Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live Saturday
Dru Sjodin's Body Found; Hamas Leader Assassinated By Israel;
Aired April 17, 2004 - 14:29 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDERICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR, CNN LIVE SATURDAY: Another big story we're following here in the States, CNN has confirmed that the body of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin, the University of North Dakota student had been missing for more than five months now and has been found.
And we heard from the Associated Press Reporter Dave Kolpack, who first reported based on the conversation he had with the Polk County Sheriff Mark LeTexier that, indeed, the investigators have now surrounded an area called Red Lake. And that is actually on the Minnesota side of -- in Crookston, Minnesota, along the border of North Dakota, they have surrounded that area there.
Presumably there is evidence that they are gathering. We don't know specifically whether the body of Dru Sjodin is in that location. But just that Dave Kolpack, with AP, reported there is an intense presence of law enforcement at that location.
They been targeting several areas along the border of Minnesota and North Dakota for some time now. They had targeted specifically seven areas. And they had particularly been keeping a close watch on the river areas, waiting now that the weather has warmed up, waiting for some of the ice to melt.
And now it appears as though what has been revealed is some evidence leading them toward the body of Dru Sjodin, the University of North Dakota student. Twenty-two-years old, who last seen on November 22. At the time that she was last heard from, specifically, by her boyfriend, Chris Lang, who was on a cell phone with her when suddenly, during the cell phone conversation, she said, "Oh, my god," and then the phone went dead.
Since that time, a community, law enforcement in both those states, along the border, had been conducting an intense search.
And later on today, we're expecting to here from the police authorities in this investigation at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 3:00 Central Time. They'll be having a press conference to reveal a few more details about this case. More than five months after being reported missing now the body of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin, the University of North Dakota, student, has been found. We'll have more news a bit later. Right now we're going to take a short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Two breaking stories we're following for you. An update now out of the Middle East, you're looking at some new pictures that are just now coming in. This is the aftermath of a violent attack on a vehicle, which is now led to the death of Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi. Shortly after the explosion of his vehicle, we apologize for some of these graphic images that are just now coming in there, but shortly after the explosion of his vehicle, taking place in Gaza City, he was taken to a nearby hospital where shortly thereafter he was declared dead. It is unclear, however, whether his vehicle was booby- trapped or whether it was the target of a helicopter missile.
The Israeli government hadn't made it very clear in the past few weeks, in particular that he was a marked man and our Paula Hancocks reported just moments ago that he had been told quite directly that there was a possibility the Israeli government would be targeting him. And seeking an assassination. And it looks as though they were very successful in that today. Because now we know we have confirmed with authorities there that Rantisi has been declared dead. Shortly thereafter, the explosion, a number of people were climbing on the vehicle that Rantisi was in. Inspecting it, getting a closer look and clearly showing their emotions there. And discussed an outrage. And it is expected at this point now the fear is there will be some serious retaliation as a result of this announced death of Rantisi.
Another big story we're following for you here in the states, CNN has confirmed that authorities are now confirming the death and the finding of the body of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin. She was the University of North Dakota student who had been missing since November. An intense search had been ongoing involving the community, her friends, her family, law enforcement for the duration of her missing -- of her being missing and now, unfortunately, some very sad news being revealed, the concentration of the law enforcement efforts, most recently been at the Red Lake area actually in Minnesota on the other side, just a few miles away in Crookston, Minnesota, just a few miles away from Grand Forks, North Dakota.
They apparently -- officials have apparently surrounded that area there, collecting more evidence, but apparently a 22-year-old Dru Sjodin, the University of North Dakota student who had been missing for quite some time, evidence leading to a conclusion of her death located in that area. A press conference is expected at 4:00 Eastern Time, 3:00 Central. So we hope to hear more details about that. Someone who is very familiar with the heartache that Dru Sjodin's family must be going through, Mark Klaas, who is the father of Polly Klaas, who was kidnapped and killed years ago ever since then he's been very outspoken about abductions. And he's on the telephone with us now. Mark thanks very much for joining us. One can only imagine what the family of Dru Sjodin must be going through at this point. What are your thoughts?
