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NEWS STREAM
Venezuela In Crisis - President Nicolas Maduro Faces Mounting International Pressure As Protests Grow Beyond His Control; Donald Trump Blinks, What The U.S. President Is Now Doing About A Contentious State Of The Union Address; Another High Profile Detention - Why China Says It's Holding A Prominent Chinese-Australian Writer; The Democratic Republic Of Congo Is Also Facing A Controversial Transition Of Power. Aired: 8-9a ET
Aired January 24, 2019 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KRISTIE LU STOUT, HOST, "NEWS STREAM": I'm Kristie Lu Stout in Hong Kong and welcome to "News Stream". Venezuela in crisis - President Nicolas
Maduro faces mounting international pressure as protests grow beyond his control. Donald Trump blinks, what the U.S.. president is now doing about
a contentious State of the Union address. And another high profile detention. Why china says it's holding a prominent Chinese-Australian
writer.
Venezuela plunges deeper into chaos and political turmoil as President Nicolas Maduro severs ties with the United States and orders all American
diplomats to leave the country. This follows a day of massive anti- government protests around the country. At least 16 people died, that's according to Human Rights groups, and 175 people were arrested in Caracas
alone. Demonstrations erupted not only in Venezuela, but across Latin America in support of those raising their voices against the government.
Defiant as ever, Mr. Maduro accused the U.S.. of backing an attempted coup on Wednesday after U.S.. President Donald Trump recognized Venezuela's
opposition leader, Juan Guaido as the legitimate head of the country.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NICOLAS MADURO, PRESIDENT OF VENUEZELA (Through a translator): I have decided to break diplomatic and political relations with the imperialist
government of the United States. Out of Venezuela they go. Enough interventionism. There is dignity here. Here, there are people to defense
this land.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LU STOUT: On Wednesday, Guaido declared himself as acting President, a move backed by not only the U.S., but also the E.U. and a dozen other
countries. Guiado and his supporters accused Mr. Maduro of usurping power.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JUAN GUIADO, SELF-DECLARED ACTING VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT (Through a translator): I swear to assume all the powers of the national executive as
the interim President of Venezuela to secure an end to the usurpation and treasonous government and to have free elections.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LU STOUT: CNN's Joe Johns joins us now from the White House. But first, let's go live to Caracas where journalist, Stefano Pozzebon is standing by
and, Stefano, what a moment for Juan Guiado swearing himself in as the leader of the Venezuela. After that, what's the mood on the streets this
day?
STEFANO POZZEBON, JOURNALIST: Yes, Kristie, right now, the mood in Caracas is of tense and calm expectations. Of course, tension is rising in
Venezuela. The pressure is building up and we have seen by the dramatic reports from the NGO's home monitor.
The level of violence in the street protests from yesterday, 16 people lost their lives during yesterday's protests, according to Human Rights groups
as you said, Kristie, but also a lot of expectations about how will this historic moment play out for the general people of Venezuela.
Nobody has seen Juan Guaido in person since that historic moment, that momentous swearing in ceremony yesterday in front of thousands of cheering
supporters. And, of course, the move by the United States and the rest of the international community of recognizing Guaido and the reaction - the
dramatic reaction by Nicolas Maduro of cutting diplomatic relationships with the U.S.
How will this all play out here on the streets? For the average people of Venezuela? And that's what everybody is asking and that's why everybody is
glued to the news, glued to understand what will eventually happen here in Caracas, Kristie.
LU STOUT: Absolutely. Let's go next to the White House where Joe Johns is standing by because Donald Trump recognized Juan Guiado as the President of
Venezuela, so Joe, why is the Trump White House coming out so forcefully on Venezuela?
JOE JOHNS, SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT, CNN: Clearly because they had to. The United States government, the State Department has been watching
very carefully the situation in Venezuela. This was an opportunity for the administration to essentially side with the international community, speak
with one voice very decisively. They did just that.
