Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Newsroom

CNN International: Sex Sells, but at what cost? CNN Podcasts Dives into "Onlyfans"; Zelenskyy: Price Cap Level on Russian Oil "Not Serious"; Report: Attorney General says Iran Abolished Morality Police; Are Protests making a Difference in China and Iran; Controversy Overshadows William and Kate's U.S. Trip. Aired 8-8:30a ET

Aired December 05, 2022 - 08:00   ET

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

[08:00:00]

MAX FOSTER, CNN HOST: Hello, welcome to CNN "Newsroom". I'm Max Foster in London just ahead after months of protests. Iran's Attorney General reportedly says the country's Hijab law is under review but will anything really change? We'll have the latest details for you.

Plus, taking Aim and Russian oil profits, the number of countries worldwide imposes a price cap on Russian oil shipped by sea, but will it have any impacts on the Kremlin's coffers. And England's Raheem Sterling rushes home whereas Brazilian superstar Neymar is expected back on the pitch today. We'll have all the latest on the Qatar World Cup.

We begin in Ukraine where the country is bracing for what could be another devastating Russian bombardment. In just the last few minutes we learned that the military is warning that Moscow strategic bombers have taken off and the first wave of missiles have already been launched.

Officials in Kyiv say the city's Air Defenses are working and residents are being urged to stay in shelters and regional authorities in the south say several explosions have been reported the City of Zaporizhzhia. Let's go straight to Will Ripley, who joins us live from an underground shelter, Will in Kyiv.

WILL RIPLEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Hi Max, yes and in fact, we just confirmed out of Zaporizhzhia region that at least 2 people have been killed in those explosions, presumably from these Russian missiles that have been launched. And the Ukrainian Military is now confirming they're not giving us numbers.

But the early indications were that we were looking at potentially dozens, which would put this potential attack if that's indeed what is happening on far with what Ukraine experience 12 days ago, when Russia launched in total over a period of about four hours, more than 70 missiles.

And the Ukrainians successfully shot down more than 50 of them but still around 20 or so hit their targets and those targets were the civilian power infrastructure with the intent of plunging this nation this battle scarred nation into darkness at a time that the winter is fast approaching, temperatures are plunging every day, it gets a bit colder.

And so to knock the electricity off for people is what military experts say a wartime tactic that is intended to demoralize the general population and also to potentially harm the Military because they need the power just as much as everybody else needs it.

We were out yesterday, in Bucha, which of course, is a town that you recognize the name Max. This is a town that was terrorized by Russian soldiers during the occupation earlier this year. People there have been living without power, sometimes just 40 minutes a day.

And yet, given all that they experience all of the trauma and the horror that they witnessed, including, you know, their neighbors' bodies being left to rot in the streets for a month or longer and you know, constant fear of what Russian soldiers might do if they came to their homes. These people say they're, OK with living without power. Certainly it's inconvenient. Certainly it's frustrating, especially when their cell phone communications go down along with the electricity.

But they say regardless of the discomfort from Russia knocking out the power systems with these missile attacks, they say it strengthens their resolve to fight ahead. And they say they're grateful that they're being defended by Ukrainian soldiers and not occupied by Russian soldiers in that suburb of Kyiv. And that is the sentiment that is overwhelmingly being shared with us, as we report on this.

So whether or not we're in the front end of yet another devastating attack that Russia's Foreign Minister just on Friday told exclusively to Matthew Chance, they were anticipating. We don't know how many of these missiles have been fired. We don't know how many have already been shut down, but yes, the Air Defense systems have been activated.

There are missiles in the air and it is a really touching go minute by minute situation that we have to monitor very carefully from the safety of this underground shelter here. Like so many other people across the Ukrainian Capitol who are also sheltering in place, underground right now, Max.

FOSTER: Of course with everyone there, Will, thank you. Now the Kremlin says it won't recognize price caps on Russian oil and it's calling the implementation of that decision a step towards destabilizing world energy markets. The $60 a barrel price cap on Russia seaborne oil, agreed upon by the EU.

The G7 on Australia is now in effect is aimed at limiting Moscow's ability to finance this war. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was much more needs to be done. And he says the price cap is "Not serious". CNN's Clare Sebastian joins me now to explain what all of this means and the impact of any of this price cap and though you know, there's a lot of cynicism about whether or not it'll work Clare.

[08:05:00] CLARE SEBASTIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes Max, I think there are questions given the level of the price gap which of course is much higher than President Zelenskyy would have wanted the $60 a barrel. Though it is lower than some in the West European and Western leaders would have wanted to lower than they were originally discussing.