MARK KLAAS, POLLY'S KLAAS'S FATHER (via telephone): Well, I think we should all have our thoughts and prayers with this family right now Fredricka. Even as one anticipates something like this, one can't be prepared for the finality of the announcement...
WHITFIELD: Are you still with me there, Mark? All right looks like we may have lost our connection with Mark. We'll try to re- establish that. But in the meantime, here are the circumstances that we know so far. Dave Kolpack is an Associated Press reporter and he had a very direct, candid conversation with the Polk County sheriff, Mark Letexare (ph) out of Crookston, Minnesota and it was Dave's estimation by hearing of the sheriff on the telephone that he was very upset about it and broken up, feeling as though he's lost one of his own family members. He simply said Dru is home. And now we know that what he meant is Dru has gone to heaven, quite simply that from the words of Dave Kolpack, who is an Associated Press reporter who first reported on this story.
It looks as though according to Dave they have been concentrating their search in the last five months or the tail end of the last five months on seven areas along the Minnesota-North Dakota border. They have now honed in on a Red Lake area, which apparently is mostly frequented by weekenders, vacationers, even hunters. Now that the weather is warming up and the ice has melted, it looks as though according to Dave, the AP reporter, he says it looks as though now they were able to get a hold of some evidence that led them to the body of Dru Sjodin.
And you only imagine that the families and friends of Dru Sjodin are absolutely heart broken they had been holding out hope. And it is why the family had carried on a search of their own even when they felt the law enforcement had perhaps run out of resources or interest at least temporarily. But that's the latest that we have on that situation after five months of searching, heart breaking news of the body of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin being found near the Crookston, Minnesota, area. We'll of course have more news on this.
We are going to take a short break right now. And we will continue on the other side with more information on both breaking news stories.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: More now on the breaking story we are falling for you out of the Middle East. The fallout is expected. Now that it has been confirmed that Israel has assassinated Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi, it is happening just moments ago when his vehicle, the vehicle that he was riding in somehow exploded. We don't know if it was a booby trap, we don't know if it was helicopter missile target. All we know is that an explosion took place; he was taken to the hospital shortly there after where he was pronounced dead. On the telephone with us, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat. And thanks very much for joining us Mr. Erekat it had been warned by the Israeli government for sometime now. That he was a marked man, that he may be the target of an assassination and it was successful. Your reaction.
SAEB ERAKAT, CHIEF PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR, (via telephone): We condemn this crime (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And we hold the Israeli government politically responsible for the consequences of such actions. Because at the end of the day, bullets will heed more bullets. Violence will heed more violence. (UNINTELLIBIGLE) What is needed is not revenge and retaliation from either side. What is needed is a meaningful peace process that will amend this vicious cycle. And it is not going happen through more violence. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) rewarding Israeli sentiments, and rewarding Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people who have no army, no navy and no airport. What we need is to stop the Israeli occupation. What we need is to give hope and plant the seeds of hope in the minds of Palestinians and Israelis.
I'm afraid that after tonight the lose-lose situation between Palestinians and Israelis will continue. More Palestinians will die, more Israelis will die. This is a lose-lose situation. And the only way to break it is through a meaningful peace process.
Now the Israeli government had declared (UNINTELLIGIBLE) at the end of the day, peace cannot be provided through violent means and through dictation and through settlements and through others through justice and through hope and through ending the Israeli occupation that began.
WHITFIELD: You are certainly describing the vicious cycle that you described will be never-ending. If that is indeed the case, this constant back and forth of each side declaring it being retaliation for the other person's violence, the other groups of violence, what next? How in the world do you look ahead beyond what is taking place most recently with today's assassination?
ERAKAT: Fredricka all I said was that violence will be violence. Bullets will be bullets. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) We cannot break this vicious cycle through more violence and through more assassinations. This is wrong. It is a lose lose situation.
WHITFIELD: But you feel pretty certain there are going to be another retaliation on the militant group's side.
ERAKAT: I don't want...
WHITFIELD: After what has happened today.