The President's statement yesterday, "I am officially recognizing the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Juan Guaido as the interim
President of Venezuela and its role as the only legitimate branch of government duly elected by the Venezuelan people, the National Assembly
invoked the country's Constitution to declare Nicolas Maduro illegitimate and the office of the Presidency, therefore, vacant."
[08:05:06]
JOHNS: The Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, also weighed in. Let's listen to some of what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MIKE PENCE, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Today, freedom broke out in Venezuela with the recognition of the new interim President. Maduro is
a dictator with no legitimate claim to power.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
JOHNS: What happens next is a very big question here in Washington, D.C. The President and the administration have suggested that they are prepared
to take economic sanctions including oil sanctions against Venezuela depending upon the reaction of Maduro.
Maduro, of course, reacted by telling the U.S. diplomats to get out of Caracas. Of course, the United States responded that it wasn't essentially
going to do that because in the United States' view, Maduro is no longer the President. So that puts those U.S. personnel in the Embassy in Caracas
in a tense situation. A security alert has gone out telling them to essentially keep their children at home and be careful. Kristie, back to
you.
LU STOUT: Yes, very tense times. Let's talk more about what could happen next. Stefano in Caracas. Stefano, we heard earlier from the U.N.
Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, he is in Davos, but while there, he addressed the crisis in Venezuela. Here is what he said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANTONIO GUTERRES, U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL: What we hope is that dialogue can be possible and that we avoid an escalation that could lead to the kind
of conflict that would be a total disaster for the Venezuelan people and for the region.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LU STOUT: So Stefano, that's the U.N. Chief there urging dialogue to prevent what he calls a total disaster, but Nicolas Maduro, he is standing
firm. So would Maduro agree to that?
POZZEBON: Yes, that's one of the many questions hanging over here in Caracas, Kristie. We are seeing time and time again the government being
able to de-escalate this situation on the ground in Caracas by calling for dialogue.
When he speaks, Maduro is always careful to portray himself as a ruler who looks for peace and a ruler who looks for coordination and talks with the
opposition, but the talks with the opposition that happened in 2016, 2017, and 2018 were repeatedly frustrated by the refusal of the government to
cling down from some of its position.
And the one thing that could definitely happen and one thing we're very closely monitoring, Kristie, here is the reaction from the military. Many
times here in Latin America, but in Venezuela in particular, the military holds the role of an arbiter, sort of a referee between the two sparring
sides.
And right now, with two different people claiming to be the President of Venezuela, how will the military react? Today, the high military command
is set to speak here in Caracas in a few hours' time and that presser, that statement, will be watched extremely closely here, but in Washington, as
well, Kristie, for sure.
LU STOUT: Yes, we are heading into unchartered waters in Venezuela. Stefano Pozzebon reporting live from Caracas; Joe Johns, live for us from
the White House, a big thank you to you both.
U.S. President Donald Trump was apparently the first to blink in his battle with Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The President now says he will
not deliver the State of the Union address until the government shutdown is over. Pelosi had disinvited him, citing concerns over security if the
speech were delivered next week on Capitol Hill.
Mr. Trump is getting most of the blame for the longest U.S. government shutdown ever, now in Day 34. Now, let's go straight to Congressional
correspondent Lauren Fox on Capitol Hill. And Lauren, there are a lot of headlines here that Trump blinked first here, that he ceded to Nancy
Pelosi. Is this a political victory for the House Speaker?
LAUREN FOX, CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT, CNN: Well, it's certainly a surprise and something we don't see very often from the President of the
United States.
I want to read you exactly what his tweet said. He said, "This is her prerogative. I will do the address when the shutdown is over. I am not
looking for an alternative venue. I look forward to giving a great State of the Union in the near future." And, of course, Pelosi responding, "Mr.
President, I hope by saying "near future" you mean you will support the House passed package to end the shutdown that the Senate will vote on
tomorrow."
