn on him and cooperate with prosecutors.

KELLYANNE CONWAY, COUNSELOR TO DONALD TRUMP: He stands up for people in his inner circle and people he knows when he thinks are being treated

unfairly.

COLLINS: The president accusing the "New York Times" and others of going out of their way to destroy his relationship with Cohen in hope he will

flip. Trump adding, I don't see Michael doing that.

President Trump also unloading more than two dozen other tweets over the weekend launching a new round of attacks at fired FBI director, James

Comey, in a move to discredit special counsel, Robert Mueller's Russia investigation.

MARC SHORT, WHITE HOUSE LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS DIRECTOR: I think that we all have frustration. That we believe that the scope has gone well beyond what

was intended to be an investigation into meddling in the election.

COLLINS: The president repeatedly declaring the investigation into collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia a witch hunt. And

questioning the basis of Mueller's investigation alleging Comey illegally leaked classified information in order to generate a special counsel and

the that Russia probe was established based on an illegal act. After he was fired by Mr. Trump last May, Comey testified before the Senate about

his decision to have a friend leak his memos to the media.

JAMES COMEY, FORMER FBI DIRECTOR: I asked him to because I thought that might prompt the appointment of a special counsel.

COLLINS: But last week the former FBI director told CNN he still thinks it was the right thing to do.

COMEY: I was in a position given what I knew to do something that would be useful and important. And so, I did it.

COLLINS: Sources tell CNN the Department of Justice inspector general is now looking into Comey's handling of the memos. All this ahead of

President Trump's expected Summit with North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-un. The President writing in part, well, we haven't given up anything, and

they've agreed to denuclearization (so great for the world) site closure and no more testing.

But while South Korea has said Pyongyang is willing to talk about denuclearization, North Korean officials have not agreed to that. Instead

saying they would halt missile testing and close one nuclear facility.

This as the Wall Street reports that the President will urge North Korea to act quickly to dismantle its nuclear arsenal before receiving any relief

from U.S. sanctions.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: Collin is on the story. Mr. Trump posting, French President, Emmanuel Macron and his wife for his first official state visit tonight. A

trip expected to be dominated by the topic of the Iran deal amongst other things.

This is the Iranian foreign minister, Mohammed Javad Zarif. He is warning of consequence if the U.S. does pull out. Adding that Washington has

already failed to implement its side of the agreement and echoing the words of Macron, he said there's no plan B if this deal collapses all together.

Well, the French leader will get to deliver his message in person to Trump very soon. Melissa Bell is in Paris. May 12, the deadline on this, fix it

or nix it Iran deal. And that is likely to be front and center, Melissa, when the two leaders meet, correct.

MELISSA BELL, CNN PARIS CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Becky. And the Elysee Palace have in fact said even before Emmanuel Macron has said.

You're right, there are a number of issues that'll be on the table for the two men to discuss. But for Paris, this is the most important issue.

Whether or not Emmanuel Macron can convince Donald Trump once again on that crucial date, as you mentioned, Becky, quite right, May 12. Once again to

waive sanctions on Iran in line with that deal or indeed to see it fold.

Of course, negotiations have been going on furiously in the background with Europe divided on the question of whether to provide extra guarantees to

Donald Trump. For instance, with new European sanctions on things like Iran's ballistic missiles. But also, on the key question of that which

really upsets Republicans, and Donald Trump in particular, those sunset clauses. That is, Becky, that this deal which is due to run out in 2025,

what happens after that? What is there to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon once that deal gets beyond the date that it set itself? Now

to one of key things to look out for is any deal that might be struck that might be announced while Emmanuel Macron is in Washington, between the

United States on one hand, Germany and the United Kingdom and France on the other, about a sort of deal within a deal that will provide some sort of

commitment on the part of those four allies in the direction of finding a way to prevent Iran getting a nuclear weapon beyond that crucial date of

2025.

And a key question is, how far Emmanuel Macron will be able to speak to Donald Trump, but how far he will be able to continue representing Europe

as he does so, Becky.

ANDERSON: And he has made it quite clear that he believes that Donald Trump listens to what he says.