ERAKAT: I don't call for retaliation. I'm telling you revenge is not the answer. Retaliation is not the answer. What is needed to bring (UNINTELLIGLBE) is the help of a third party. The U.S. administration, for instance, instead of getting Sharon and giving him what he wants, they should have brought the parties to the negotiating table saying Sharon here is your corner, Palestinians here is your corner, this is the road map and we can make sure that it is implemented through the monitors on the ground by the forces committee.
WHITFIELD: And you are specifically referring to the most recently last week, the meeting between President Bush and Ariel Sharon at the White House where President Bush made it very clear that Israeli settlements can be maintained and there may be some giving up of West Bank territory to the Palestinians. And you're saying that that set the stage for some of the events that have taken place today.
ERAKAT: I'm not saying that anything (UNINTELLIGIBLE) all I'm saying is that instead of rewarding Israel illegal actions of stealing Palestinian land, the president of the United States and other members of the forces should have brought the parties back to the negotiating table, should have implemented the road map by both parties by providing one of those on the ground. Should have (UNINTELLIGIBLE) tried to revive peace in the minds and hope in the minds of Palestinians and Israelis.
Because I think the Baaths are siding with Israel telling it is OK to have sentiments. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) you can steal the land you took, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) this is destroying Palestinian moderates. This is destroying the Palestinian peace camp and a matter of fact; it is destroying the Israeli peace camp and leaving (UNINTELLIGIBLE) not from negotiations between the two parties, but from the violence (UNINTELLIGIBLE) by the two parties and this is wrong. This is a wrong path.
The right path is a meaningful peace process between Palestinians and Israelis. And this is the only way a meaningful peace process that would lead to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) this is the only way. Violence will have more violence. revenge is not wait people should seek. Retaliation is not the way people should seek. Because revenge and retaliation will not provide security for either. It will just add to the (UNINTELLIGLBE) Fredericka.
WHITFIELD: Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat thanks you very much for joining us on the telephone. And Paula Hancocks joins us again to give us more about any new reporting information. You were able to uncover Paula. And you heard from Saeb Erakat. He made it very clear that the Israeli government has opened the gate in his words opened the gate for assassination and it is wrong.
PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, yes. This, of course, not the first assassination. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the virtual leader being assassinated on March 22. After that assassinations tens of thousands of Palestinians came out on to the streets after this assassination thousands on the streets of Gaza City as well. We also have some word from Hamas saying that they vow revenge for the assassination of Rantisi, saying it will not be deterred in its struggle to destroy the Jewish state. So that just coming from the group Hamas of which its leader Rantisi was assassinated just about an hour ago.
As well as Rantisi, one of his bodyguards was killed and one of his sons was killed. And we're being told by Palestinian medical sources that around ten other people, ten bystanders were also wounded in this attack. The Israelis are still not saying anything at all. We have been calling to find out whether or not they're going to confirm that they actually carried this attack out. We don't know whether it was a missile attack or whether it could have been the car that was booby-trapped but the car did explode. And was engulfed in flames we are being told by people on the ground. But as yet no word from the Israeli side.
WHITFIELD: No official word from the Israeli side. But Paula as you were describing earlier the Israeli government has made it very clear that they have legitimate reason in which to carry out an assassination like this. As I described Saeb Erakat is calling it being wrong the Israeli government, their standing has been what? As to why it is right?
HANCOCKS: That's right. Both sides have been saying, as Saeb Erakat as you heard was saying we must end this cycle of violence. We had a suicide bombing a little earlier on today, just about six or seven hours before Rantisi was assassinated. that killed one security border policeman and also that killed and wounded three others. And then you this assassination. So there is a cycle of violence which Saeb Erakat was saying must be broken. But, of course, this happened exactly after every other assassination or targeted killing as the Israeli call it.
After every other targeted killing there has been retaliation and a reaction. Whether or not this is an exact direct retaliation to the Erez (ph) Industrial side suicide bomb that we saw earlier on is unknown. But immediately after the Rantisi's assassination, the Israelis made it bantering clear that Rantisi was a target. they said he was a marked man. He had been keeping a low profile as you might imagine recently, but he was attacked this evening as he was in his car in Gaza City.