And I just want to lay out exactly what's going to happen on Capitol Hill today because there are a few votes. Neither if of them expected to pass,
but there will be two votes in the Senate to advance pieces of legislation that would actually reopen the government. One of them, a bill by
Republicans, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's bill that will essentially reopen the government. It will give the President $5.7 billion for his
border wall in exchange for three year extensions of both the DACA program and temporary protected status for immigrants.
[08:10:10]
FOX: That's expected to fail. Not enough Democrats will cross the aisle to vote for it. Then the Democrats get their shot at a bill, just a bill to
temporarily reopen the government through the beginning of February, an attempt to put pressure on Republicans.
But these are just expected to be messaging proposals, unfortunately, and we don't expect either of them to pass. So of course, you had that whole
drama about the State of the Union combined with the fact that we are still in a government shutdown with no end in sight -- Kristie.
LU STOUT: Well, no end in sight, that means 800,000 Federal workers will likely not receive another paycheck come tomorrow. Lauren Fox, reporting
live for us from Capitol Hill. Lauren, thank you so much.
Now, lawmakers and the public, eager to hear from President Trump's fixer, Michael Cohen, they're going to have to wait. He is postponing his public
testimony to a Congressional Committee and he's blaming ongoing threats from the President himself and Mr. Trump's attorney, Rudy Giuliani.
President Trump says that the only threat to Cohen here is the truth, but here two examples of the kind of statements Cohen says is worrying him and
his family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: His father-in-law, I thought, was the guy who was the primary focus. Well, what did he do? Did
he make a deal to keep his father-in-law out? Did he make a deal to keep his wife, who supposedly, maybe I'm wrong, but you can check it. Did he
make a deal to keep his wife out of trouble?
RUDY GIULIANI, PERSONAL ATTORNEY OF DONALD TRUMP: If the father-in-law is a criminal, I telling you, he comes from the Ukraine. The reason that's
important is, he may have ties to something called "organized crime."
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LU STOUT: Cohen's attorney says this quote, "Due to ongoing threats against his family from President Trump and Mr. Giuliani, this is a time
where Mr. Cohen had to put his family and their safety first." Unquote.
Now Cohen was scheduled to testify February the 7th. Many expected to hear revelations about the Trump organization. Democrats are now considering
whether to subpoena him. Cohen is set to begin a three-year prison term in March.
Now, China's Foreign Ministry confirms it has detained a Chinese-Australian writer on suspicion of endangering national security. It is the latest in
a series of prominent arrests involving westerners. Matt Rivers has more from Beijing.
MATT RIVERS, CORRESPONDENT, CNN: Kristie, yet another foreigner in China has been accused by Beijing of quote, "endangering national security," not
long after two Canadians face similar charges in what has become a fraught time for China's diplomatic relations with Western countries allied with
the United States.
In this latest case, Yang Hengjun, a prominent Chinese-Australian writer and democracy activist has been detained by state security and is now under
investigation. The Foreign Ministry which announced the news didn't give is further details, this as Australia's Defense Minister is here in town
for meetings.
Now Yang has a large following online where he mainly comments on current and political affairs, but he used to work for China's Foreign Ministry.
Although he eventually became an Australian citizen and has largely been seen at most, a moderate critic of China's government calling for reforms
that it would encourage more freedom.
Now, he's being held in so-called residential surveillance where prisoners here in China are often held in windowless rooms out of touch with the
outside world under 24 hour per day guard. They're sometimes called black jails and prisoners can be held there up to six months without being
formally charged with anything.
Now, China detains pro-democracy advocates regularly, but the timing of this makes it more unusual. Remember, Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Chinese
tech giant, Huawei was arrested in Canada back in December at the request of the United States. She faces possible extradition to the U.S. on
suspicion of helping Huawei dodge sanctions the U.S. has in place against Iran.