[11:25:00] And the context, of course, to these state visits with Iran front and center, on the schedule are these North and South Korea talks and

this imminent meeting we are told between the U.S. and North Korea. The Iranian foreign minister reminding others that should this Iran deal be

nixed, why would anybody else ever trust the U.S. to keep to a deal again. And when I'm pointing this out because of course, Kim Jong-un will be, one

assumes, watching closely to see what happens on this nuclear deal.

BELL: Precisely. And this will be part of Emmanuel Macron's message. The other part being, of course, that perhaps the Iran deal isn't exactly

ideal. Perhaps it didn't go as far as some wanted. But it is in fact the only deal in town. And this is something that Emmanuel Macron has

consistently argued for. Remember that France with pretty reluctant partner in talks as the time, Becky, when the Iran deal was being struck.

It was one of those skeptical countries. It has become a firm backer of it partly because as you say, it is an important deal for the entire world and

in particular in the context of what's going on in Korea and those talks about its nuclear program. So, all eyes very much on what will emerge on

whether Emmanuel Macron manages to go far enough towards Donald Trump to satisfy him without losing the backing of the Europeans for whom he'll be

speaking while he's there.

ANDERSON: Melissa's in Paris for you. More on the trip and that of Merkel, as and when. Thanks for joining our show viewers. Just ahead

legend, icon, machine genius, superstar, megastar, call him what you will, a very dapper one at that. He's Mo Salah tearing up the pitch in what is

the beautiful game in a global collusive. He spent two days with me in and around Liverpool. We'll tell you what he really thinks of his home and the

fans there. Up next.

[11:30:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MOHAMAD SALAH, LIVERPOOL FORWARD: Becky, I told you I would win this.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well, he did it and Mr. Mo Salah, we never doubted you for a moment, sir. The world-famous Liverpool super star over the moon

overweening this magnificent trophy. Recognizing him as the professional footballers' association player of the year in the English Premier League.

He has every reason to be chuffed with himself folks. In this season Premier League, he has scored more goals by himself than entire teams have.

Just let that sink in. He's a goal scoring machine. Just absolutely magic with his feet. And he took them on a stroll with me through his newly

adopted city. Here is a taste of some of the couple of days that I spent with the latest footballing legend in Liverpool.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: And you've arrived in Liverpool. You are a massive idol for people here. How does it feel to be such a hero for a city like this? And

how do you cope?

MOHAMAD SALAH, LIVERPOOL FORWARD: Of course, it's great feeling. You know, I feel that. To feel that love from those here. Special feeling for

me. Well, you know, it's something that makes me work harder and think more positive and of course, you know, now the people, everyone is looking

to you like you have to do something. Every game you have to do something. So, that's also more pressure. But it's something huge to be here for this

city. It's something different.

ANDERSON: Do you feel like a Liverpool live? You haven't got the accent yet.

SALAH: No. The accent is very difficult. Your accent is fine for me to understand. Liverpool is hard.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I love you.

ANDERSON: They love you.

SALAH: Talking to you.

ANDERSON: He's being very, very generous. He is a great guy. A wonderful footballer. CNN's Amanda Davies with us now. Clearly, he's done a very

good job this season so far as goal scoring is concerned. But just how well? Lay it out for us, if you will.

AMANDA DAVIES, CNN WORLD SPORT: Yes, a very good job is putting it mildly, Becky. It's not often that we see player move from abroad and instantly

make an impact in the Premier League. It's a big move. When he, yes, had been in England before when he'd been at Chelsea, but was then in Italy for

a couple of years. And that's really where he began to properly find his feet and find his form and put in the kind of performances that attracted

Liverpool to him. But the way he so seamlessly moved into life in the Premier League is really very impressive.

In large part you think it's because what he knew about Liverpool Football Club before he joined. He said to you in your interview I know that he

used to play as Liverpool on the PlayStation games. He gets the Anfield spirit. Which is very different to the atmosphere at some other clubs.

And he has rightly been gaining plaudits from fans and from pundits for what he's done with the ball and for Liverpool this season.

But this award last night, the PFA player of the year one is a very, very special one for the players. Because it's voted for by their peers. And

it was really regarded as a two-horse race between him and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City. De Bruyne arguably plays with a much stronger squad of

players. Far more Manchester City players named in that PFA team of the year ban Liverpool players. And that really puts into perspective what

he's done. How well he's worked with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane this season.