WHITFIELD: And Paula we're looking at some videotape of people who are clearly enraged, climbing over the debris of the vehicle that Rantisi was in. What more, you know, can you say about the reaction of those witnesses on the ground as to what transpired?
HANCOCKS: From what we're hearing from people on the ground, there is a lot of anger on the streets of Gaza City this evening there are thousands of Palestinians. As you can see from the pictures they really are extremely angry. This just insights more Palestinian anger as some Palestinians officials have been telling us. As I said, we have had a reaction from Hamas, very soon after this assassination of it's leader Adela (ph) Rantisi, vowing revenge for Israels assination of Rantisi and also saying it won't be deterred in its struggle to destroy the Jewish state so this just makes those Hamas activists, the militants more determined, it does appear to carry out their threat of destroying the Jewish state.
The Israeli's do insist that it is necessary to carry out these so-called targeted killings or assassinations as these people are behind suicide bombings. Hamas was actually a group behind the south Banews (ph) suicide bombing as well. The militant part of Hamas along with al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, which is affiliated to Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement, both claiming joint responsibility for a suicide bombing on the border between Israel and Gaza, just a few hours ago, about six hours ago.
WHITFIELD: And Paula I'm seeing wire copy now that last year in June the Israeli government tried to assassinate Rantisi. Then unsuccessfully even though you said in the last few weeks the threats have become louder and more clear the Israeli government will certainly be trying target him soon.
HANCOCKS: That's right. They have tried to assassinate Rantisi once before. He was in his car that time as well. He was at traffic light and they launched a missile attack against him. But he was only slightly injured in that particular attack. Obviously very different story this evening. He has been killed in the assassination attempt as he was in his car. We're still trying to find out exactly what happened though. People on the ground just say that the car exploded and was engulfed with flames.
So that may not suggest that it was a missile attack, but we're still trying to find out exactly what it was. People on the ground also saying that there was a lot of activity in the sky immediately afterwards. They can hear helicopters in the sky. But whether or not it was a booby trap or whether it was a missal attack, we still have to find out. The Israelis are not giving us any information at the moment. We are constantly phoning them but they're not giving any information.
WHITFIELD: And I see on one of these reports Paula that the explosion of this vehicle apparently did take place next to his home but of course what we don't know is whether he was leaving his home, whether he was going to it. Either way you made it very clear the Israeli government had been keeping a close watch on him for some time.
HANCOCKS: That's right, yes. He hadn't had very much of a high profile recently. Just after Sheikh Ahmed Yassin's assassination when he did take power in -- he replaced him if you like in Gaza itself. He was -- he held a big conference with a lot of Hamas activists, which was held in a football stadium. There were thousands of them there and each activist came up in turn and kissed him on both cheeks to show their support for him.
But since that time, he didn't see very much of Rantisi at all. The threats against him from the Israelis, he had to do take seriously so he had been underground for some time. According to sources the fact that he was attacked outside his house, the fact that the assassination took place just outside his house would suggest that maybe he felt a little more comfortable going out and about and being back at his house. But as you say, it was not his place really to feel comfortable, as the Israelis had said repeatedly he was a marked man and they were going to try and assassinate him.
WHITFIELD: Paula Hancocks thanks very much for that update. We'll be checking again with you as soon as we get any more information. Fawaz Gerges is an analyst that we like to frequent and help us sift through details like this when things like this happen. He's on the telephone with us now. We haven't heard an official explanation from the Israeli government yet. But it is expected that they will say this was justified. Is it?
FAWAZ GERGES, SARA LAWRENCE COLEGE (via telephone): Well I think what we need to understand is that the Israeli government has made it very clear that the entire senior leadership of Hamas and Jihad is marked for assassination. I mean Israeli government is on record and as such I think that, yes, we have the right to be shocked but should not be surprised because I think Israel has been looking for targets of opportunity. Not just Rantisi, but the entire senior echelon leadership. The Hamas and Jihad leadership. Two points here. I think the first point it seems to me after the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the spiritual leader of Hamas, as you know, Hamas has very much vowed to avenge his death. And now it has been almost more than two weeks and Hamas has not been able to respond. So I think in this particular sense convinced Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that the infrastructure of Hamas and Jihad has been destroyed. And secondly I think what Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon believes that he has the green light from the Bush administration.