But this Max, to take a step back is the biggest set of energy sanctions that we've seen yet on Russia in the course of this now 9+ months war. It is a major measure both the EU embargo on all seaborne Russian oil and this price cap, which should, in theory, limit Russia's revenues from oil which of course have gone up not down as a result of this war.

That is the sort of loophole that the West is now trying to close. Will it work in its two key aims, one to punish Russia and two to try to stabilize the global oil markets and keep Russian oil flowing in terms of punishing Russia? I think there are some doubts given the level of this price cap Russian Euros oil is currently trading.

According to data that I've seen below the price cap that there are some other grades in the far East that are trading above the price caps at the consensus seems to be that there will be a little bit of a limited impact initially to Russian revenues.

Although of course the EU and the G7 can tighten the cap in future, can lower the cap progressively under this mechanism in terms of stabilizing the oil cap, the oil market we all say oil prices coming up fairly significantly this morning, about 2.5 percent global oil prices.

But overall, I think the sense is that in the best case scenario, at least, this should lead to simply a reshuffling of the global oil market. The Russian oil that you used to buy will, hopefully in terms of what Russia will feel flow to Asia. Certainly a lot of it has already been displaced there and similarly, the EU will start buying oil from other places like the Middle East, it has already started doing that.

So this should in theory achieve those two aims, according to experts that I've been speaking to the wildcard, of course, is what Russia will do next. The Kremlin has threatened to not do business with anyone complying with this cap, even if that means cutting production if they have to cut production that could send global prices higher, Max.

FOSTER: OK, and in terms of that destabilization of the market, if it were to come as Russia suggests it might come. I mean, that was put everyone really on the back foot, wouldn't it after this stage of instability we've had which moved into a relative level of stability in the global economy?

SEBASTIAN: Yes, Max, I think that is exactly what the West has been trying to avoid the delicate balance that they've been trying to strike with this measure. And essentially, I think the thing to remember here is that the reason why this cap has come into force. Instead of bringing in a ban on shipping and insurance services from the EU and G7, which would have taken a lot of oil off the market is to keep Russian oil flowing.

The U.S. has especially has made it clear that it doesn't actually want Russian oil off the market because of the impact that would have on prices. So the idea has been to stabilize things. I think, again, as I said, the question is what will be rushes next move?

FOSTER: OK, Clare, thank you. Now Iran is dissolving. It's so called morality Police and reviewing strict laws mandating that women wear hijabs in public. Well, comments by Iran's Attorney General have suggested that could be this case.

He's saying that "Parliament and the judiciary are evaluating the hijab law" and that the morality Police are being disbanded something. And Iranian MP's has also said could be in the works but state media and others are skeptical. Some say it's all a ploy to quell this monster protests led largely by women, with a resounding around the world sparked by him in custody death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini who was detained allegedly for not wearing a hijab properly.

Let's get some clarification on this developing story. CNN's Salma Abdelaziz joins me now. Salma, you know, depends what you read at the moment about where the truth is here. What have you made of it?

SALMA ABDELAZIZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Max is always with Iran. It's the OPEC nature of the government. They're the lack of press freedoms, the inability for foreign media to get inside that is creating the sense of confusion and these conflicting reports that we're seeing around statements made by Iran's Attorney General over the last several days. Let's break those down.

First, I'm going to get to the most controversial one these reports that the morality Police was abolished or shut down. This came after a press conference in which Iran Attorney General was asked by a reporter where are the morality Police? He was asked that question because many on the ground say they have not seen those patrols in recent weeks and months.

The Attorney General responded by saying that this was really not his department and that's exactly what Iranian state media has been saying. As well the morality Police actually falls under the Ministry of Interior. He would not even have the right to shut down the morality Police, that's Iran Attorney General.

[08:10:00]

ABDELAZIZ: And then to the second part and this is very important that is the hijab law currently under review by the judiciary and the parliament unclear if that review would lead to a tightening of measures or a loosening of measures. We do understand that the result of that review would come in a couple of weeks' time.

But you have to remember Max, these demonstrations that started of course, yes, a few months ago, after the death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality Police allegedly for not wearing her headscarf properly. Yes, these demonstrations started very much about that but they've morphed into something so much bigger. Those who are taking to the streets now some of them are demanding the dismantling of the entire Islamic government. They want to see this whole system really scout Max, not just a simple review of the hijab law.

I think if there's anything that's really revealed in this back and forth in these conflicting reports. Is that Iran's government itself is struggling to suppress these demonstrations? They've been going on again, for months they continue to grow.

This is not a monolith. This government has hardliners, it has reformers, and it has conservatives. They're trying to figure out how they get a hold of this, Max.