But this isn't the only trophy, the only milestone he's reached of course. This PFA player of year award going hand in hand with him becoming the only

player to win the player of the month award three times in a season.

[11:35:00] His 41 goals for Liverpool. The best ever total for a player at Anfield in their debut season. And also, this weekend his goal equals the

Premier League most goals in a campaign record. That's a record he's hoping to go on and beat. Still with games remaining of course and this is

how he reacted to this latest accolade.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SALAH: You know, you're comparing your name with this name and put on the record of the Premier League record, 58 goals is something huge for the

English -- or over the world. So, I still have three games to go. I want to play Stroke and I want also to play that one for 42. I think it's all

very neat now. It's 34 goals, and so it's three goals to go. Let's see. We'll see what will happen next three games.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DAVIES: And Becky it's onwards and upwards for him really. Of course, his quest for a whole lot more silverware before the season is out. He's got

his eyes on the Golden Boot. Then of course, there's a talk about the Ballon d'Or. Is he up there with the likes of Messi and Cristiano Renaldo.

Liverpool with their sights on Champions League glory as well and the World Cup as well.

ANDERSON: It is remarkable, isn't it? I mean, I asked him about where he saw himself in a line up with Renaldo and Messi. He said he'd leave that

to other people. I think he was just being modest, let me say. Because he has had the most remarkable season and he told me he really wanted to play

in the English Premier League when he was moved on from Chelsea effectively into the Italian league. He said he wanted back in. And I think he's

right in saying it. It is the best league in the world. It's tough. He sees as tough. But he thinks if you can make it in the English Premier

League, you can make it anywhere. Which I guess begs the question, what happens next? I mean, look he's in contract at Liverpool. He will tell

you if you ask him, because I did, that he's enjoying playing his football at Liverpool. The fans are clearly loving having him at Liverpool. Has he

got staying power, do you think at this point?

DAVIES: Well, this is undoubtedly his best season. But it takes more than one season to make a superstar. That is what makes the likes of Cristiano

Renaldo and Lionel Messi stand out. They have done it year in year out. And that is the challenge for him. Without question, talk of Real Madrid,

Barcelona, all the big names of the big clubs across Europe, PSG being talked about as having him on the radar. They want him in their line ups.

But [11:37:51] rightly this week was not going to talk about how much money would be the right amounts of money to let him leave. Because he has made

such an impact at Liverpool this season.

But this really is where the test starts because as I said this season is the Champions League still to go with Liverpool. Then the World Cup

campaign where he's such an integral part to Egypt's campaign. He scored 71 percent of Egypt's goals in qualifying. They have the chance of making

it out of group stage, which sees his season go on even longer. Which begs the question, what impact will that have on him and his form next season?

It's big ask to go from such a high to keep it going for another campaign.

ANDERSON: He is, I can tell you, supremely confident. There's three things you need to know about Mo Salah. I talked to Don Riddell, your

colleague and mine, about this when I interviewed him a couple of weeks ago. He is supremely confident. He is supremely ambitious and he's one of

the nicest guys you will ever meet. There is not an arrogant bone -- it seems at least -- in his body. And he's up for it. And he doesn't seem to

feel like he will get exhausted by anything. Time will tell. Amanda, thank you and will have more of my exclusive time with Mo coming out right

here on CONNECT THE WORLD over the next couple of weeks. All leading up to a special edition of "INSIDE THE MIDDLE EAST." That is a full documentary

with us both. That is Saturday, May 5. Set it in your calendars. You will not want to miss that.

Live from Abu Dhabi you're watching CONNECT THE WORLD. I'm Becky Anderson. Coming up, Israel stepping up efforts to contain Iran's influence in Syria.

Going to get you live to Jerusalem. That's next.

[11:40:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

The Israeli government is sounding the alarm over Iran's growing presence in neighboring Syria. The Netanyahu government says it is time to block

the Iranian expansion for Israel's security and for the stability of the entire Middle East, he says. We have CNN's Oren Liebermann joining us now

from Jerusalem. With more, Oren, on the tensions between Israel and its longtime adversary, of course, Iran.