As we know, even though most European governments and world governments condemn the assassination of Ahmed Yassin, virtually that Hamas. The Cush administration did not condemn the assassination. And as such, I think the Israeli government believes that it has a green light to move against Hamas and Jihad. And as you again --
WHITFIELD: Particularly from the most recent meeting of President Bush and Aerial Sharon, that being the most recent green light?
GERGES: Not just the most recent meeting which also represented as we know a strategic shift on the part of the Bush administration, the U.S. government towards the Palestinian, Israeli conflict, for the first time the United States now does not look at settlements as illegal or obstacles for peace or the first time the U.S. president -- U.s. president is on record saying that the Palestinian refugees can not return to their original home they must remain in what ever future --
WHITFIELD: And one of the most recent announcements were made from the White House, about the settlements, about the West Bank in your view did that kind of trigger some thoughts or some concerns about oh, oh this just might be that green light that you just referred to?
GERGES: Well I think we need -- this is really much bigger than just the announcement. I think the Bush administration has made it very clear that the Israeli class with the Palestinians is an extension of the U.S. war on terrorism. And I think Ariel Sharon has succeeded in convincing the Bush administration that his clash and struggle with the Palestinian is similar to the American war against terrorism. And this is, I think, one of the major achievements of Ariel Sharon.
Secondly I think what we need to understand is that the Bush administration has refused to condemn the so-called assassinations of killing Palestinian leaders. In particular the killing of Hamas and Jihad leaders. And also I would argue that all this -- along with the new shift in the administration, new policy, all these steps have convinced Ariel Sharon that he has a carte blanche or green light to move against Hamas and Jihad.
In fact a few days ago, Ariel Sharon said even Yasser Arafat, the president of the Palestinian national authority, is also marked for assassination. Yet the Bush administration moved very quickly to say that the United States is opposed to the assassination of Arafat that the bush administration has never condemned attacks or the assassination against Hamas and Jihad leaders.
And this why I think the Israeli government believes it has a green light to move against leadership of Hamas and Jihad coupled with the fact that Hamas has not been able to basically strike against Israel after the killing of its spiritual leader Yassin. In this particular sense, Ariel Sharon believes he has a historical opportunity, a major military opportunity to really escalate the confrontation against Hamas and Jihad and to do it for good. But unfortunately what we need to remember is that escalation begets counter escalation and I believe that violence will bring about more violence. And the peace process becomes more and more distant and more Jewish and Palestinian blood will likely be shed as a result of today's events.
WHITFIELD: Is it your gut feeling after the assassination of Yassin that perhaps that put Rantisi on notice like never before? That perhaps he felt fairly serious that the Israeli government was fairly serious about its next assassination attempt on him?
GERGES: Well as you know, as your correspondent made it very clear the Israeli government tried to kill Rantisi last June. And he escaped with some injuries. And I think Rantisi is considered by the Israeli government as one of the most radical leaders within the Hamas leadership. And as such he has always been a target on the Israeli -- but I think after his election, by Hamas, he became target number one. But also the big point I want to make here today is that the Israeli government has made it very clear that the entire leadership the entire senior echelon of Hamas and Jihad leadership, number around 72 leaders are marked for assassination. I think Ariel Sharon believes that he can win this struggle militarily. He can really strive against the Palestinians using overwhelming force in order to force the Palestinians to except his vision of these and fortunately.
We know that since 1948 the establishment of the state of Israel, even though that Israel has won almost every single war against Arabs and the Palestinians, it has not been able to impose a peace settlement on its Arab natives.
And this is why I believe today's events unfortunate and as bloody as they are, will not contribute to bringing the Palestinians and Israelis closer to a peace settlement. This is why it is essential. The Bush administration becomes more involved, more actively involved in trying to at least exercise the restraint, not just against the Palestinians, but also against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon because Ariel Sharon is thinking that he has a green light from the Bush administration and he's taking the confrontation to a new level now.