Now, China has since detained two Canadians, also on charges of endangering national security, moves which are widely seen as direct retaliation for
the Meng arrest. Now given Australia's close ties to the U.S. and Canada, and also its criticism of Huawei and its products as likely tools of
Chinese espionage, many are wondering if the cases are related. Australia, at least for now, says it's not sure.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARISE PAYNE, AUSTRALIA FOREIGN MINISTER: At this time, there is no evidence of such a connection. As I said, we are seeking clarification on
those matters. I would be concerned if there was an indication of that. So we are calling on the Chinese authorities to ensure that this matter is
dealt with transparently and fairly.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RIVERS: Now, you can rest assured that China would never publicly connect the two cases and we have no way to know if they are actually related, but
the timing is such that whether it's true or not, the speculation over a possible connection is already high and adding to a tense atmosphere for
foreigners wanting to travel here to China -- Kristie.
[08:15:01]
LU STOUT: Matt Rivers there. Now, here is another blow to Huawei. Britain's Princess Trust Charity says it is refusing any further donations
from the tech giant. You heard Matt mention the arrest of Huawei's Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou in Canada acting on behalf of the U.S. A
Huawei spokesperson says that they are disappointed by the charity's decision adding this, quote, "We regret that decisions of this sort are
being taken as a result of ill-informed and unfounded discourse about Huawei."
Now, you're watching "News Stream." Next up is Day Three at Davos, Brexit and trade top the agenda. And the Democratic Republic of Congo is
inaugurating a new President in the first peaceful transfer of power in 59 years. But the ceremony is over-shadowed with controversy. We'll have the
latest.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LU STOUT: All right, welcome back. Now, Carlos Ghosn has resigned as Chairman and CEO of Renault. The French government, Renault's biggest
shareholder, confirmed the move earlier. Now, Ghosn was arrested in Tokyo back in November charged with financial misconduct while head of Nissan.
His downfall has strained the global alliance that he has built among Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi Motors. Nissan and Mitsubishi both fired
him as Chairman soon after his arrest.
And it is Day Three at the Davos World Economic Forum. Brexit and trade there in focus on Thursday after world leaders gave a robust defense of
globalization on Wednesday.
Among those joining the chorus was China. Vice President Wang Qishan made headlines with a thinly veiled jab at U.S. President Donald Trump saying
confrontation harms both sides in the U.S.-China trade wars. Today, the focus turns to Europe and its role in a world torn in several directions.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEO VARADKAR, IRISH PRIME MINISTER: America has decided to move away from its former role in world leadership progressively, at least for now. China
is becoming ever stronger, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. But I think that Europe needs to really be able to have a common foreign policy
in particular and act in the world, and to be a force for good in the world on all of the issues that we've talked about -- economic development,
international development, climate change.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LU STOUT: One of the main issues facing Europe, of course, is Brexit. Nine weeks before the withdrawal deadline, Europe's chief negotiators says
that the U.K. will crash out unless it takes action. Michel Barnier has also warned that the Irish backstop cannot be time limited as that would
not protect against a hard border on the Island of Ireland.
He also warned that just because a majority of U.K. politicians don't want a hard Brexit, that doesn't mean it won't happen.
[08:20:10]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHEL BARNIER, E.U. CHIEF BREXIT NEGOTIATOR: There are two possible ways to leave the E.U. Number one, an orderly withdrawal based on the agreement
that we have built step by step with the U.K. for the last 18 months. Number two, a disorderly withdrawal leaving the E.U. without a deal is a
default scenario as there appears to be a majority in the House of Commons who oppose the no-deal.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LU STOUT: One way to avoid auto a hard Brexit is to get an extension of Article 50. In other words, buy some time, but not everyone has faith in
the politicians.
CNN's Anna Stewart spoke with one person who is not taking any chances.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
GRAHAM HUGHES, TRAVEL WRITER: Tomato soup, chicken soup, ketchup, paracetamol, ibuprofen.
ANNA STEWART, CORRESPONDENT, CNN: Oh, you've got lot of cans in this one, Graham.
STEWART (voice over): Canned goods, condiments and medicine. Items on the shopping list of a so-called Brexit hoarder. Graham Hughes, travel writer
and a staunch remainer has been stockpiling food for months. He's concerned that a hard or no-deal Brexit could bring major delays and
disruption to Britain's food supply.