OREN LIEBERMANN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: And we've seen so much escalation in these tensions in recent weeks and recent months especially. But it's

worth pointing out that in one of the most moderate comments or statements made recently between Israel and Iran, it was Iranian foreign minister,

Javad Zarif, speaking to CBS. Who said he doesn't see a regional war coming between Israel and Iran. That being said, that comment aside, the

tension certainly has been escalating with strikes both that Israel has admitted to and strikes that have been attributed to Israel. And if that

escalation is coming. If a volatile situation becomes worse, it will be Syria where that likely plays out.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LIEBERMANN (voice-over): Seven years into Syria's civil war, one subplot is emerging. When an Iranian drone entered Israeli airspace in February it

marked the beginning of a new phase between Israel and Iran. Two rivals vying for regional positioning. Israel shot down the drone instruct the

controlling base losing an F-16 fighter jet to Syrian air defenses in the process. The exchange made one thing clear. Israel --

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ANDERSON: Prince William has just arrived back at Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in West London. This is an area known as Paddington. It's

about 10 minutes or so drive away from Kensington Palace. Which is where this little lad lives. That's Prince George and he is coming to see his

new little brother. And if we wait a little longer we might just see Princess Charlotte. Max is with us. He's outside the hospital -- Max.

FOSTER: There you are. The two older siblings with a baby that was born this morning. George looking down. Focused on getting into the hospital.

Charlotte taking in the scene of it more. Get on Prince William for handling that one. That would have been a big moment for him and obviously

the kids. Big a, you know, big moment about to unfold for the family. As you see George and Charlotte about to meet their little baby brother. The

8-pound 7 baby who was born early this morning. Also, mum recovering after that birth. So, I think they're going to spend a bit of time now, Becky,

just getting to know each other as family. If you go by the other births. That was a very big thing for the parents. They want to spend time, bond

this family before they came out to this massive media amongst.

ANDERSON: And Max, there's the Range Rover I think just drives away from the hospital. Prince William then and the kids have just gone into the

Lindo Wing. And you were discussing with me bit earlier whether indeed he would bring the kids in.

[11:45:02] I mean, I think you'd heard that it was really -- it was a question of what sort of mood they were in when he got back home, correct?

FOSTER: Well, yes, but not necessarily in relation to his particular kids. But generally, anyone with kids their age worrying about whether or not

they are in the right sort of frame of mind to deal with all of this. He's been very careful, as we were talking about earlier about protecting his

kids from these massive media moments. So, typically when they want to release pictures, Kate taking pictures of her kids. So, they try to keep

them away from this. But at the same time in acceptance for those benchmark moments in Royal life that the public has the right to update.

So, these are the sorts of things that the kids have to accept, and William accepts that as well.

So, what would have been probably quite difficult for them, William included, that they feel that these are those types of moments that they do

need to expose themselves. A bit like the moment we are going to have later on when Kate after giving birth is going to have to come out in front

of all these people as well. And obviously, because they haven't decided whether or not they will come out tonight. They are not entirely sure

she's ready for it. But we'll find out I am told in about -- you know, within the next hour whether or not they will be coming out tonight with

the baby.

ANDERSON: All right, and Princess Charlotte coping really quite well as she seemed to have turned around and a little wave for the cameras. Prince

George keeping his head down on what is, of course, St. George's day. One would have assumed that should he not have an older brother with the name

of George, then this new little lad might have grabbed that name on St. George's day. Do we have a name yet?

FOSTER: No. We're not going to get a name today. It might not be tomorrow. Probably the day after I'm told. So, I think they want to sort

of, you know, as many parents do, want to try the name out on the new baby and see if it works and then confirm it. Obviously, these sorts of

decisions have to go through the Queen because they are in the top six of line of succession. So, everything has to go through the Queen.

ANDERSON: Max Foster outside the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital, a fabulous teaching hospital in London. Where Prince William and their kids

have arrived to see his wife, their mom and George and Charlotte's new little brother who is as yet nameless. As Max pointed out. This is the

moment just a couple of minutes ago when the Royal family turned up. They have just driven from Kensington Palace to West London there in Paddington.

Prince George is in his school uniform. Perhaps he's had an early day given pass this afternoon given that his little brother is born today.

All right, we're going to be right back. Stay with us.