WHITFIELD: Fawaz Gerges thank you very much for joining us. Of Sarah Lawrence College. And a frequent analyst here on CNN. Thanks very much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired April 17, 2004 - 14:29 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDERICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR, CNN LIVE SATURDAY: Another big story we're following here in the States, CNN has confirmed that the body of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin, the University of North Dakota student had been missing for more than five months now and has been found.
And we heard from the Associated Press Reporter Dave Kolpack, who first reported based on the conversation he had with the Polk County Sheriff Mark LeTexier that, indeed, the investigators have now surrounded an area called Red Lake. And that is actually on the Minnesota side of -- in Crookston, Minnesota, along the border of North Dakota, they have surrounded that area there.
Presumably there is evidence that they are gathering. We don't know specifically whether the body of Dru Sjodin is in that location. But just that Dave Kolpack, with AP, reported there is an intense presence of law enforcement at that location.
They been targeting several areas along the border of Minnesota and North Dakota for some time now. They had targeted specifically seven areas. And they had particularly been keeping a close watch on the river areas, waiting now that the weather has warmed up, waiting for some of the ice to melt.
And now it appears as though what has been revealed is some evidence leading them toward the body of Dru Sjodin, the University of North Dakota student. Twenty-two-years old, who last seen on November 22. At the time that she was last heard from, specifically, by her boyfriend, Chris Lang, who was on a cell phone with her when suddenly, during the cell phone conversation, she said, "Oh, my god," and then the phone went dead.
Since that time, a community, law enforcement in both those states, along the border, had been conducting an intense search.
And later on today, we're expecting to here from the police authorities in this investigation at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 3:00 Central Time. They'll be having a press conference to reveal a few more details about this case. More than five months after being reported missing now the body of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin, the University of North Dakota, student, has been found. We'll have more news a bit later. Right now we're going to take a short break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Two breaking stories we're following for you. An update now out of the Middle East, you're looking at some new pictures that are just now coming in. This is the aftermath of a violent attack on a vehicle, which is now led to the death of Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi. Shortly after the explosion of his vehicle, we apologize for some of these graphic images that are just now coming in there, but shortly after the explosion of his vehicle, taking place in Gaza City, he was taken to a nearby hospital where shortly thereafter he was declared dead. It is unclear, however, whether his vehicle was booby- trapped or whether it was the target of a helicopter missile.
The Israeli government hadn't made it very clear in the past few weeks, in particular that he was a marked man and our Paula Hancocks reported just moments ago that he had been told quite directly that there was a possibility the Israeli government would be targeting him. And seeking an assassination. And it looks as though they were very successful in that today. Because now we know we have confirmed with authorities there that Rantisi has been declared dead. Shortly thereafter, the explosion, a number of people were climbing on the vehicle that Rantisi was in. Inspecting it, getting a closer look and clearly showing their emotions there. And discussed an outrage. And it is expected at this point now the fear is there will be some serious retaliation as a result of this announced death of Rantisi.
Another big story we're following for you here in the states, CNN has confirmed that authorities are now confirming the death and the finding of the body of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin. She was the University of North Dakota student who had been missing since November. An intense search had been ongoing involving the community, her friends, her family, law enforcement for the duration of her missing -- of her being missing and now, unfortunately, some very sad news being revealed, the concentration of the law enforcement efforts, most recently been at the Red Lake area actually in Minnesota on the other side, just a few miles away in Crookston, Minnesota, just a few miles away from Grand Forks, North Dakota.
They apparently -- officials have apparently surrounded that area there, collecting more evidence, but apparently a 22-year-old Dru Sjodin, the University of North Dakota student who had been missing for quite some time, evidence leading to a conclusion of her death located in that area. A press conference is expected at 4:00 Eastern Time, 3:00 Central. So we hope to hear more details about that. Someone who is very familiar with the heartache that Dru Sjodin's family must be going through, Mark Klaas, who is the father of Polly Klaas, who was kidnapped and killed years ago ever since then he's been very outspoken about abductions. And he's on the telephone with us now. Mark thanks very much for joining us. One can only imagine what the family of Dru Sjodin must be going through at this point. What are your thoughts?