HUGHES: We've got chicken soup, lasts forever. I've also got super noodles, these are tried and these last forever, as well. Just stuff that
we can keep. I'm not getting anything that's going to run out if there's disruption. I'm not saying there's going to be no food coming in and out
because, of course, we're still going to trade, but the disruption to having to check every single container coming in and out of the country,
it's madness.
The idea here isn't that we're going to have enough food to last off nothing else but this for six weeks, it's just this is going to supplement
what we can buy from the supermarkets.
But I have been to Zimbabwe and I have been to Venezuela, I've seen what it's like when the supermarkets run out of stuff, it's terrifying. You go
down entire aisles at the supermarket and that particular product isn't there and we don't know what it's going to be, it's an absolute lottery.
STEWART (voice over): Graham isn't alone. Blogs abound online with Brexit stockpiling suggestions from canned and dried food to baby essentials, even
new underwear a size up for the entire family. And you can buy an emergency Brexit box for $380.00. It sounds extreme, but experts agree
that food shortages could be a problem.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
IAN WRIGHT, DIRECTOR GENERAL, FOOD AND DRINKS FEDERATION: You'll see random disappearance of products and well-known brand from the shelves
because supply has been interrupted and people can't get them from their supermarkets. You won't run out of food, but you will find that your
favorite brands are sometimes in short or no supply.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEWART (voice over): For Graham, shopping for a family of four, it's better to be safe than sorry.
HUGHES: And I'm not saying that we should all build a nuclear bunker in the back garden. It's not going to be that bad, but make sure that there
is particular food that you enjoy, make sure you have got enough of it to last at least two months after The Day.
STEWART: You seem pretty frustrated - are you just frustrate that no one sees it as you see it?
HUGHES: People just don't care. They don't care that children are going to go hungry. They don't care that their own pets are going to go without
food. There will be dysfunction. We're an island that can't make enough food for itself.
STEWART (voice over): For now, he appears to be in the minority.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'll worry about it later, if it ever happens.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We don't need to stop the - at least, at the moment. No, I think there's a big fuss being made about everything.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We lived through a World War and we lived through all kinds - but all you do is you work through it. You work through it. You
don't panic.
STEWART: Keep calm and carry on.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Correct.
STEWART (voice over): Anna Stewart, CNN, Northeast England.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
LU STOUT: Now, Turkey's Foreign Minister says they are in Moscow, they are in an agreement on a political solution in Syria with one exception, and
it's a pretty significant one.
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Moscow to discuss their next moves in
the war-torn country after the U.S. withdrawal. Turkey's Foreign Minister says the fate of Syrian President Bashar al Assad is still an issue.
Russia believes he should stay in power while Turkey says it is a matter of conscience that Assad must go. And as if the Syrian people did not have
enough problems already, there is one that is ravaging many people in the war-torn country. Drug addiction, and it is hitting children as young as
10 years old.
Ben Wedeman has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
BEN WEDEMAN, CORRESPONDENT, CNN (voice over): "I take 30 pills first thing in the morning," says 2-year-old Mahmoud, "As many as 150 by the end of the
day." He is one of dozens seeking help at the only drug rehabilitation center in Syria's rebel-controlled Idlib province, the Save a Soul Hospital
for Mental Illnesses.
[08:25:10]
WEDEMAN (voice over): The war has left hundreds of thousands dead, millions exiled and displaced and rampant drug abuse has taken an invisible
long-term toll.
Twenty nine-year-old Mohammed was a rebel fighter, a doctor prescribed pain killers after he was wounded.
MOHAMMED: Tramadol.
WEDEMAN (voice over): "Tramadol," says Mohammed, "And he told me only to take it when I was really in pain. I needed it a lot, so I took a lot. I
became addicted. I couldn't live without it. For two years, I took the pills."
Tramadol, an opioid is cheap and easily available over the counter in Syria. Before I couldn't sleep, recalls Mohammed. I couldn't eat, I was
always vomiting, always nervous, always shaking. After spending weeks in the clinic, he says he is much better. What will he do when he gets out?