FOSTER: OK, Salma thank you. Chinese cities are slowly but surely easing their COVID restrictions. Shanghai no longer requires a negative COVID test to enter outdoor venues like parks. Other big cities have scrapped the negative test requirement to ride public transport. Citizens fed up with China's zero COVID policy protested last month and President Xi recently hinted protocols would be loosened.

Now lots of World Cup action on and off the pitch Neymar expected to return in the coming hours for Brazil. He's been sidelined with an ankle injury, but he'll be back on the pitch later today when Brazil takes on South Korea. Speaking of Brazil, the team is asking for good thoughts and prayers for soccer legend Pele.

The 82-year old is in Brazilian hospital, battling a respiratory infection and colon cancer. His daughters told fans they are confident he'll return home soon. And a scary situation for England stars Raheem Sterling. He's been rushed home after an armed robbery at his home Sterling miss England's victory over Senegal on Sunday as a result. Alex Thomas joins us now with a look at all of today's action. A lot of it starts with Neymar Alex.

ALEX THOMAS, CNN WORLD SPORT: It does Max, because Brazil is back in action as we start this third full week of matches at the World Cup We've reached the halfway stage of the round of 16. That's the first knockout round.

We've already got four teams through to the eight places in the quarterfinals and that includes England's even without Raheem Sterling, who, as you say has flown home to deal with that personal matter involving a robbery at his home in Surrey, just south of London. England looked good and managed to beat the African champions Senegal by 3 goals to nil. And that came later on Sunday after a victory for the defending World Champions France who won their match 3-1.

So England and France the latest through to those quarterfinals some heavyweight clash is already booked for the last 8, and certainly Brazil and Croatia in action later on Monday overwhelming favorites to beat South Korea and Japan respectively. First up is Japan against Croatia, the runners up at the last World Cup in Russia in 2018. And Brazil, although they didn't do so well at that tournament have won this competition more times than any other nation, Max. 5 times world champions looking good Neymar back from injury and that can only bolster their chances as they face South Korea. I've got more in World Sports live from Doha, with Amanda Davis and myself here in London in about 20 minutes.

FOSTER: Looking forward to Alex, thank you so much. Now much more still to come in this hour on the Qatar World Cup of course, we'll be following all the ins and outs of all of those matches and it starts with "World Sport" after this program.

So let's come up more on our top stories protests in Iran and China and possible policy changes in both countries so our demonstrations making a difference. We'll take a closer look, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[08:15:00]

FOSTER: Welcome back, all demonstrations in China and Iran making a difference inside those countries. We've seen protests in both nations and now it seems some policy changes. So what actually impact what sort of actual impacts to things like this have?

First of all, we've got Iran these are protests initially sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini under the morality Police allegedly and they are now possibly prompting a review of the rules on hijabs. For example, even the review of the Police system as well. This is China, these are protests against zero COVID policy and they may be being reviewed as well or at least relaxed to some extent.

According to reports coming out of the country it's a bit murky. Let's go to Nic Robertson, who's across all of this, it's not entirely clear exactly what's changing within Iran and China. But there does seem to be a response in both of those countries to protests, which is pretty unheard of.

NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: It is, an in a way both countries are doing a catch up here, that the leadership is actually recognizing that there's something happening on the street. So they need to find a way to control you know, the real question in both these countries, is what is actually going to happen? The review of the hijab law in Iran isn't due for another couple of weeks.

China, you know, typically they the government can make some moves like they've done easing the ability for people to use the transport network by, you know, removing some of the COVID checks, removing the need to use QR codes. But you know, if you look at the way that China's handling it, it's somewhat, not systematic, somewhat shambolic. They're removing testing centers, COVID testing centers, in the middle of some of the cities.

Yet the COVID testing booths, in other parts of those same cities are now having long, long lines, because you might be able to get on public transport without needing a QR code or a COVID test. But you may not be able to go in the shopping malls or offices without a 48 hour COVID test. So it seems what's happening at the moment, is a reaction to try potentially to placate the anger, three months of anger in Iran and that's boiled over way beyond wearing a hijab.

It's now speaking about the leadership there. The reactions of the governments in both these cases fall short. And it's not even clear what these reactions actually are. But the opportunities are for the governments who both governments who have track records of doing something publicly and then walking it back when the world's attention is turned away, or when that bit of stinging the anger is ameliorated in the population, because let's face it.

The Chinese population is really angry and upset about the COVID measures that they're still enduring and the rest of the world isn't? So it we can say that these governments are reacting, but we can't say what it really means yet. That's too soon to say, Max, I think.