MARK KLAAS, POLLY'S KLAAS'S FATHER (via telephone): Well, I think we should all have our thoughts and prayers with this family right now Fredricka. Even as one anticipates something like this, one can't be prepared for the finality of the announcement...
WHITFIELD: Are you still with me there, Mark? All right looks like we may have lost our connection with Mark. We'll try to re- establish that. But in the meantime, here are the circumstances that we know so far. Dave Kolpack is an Associated Press reporter and he had a very direct, candid conversation with the Polk County sheriff, Mark Letexare (ph) out of Crookston, Minnesota and it was Dave's estimation by hearing of the sheriff on the telephone that he was very upset about it and broken up, feeling as though he's lost one of his own family members. He simply said Dru is home. And now we know that what he meant is Dru has gone to heaven, quite simply that from the words of Dave Kolpack, who is an Associated Press reporter who first reported on this story.
It looks as though according to Dave they have been concentrating their search in the last five months or the tail end of the last five months on seven areas along the Minnesota-North Dakota border. They have now honed in on a Red Lake area, which apparently is mostly frequented by weekenders, vacationers, even hunters. Now that the weather is warming up and the ice has melted, it looks as though according to Dave, the AP reporter, he says it looks as though now they were able to get a hold of some evidence that led them to the body of Dru Sjodin.
And you only imagine that the families and friends of Dru Sjodin are absolutely heart broken they had been holding out hope. And it is why the family had carried on a search of their own even when they felt the law enforcement had perhaps run out of resources or interest at least temporarily. But that's the latest that we have on that situation after five months of searching, heart breaking news of the body of 22-year-old Dru Sjodin being found near the Crookston, Minnesota, area. We'll of course have more news on this.
We are going to take a short break right now. And we will continue on the other side with more information on both breaking news stories.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: More now on the breaking story we are falling for you out of the Middle East. The fallout is expected. Now that it has been confirmed that Israel has assassinated Hamas leader Abdel Aziz Rantisi, it is happening just moments ago when his vehicle, the vehicle that he was riding in somehow exploded. We don't know if it was a booby trap, we don't know if it was helicopter missile target. All we know is that an explosion took place; he was taken to the hospital shortly there after where he was pronounced dead. On the telephone with us, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat. And thanks very much for joining us Mr. Erekat it had been warned by the Israeli government for sometime now. That he was a marked man, that he may be the target of an assassination and it was successful. Your reaction.
SAEB ERAKAT, CHIEF PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR, (via telephone): We condemn this crime (UNINTELLIGIBLE). And we hold the Israeli government politically responsible for the consequences of such actions. Because at the end of the day, bullets will heed more bullets. Violence will heed more violence. (UNINTELLIBIGLE) What is needed is not revenge and retaliation from either side. What is needed is a meaningful peace process that will amend this vicious cycle. And it is not going happen through more violence. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) rewarding Israeli sentiments, and rewarding Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people who have no army, no navy and no airport. What we need is to stop the Israeli occupation. What we need is to give hope and plant the seeds of hope in the minds of Palestinians and Israelis.
I'm afraid that after tonight the lose-lose situation between Palestinians and Israelis will continue. More Palestinians will die, more Israelis will die. This is a lose-lose situation. And the only way to break it is through a meaningful peace process.
Now the Israeli government had declared (UNINTELLIGIBLE) at the end of the day, peace cannot be provided through violent means and through dictation and through settlements and through others through justice and through hope and through ending the Israeli occupation that began.
WHITFIELD: You are certainly describing the vicious cycle that you described will be never-ending. If that is indeed the case, this constant back and forth of each side declaring it being retaliation for the other person's violence, the other groups of violence, what next? How in the world do you look ahead beyond what is taking place most recently with today's assassination?
ERAKAT: Fredricka all I said was that violence will be violence. Bullets will be bullets. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) We cannot break this vicious cycle through more violence and through more assassinations. This is wrong. It is a lose lose situation.
WHITFIELD: But you feel pretty certain there are going to be another retaliation on the militant group's side.