"I want to return, God willing, to fighting," he says.
We showed Mohammed's interview to Dr. Joseph Elkhoury, a psychiatrist at the American University of Beirut Medical Center and an expert on opioid
abuse.
JOSEPH ELKHOURY, PSYCHIATRIST, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT MEDICAL CENTER: The chances of him falling again to some form of dependence is
easily above 50% even with support.
WEDEMAN (voice over): Syria's nightmare has spared no one. The doctor who runs the clinic who asked that his name not be revealed and his face be
blurred for fear of reprisals says people of all ages are falling prey to addiction.
"We're seeing addiction starting with children who are 10, 11 or 12 years old," he says. Addiction is supposed to start later at the age of 18 or 19
or 20, but because of the break-up of families, it's starting at an early age.
Hundreds of thousands have fled to Idlib as government forces have regained more and more territory. The population has mushroomed with little
opportunity for those who now live here.
ELKHOURY: You know, they're bored, they're sitting there and not much hope happening for them and there is this promise of a chemical heaven that is
instant and this relief from everything around you.
WEDEMAN (voice over): But chemical heaven quickly becomes hell. Since becoming an addict four years ago, Mahmoud has struggled with the demons in
his head.
"My father locked me up at home," he recalls. "He chained me up once." Trying to escape the demons in their heads, they'll need a helping hand.
Ben Wedeman, CNN, Beirut.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[08:30:07]
LU STOUT: I am Kristie Lu Stout in Hong Kong. You're watching "News Stream" and these are your world headlines. U.S. President Donald Trump
has backed down in his battle with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over the State of the Union address. He now says he will deliver the speech after
the government shutdown ends. Pelosi had said the President would not be invited to the House Chamber for the address as is tradition until the
government is reopened.
New photos from North Korean state media showed the country's leader Kim Jong-un looking pleased with his returning delegation from the United
States after the group met with Donald Trump. Both sides have confirmed that the U.S. President sent his North Korean counterpart another letter
after Mr. Trump received one from Mr. Kim last week. The two leaders are set to meet next month.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is also facing a controversial transition of power. Moments ago, Felix Tshisekedi has been inaugurated as the new
President in the first democratic transfer of power in some 59 years, but the opposition candidate who lost the vote is rejecting that outcome,
declaring himself The President and calling on the people of the DRC to back him.
David McKenzie is following developments from Johannesburg. He joins now, and David, after an election that was so contested the inauguration, it
finally took place today. How did it go and is this, as expected, a peaceful transfer of power?
DAVID MCKENZIE, CORRESPONDENT, CNN: Yes, and it's an extraordinary moment despite the controversies that are swirling around this election in the
DRC. This was the moment where Felix Tshisekedi, an opposition leader was sworn in to lead one of Africa's most critical countries. You had pomp and
circumstance, you had the outgoing President of 18 years, Joseph Kabila arriving, surprising pretty much everywhere that he had shaved off his
trademark salt and pepper beard, maybe trying to indicate that it's a new day for the Congo.
But the suspicion is possibly some kind of deal was done by the outgoing President and the incoming one because even the independent Catholic group
that monitored this election said that the election had been called for the wrong opposition member.
Over the last few days, though, leading up to this very significant historical moment in the Congo, it seems like regional powers, the U.S.
government and others have come to accept this outcome, perhaps putting peace ahead of justice -- Kristie.
LU STOUT: Regional powers and the U.S. accepting this outcome, what about the presidential runner up? Martin Fayulu - is he willing to work with the
new President or is he still defiant?
MCKENZIE: He is still defiant. Some of his key backers thought haven't really made much noise and I think that's important. Fayulu has said that
this was an electoral coup. He has called on as you said, Kristie, his supporters to get out there and protest. That hasn't happened. There were
also large crowds of ordinary Congolese at that ceremony, which is ongoing now in the capital.