[11:50:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: Young talented. Gone far too soon I'm afraid. It's been three days since the death of the Swedish DJ, Avicii. His real name of course

was Tim Bergling. He was known around the world for smash hits like "Wake Me Up." He died while vacationing in Oman. Where local police have

recently ruled out any criminal activity in his death. His career highlights included collaborations with the likes of Madonna and putting on

over 800, 800 live shows. Which he admitted himself took a toll on him. Let's talk about his life and legacy a bit more with "Variety" senior music

editor, Jem Aswad, who joins us now live from New York. And he was a pioneer within the EDM, electronic dance music community. How did he take

EDM from that community into the mainstream? Because he was a huge, massive as a DJ.

JEM ASWAD, SENIOR MUSIC EDITOR, VARIETY: Yes, he absolutely was. And he was great at it. And he was a great producer as well. But what he had

that a lot of the bigger DJs don't is a very fine-tuned pop sensibility. He was Swedish. Music is a huge part of the education in Sweden. So, that

really came across in a lot of his songs. And a lot of his songs aren't necessarily club bangers. They're pop songs. And I think those are the

songs that he's going to be most remembered for.

ANDERSON: And it's a strange world. I mean, using the term writing pop songs alongside -- popular songs is where, of course, that term comes from.

Alongside this kind of what started as his underground, sort of electronic dance music back in the late 80s. Was he proud of that?

ASWAD: I think so. He said that, you know, he was sort of like David Guetta. Who's someone who's similar to him, a very pop minded DJ. You

know, they work together a lot and there was a similar thing. They wanted to tap into the emotion. You know, it wasn't about base and beats and

things like that. It was really about creating memorable songs. And it was songs like "Wake Me Up." I mean, that song was global, global hit.

And they had a rare ability to cross cultures and across genres. You know, his songs were hits all across Europe, in places in Asia, as well as the

United States.

ANDERSON: Listen, he had huge success before the age of 25. Which he admitted himself was quite frankly detrimental to his health. He had

retired from touring effectively from DJ at these huge events. In the end was success just not good for him. What was the deal with that?

ASWAD: Well, I don't think there's any question that success wasn't good for him. He said as much. And he was quite open about the problem with

alcohol that he had, because the touring schedule. But he stopped. And you know, he was just making music. He released, I think it's a seven-song

EP last fall. He said it was going to be the first installment of his next album. His label boss told us that there's lots of unreleased Avicii

material. He was hard at work on this album at the time of his death. They're not sure when it's going to come out. But I'm sure it will.

But he had really dialed things back. So, who knows what happened. Now, he apparently had long standing problems with his digestion system. He had

his appendix removed, his pancreas removed. And that was exacerbated by alcohol. But he had said he quit drinking. So, it's hard to say what

exactly happened. Whether the digestive problems continued. Whether he was -- and this is pure speculation, I don't know this -- maybe he was

taking painkillers. You know, maybe that made it worse. We don't know, and we won't know until the autopsy is out.

ANDERSON: Yes, but in the end, Jem, another fantastic talent. I mean, you saw the out pouring of love from his compatriots in EDM. Some of the

biggest DJs in the world who had not a bad word to say about this young man. And they were so proud of the work that he had done. The world loses

a great song writing and mind at such a young age. And he joins, I'm afraid, a long list of people in the business under the age of 30 who

didn't make it.

ASWAD: Absolutely. You know, it happens often with entertainers.

[11:55:00] But what was different about him is he was the first EDM superstar to die so young. And I think you're seeing that reflected in a

lot of -- in the reactions of a lot of fans and a lot of his peers. And also, at Coachella over the weekend. There were a lot of tributes to him.

Particularly from Kygo who played, you now, a several minute-long tribute to him

ANDERSON: For that we're going to leave it there. He was so talented. He sadly he died too young. This and many more important stories. One that

resonate with all of us here on the show and surely you at home as well to thank you. All of that is on our Facebook page. So, if you've missed

anything you want to just watch it again. Catch up to what we've been doing over the week, months is that we been on Facebook.com/CNNConnect.

That is Facebook.com/CNNConnect.

I'm Becky Anderson. That was CONNECT TO WORLD from the team working with me here at our Middle East broadcasting hub in Abu Dhabi. It's a very good

evening and from those who work with us around the world. Will leave you with this.

[MUSIC]

END