FOSTER: It's also, you know, it's very difficult, isn't it for very authoritarian governments to accept defeat on really core issues for them? So there's even if they were to decide that they were wrong on an issue, in order to retain, you know, their authority and respect within the country. They have to really work on their messaging as to why they might be doing, many would regard as a U-turn.

[08:20:00]

ROBERTSON: Again, I think we have to really careful and I know you're using the language this way about a U-turn really cautiously because we don't know where this goes. And we know that the reactions of both these governments over the past few months has been to turn to the security apparatus to shoot Iranian and kill Iranian protesters to use tear gas in the case of China to continue with very authoritarian and harsh and strict COVID controls and put out huge numbers of Police.

You know, sort of outweighing the numbers of protesters and for people to face huge and serious and significant punishments and controls over their lives in China through the use of AI technology.

You know, all sorts of denial of access to freedoms, if people don't comply. So the go to instinct of both of these countries has been to try to crack down what's happening is those crackdowns are either backfiring or they're not working as effectively as a leadership wants. So this is a question of just trying to figure out if at the moment, they're just doing enough to take the initiative back and take away some of the momentum of the protests in both countries, and then just revert to tight.

You know, both of these countries, the leaderships there the leaders themselves believe that their own personal destinies are tied up in the fortunes of how well they can control the population. They wouldn't be in power very likely. If the populations, there had a real say that dynamic hasn't changed. So we should be cautious and evaluating what the result of all this suppose a change will be.

FOSTER: And I will be watching Nick Robertson, thank you very much indeed for joining us. Still ahead, the glitz, the glamour Britain's Prince and Princess of Wales visit Boston their first trip to the U.S. in eight years. This controversy erupts back home details on the royal visit coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

FOSTER: Netflix has just released a trailer for the new Harry and Meghan documentary and has announced the release date as well a first day. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are sharing their story in the series, is quick look.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's a hierarchy of the family. You know this leaking, but there are also plenty of stories.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There was a war against Meghan to suit other people's agendas.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's about hatred. It's about race because it dirty game.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER (voice over): Meanwhile, Harry's brother Prince William is back in Britain after a 3-day visit to Boston with his wife Catherine. The couple tried to put the spotlight on the environment but the trip was tinged with some controversy. Take a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PRINCE WILLIAM, UNITED KINGDOM: It's my hope the shot legacy will continue to grow.

FOSTER (voice over): And the beginning of another legacy for William and Catherine in their first overseas trip as the new Prince and Princess of Wales. Their three day us visits culminating in the second annual Earth shop price.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Welcome to Boston and the earth shop prize the biggest environmental awards on the planet.

FOSTER (voice over): Prince William's passion project where every year over a decade. 5 winners from around the globe are awarded a million pounds to fund their creative solutions to the climate crisis. But the trip was overshadowed by controversy erupting back home.

[08:25:00]

FOSTER (voice over): As senior at Royal aide resigning after Ngozi Fulani, a Black Charity Executive shared her experience of being grilled about her heritage at the Buckingham Palace event.

NGOZI FULANI, DOMESTIC & SEXUAL VIOLENCE ADVISER, SISTAH SPACE: British and there's no debate about it. So then when she says, Oh, I knew eventually, I will get where you can. FOSTER (voice over): Buckingham Palace quickly called the remarks unacceptable. A spokesperson for Prince William also saying, racism has no place in our society. In Boston, it was a case of keeping calm and carrying on William and Kate focusing on environmentalism and the inspiration behind the trip.

WILLIAM: 60 years ago, President John F. Kennedy's moonshot speech laid down a challenge to American innovation and ingenuity. It was that moonshot speech that inspired me to launch the earth shot prize, and where better to hold this year's award ceremony than President Kennedy's hometown.

FOSTER (voice over): William met with the late President's daughter and current U.S. Ambassador to Australia, Caroline at the Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum later the Prince of Wales meeting with President Joe Biden. He was in the state for a fundraising event.

The couple also filled their time with a Celtics game and visits with environmental tech entrepreneurs also Boston Harbor, as well as a nonprofit supporting the disadvantaged youth. But the highlight of William and Catherine's trip was Friday star studded Earth shot ceremony that included performances by Ellie Goulding and Annie Lennox Oscar winner and one of the night's presenters Rami Malek, applauding the Princess efforts to support those trying to find a solution to the climate crisis.

RAMI MALEK, ACTOR: It's extraordinarily inspiring. I'm finding answers and the 1 million pounds that are given to these five people these five organizations is something that keeps us from looking at the gloom and doom.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

FOSTER: I'm Max Foster in London. "World Sport" with Alex Thomas and Amanda Davis is up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[08:30:00]