So at this stage, he hasn't received the backing he had wanted from either the regional bloc SADC or the African Union. He deals with the - the
incoming President deals with huge challenges moving forward in the Congo with so much mineral potential of wealth. They have a major Ebola outbreak
in the far east of the country and terrible ethnic fighting in the far west of the country. That's just two of the challenges he faces and will he
have Joseph Kabila looking over his shoulder and potentially even whispering into his ear as he takes the Presidency? We'll have to see, but
it is a significant day, a peaceful transfer of power after - or the first one, really ever, in the DRC -- Kristie.
LU STOUT: Yes, a very significant day for the DRC, but a number of challenges ahead for its new leader. David McKenzie reporting. David,
thank you. Let's get back to our top story this hour. Juan Guiado, the leader of Venezuela's National Assembly has declared himself acting
President, a move backed by the U.S., the European Union and their allies.
But Russia, China, Turkey and countries closely aligned with them, they have pledged their support for President Nicolas Maduro. Russia's Foreign
Ministry warns that U.S. interference could lead to quote, "lawlessness and bloodshed." Joining me now from New York to talk more about the unfolding
crisis in Venezuela is Eric Farnsworth, Vice President of the American Society and Council of the Americas. Eric, thank you so much for joining
us.
ERIC FARNSWORTH, VICE PRESIDENT, AMERICAN SOCIETY AND COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAS: Thanks for having me.
[08:35:05]
LU STOUT: First, let's talk about the U.S. reaction. Did the Trump White House rush to recognize Guiado or was this a coordinated move that had been
building up for quite some time?
FARNSWORTH: Well, it seems to have been a coordinated move not just with the United States but also many countries in Latin America and elsewhere
and you've seen this cascade of countries now shift the recognition from Nicolas Maduro to Juan Guiado, and so it seems that there is - this has
been under discussion for some time.
The date of January 10th here I think is instructive, that's the date when Nicolas Maduro proclaimed himself President for another term based on
fraudulent elections last May, May of 2018. And so, there was intensive discussion internationally in terms of what should be the response once
Maduro did that, and yesterday was the day that the chose to move forward.
LU STOUT: So we now have two men in Venezuela claiming to be the country's leader. Each man has their own base of support inside and outside the
country. You mentioned the cascade of countries that are backing each person. So what happens next?
FARNSWORTH: Well, it's a very volatile, very tense situation. I mean, both individuals claim the Presidency of Venezuela, but only one has
control of the military and the security forces at this point and that's Nicolas Maduro.
And so the security forces really are the arbiter here. Depending on what they decide to do, I think that is going to be instructive. Do they remain
loyal to the regime? Do they switch their allegiance to Guiado or do they may be sit this one out and let circumstances move forward as they may, but
that's clearly an issue that people are looking very intensively.
And then I think you also have to layer on top of that, the fact that there are any number of paramilitaries that have been supported and supplied by
the regime. So even if the military, the formal professional military changes its loyalties and support, you still have basically goon squads
running around the country trying to enforce the will of the Maduro regime, so it's very complicated, it's very volatile.
LU STOUT: Wow, let's say if Nicolas Maduro resorts to violence using either the military or these goon squads, as you put it, how would the U.S.
respond? Would the U.S. hit back and how?
FARNSWORTH: Well, I think that is also an open question. Clearly, there are additional steps that could be taken on the sanctions front,
particularly in the energy sector that is Venezuela's basically their only foreign income earner at this point. And they rely on that for things like
imports of food and medicine and paying off the military, frankly.
That could be hit. The U.S. has refrained from doing that for some time because they don't want to unnecessarily increase the humanitarian
suffering on the ground in Venezuela for Venezuelan people
The use of force is probably not in the cards anytime soon unless the Maduro regime tends to target U.S. citizens, particularly Embassy officials
and diplomats. I think that's something we have to watch very, very carefully.
LU STOUT: Well, we are definitely at a tipping point for Venezuela. Eric Farnsworth, we appreciate your analysis and take care.
FARNSWORTH: Thanks, Kristie.
LU STOUT: Now, you're watching "News Stream" and keep it here because coming up next, is it Kamala Harris or is it Kamala Harris? These
Democratic Presidential candidates might have enough name recognition, but voters are struggling to pronounce their names.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[08:40:00]
LU STOUT: Microsoft says its search engine, Bing ing has been blocked in China. It's not yet clear why and Beijing has yet to comment, but only a
minority of people were affected. According to internet traffic monitor Counterstat, Bing takes up just two percent of the country's overall search
engine market.
For years, big internet platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube were barred for refusing to play by China's censorship rules, but it appears
even though Bing fell in line, it is not immune to China's censorship machine.
Now, you may have seen their name splashed across headlines. These Democrats have either declared or expressed interest to run for U.S.
President in 2020, but can you pronounce their names properly? Here is Jeanne Moos.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
JEANNE MOOS, CORRESPONDENT, CNN (voice over): There is a new Democrat looking to run for President, if only we could pronounce his name.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, my God. Pete Buttigieg--
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Pete Pete Butigig
MOOS (voice over): You try saying the name of South Bend, Indiana's mayor.
PETE BUTTIEGIEG, MAYOR, SOUTH BEND, INDIANA: I'm Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg, but around South Bend, they just call me "Mayor Pete," and
that's fine with me.
MOOS (voice over): What isn't fine is that so many of the Democratic Presidential wannabes have names that trip you up. Don't call his Julian
Castro.
JULIAN CASTRO, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE 2020: No, my name is Julian.
MOOS (voice over): And don't do what Whoopi when she introduced --
WHOOPI GOLDBERG, AMERICAN ACTRESS: Senator Kamala Harris.
MOOS (voice over): Oops, accent on the wrong syllable.
KAMALA HARRIS, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE 2020: It's Kamala, just think of like of like a comma and add a la.
MOOS (voice over): Somebody forgot to tell right wing critics Diamond and Silk.
DIAMOND, VIDEO BLOGGER: You know, Kamila should be ashamedd of herself. Shame on Kamala Harris.
MOOS (voice over): It's really a shame when both names are tricky.
JOY BEHAR, HOST, THE VIEW: Please welcome, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How often do people call you Kristen Gillibrand?
KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE 2020: A lot.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, I know, that's Kirsten Gillibrand.
MOOS (on camera): Kirsten.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh my goodness.
MOOS (voice over): And then there's this guy whose childhood name stuck.
BETO O'ROURKE, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE 202: Hey there, Beto O'Rourke.
MOOS (voice over): But his political foes delight in saying Beto rather than Beto.
TED CRUZ, U.S. SENATOR, TEXAS, REPUBLICAN: Where is my opponent, Beto O'Rourke?
TRUMP: Referred to as Beto.
MOOS (voice over): Campaigns sometimes go along with the joke.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're do I get me one of them Beto signs?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Beto.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Beto.
UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: It's not kamala. It's not Camilla.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's Kamala.
MOOS (voice over): Mayor Pete's husband offered some tips like Buddha- judge to help pronounce this Maltese name that translates to "Lord of the Poultry," but even easy names get mangled. Take Bernie Sanders.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And Bernie Sandwiches --
STEPHEN COLBERT, LATE NIGHT SHOW HOST: That's right.
MOOS (voice over): Sometimes a name is more than people can bite off. Jeanne Moos.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Jeanne Moose, Moose.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Moose.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Moo. Jeanne Moo.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Moose.
MOOS (voice over): CNN.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's Moose, right? Moose.
MOOS (on camera): Moose.
MOOS (voice over): New York.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Who is she?
MOOS (on camera): She is standing right in front of you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh that's you? Oh that's your, right? All right, how do you pronounce your name?
(END VIDEO TAPE)
LU STOUT: Oh, my gosh. There are tears in my eyes. That is "News Stream." I am Kristie Lu Stout, don't go anywhere, "World Sport" with
Amanda Davies is next.
(WORLD SPORT)
[09:00:00]
END