ERAKAT: I don't want...
WHITFIELD: After what has happened today.
ERAKAT: I don't call for retaliation. I'm telling you revenge is not the answer. Retaliation is not the answer. What is needed to bring (UNINTELLIGLBE) is the help of a third party. The U.S. administration, for instance, instead of getting Sharon and giving him what he wants, they should have brought the parties to the negotiating table saying Sharon here is your corner, Palestinians here is your corner, this is the road map and we can make sure that it is implemented through the monitors on the ground by the forces committee.
WHITFIELD: And you are specifically referring to the most recently last week, the meeting between President Bush and Ariel Sharon at the White House where President Bush made it very clear that Israeli settlements can be maintained and there may be some giving up of West Bank territory to the Palestinians. And you're saying that that set the stage for some of the events that have taken place today.
ERAKAT: I'm not saying that anything (UNINTELLIGIBLE) all I'm saying is that instead of rewarding Israel illegal actions of stealing Palestinian land, the president of the United States and other members of the forces should have brought the parties back to the negotiating table, should have implemented the road map by both parties by providing one of those on the ground. Should have (UNINTELLIGIBLE) tried to revive peace in the minds and hope in the minds of Palestinians and Israelis.
Because I think the Baaths are siding with Israel telling it is OK to have sentiments. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) you can steal the land you took, (UNINTELLIGIBLE) this is destroying Palestinian moderates. This is destroying the Palestinian peace camp and a matter of fact; it is destroying the Israeli peace camp and leaving (UNINTELLIGIBLE) not from negotiations between the two parties, but from the violence (UNINTELLIGIBLE) by the two parties and this is wrong. This is a wrong path.
The right path is a meaningful peace process between Palestinians and Israelis. And this is the only way a meaningful peace process that would lead to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) this is the only way. Violence will have more violence. revenge is not wait people should seek. Retaliation is not the way people should seek. Because revenge and retaliation will not provide security for either. It will just add to the (UNINTELLIGLBE) Fredericka.
WHITFIELD: Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat thanks you very much for joining us on the telephone. And Paula Hancocks joins us again to give us more about any new reporting information. You were able to uncover Paula. And you heard from Saeb Erakat. He made it very clear that the Israeli government has opened the gate in his words opened the gate for assassination and it is wrong.
PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, yes. This, of course, not the first assassination. (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the virtual leader being assassinated on March 22. After that assassinations tens of thousands of Palestinians came out on to the streets after this assassination thousands on the streets of Gaza City as well. We also have some word from Hamas saying that they vow revenge for the assassination of Rantisi, saying it will not be deterred in its struggle to destroy the Jewish state. So that just coming from the group Hamas of which its leader Rantisi was assassinated just about an hour ago.
As well as Rantisi, one of his bodyguards was killed and one of his sons was killed. And we're being told by Palestinian medical sources that around ten other people, ten bystanders were also wounded in this attack. The Israelis are still not saying anything at all. We have been calling to find out whether or not they're going to confirm that they actually carried this attack out. We don't know whether it was a missile attack or whether it could have been the car that was booby-trapped but the car did explode. And was engulfed in flames we are being told by people on the ground. But as yet no word from the Israeli side.
WHITFIELD: No official word from the Israeli side. But Paula as you were describing earlier the Israeli government has made it very clear that they have legitimate reason in which to carry out an assassination like this. As I described Saeb Erakat is calling it being wrong the Israeli government, their standing has been what? As to why it is right?
HANCOCKS: That's right. Both sides have been saying, as Saeb Erakat as you heard was saying we must end this cycle of violence. We had a suicide bombing a little earlier on today, just about six or seven hours before Rantisi was assassinated. that killed one security border policeman and also that killed and wounded three others. And then you this assassination. So there is a cycle of violence which Saeb Erakat was saying must be broken. But, of course, this happened exactly after every other assassination or targeted killing as the Israeli call it.
After every other targeted killing there has been retaliation and a reaction. Whether or not this is an exact direct retaliation to the Erez (ph) Industrial side suicide bomb that we saw earlier on is unknown. But immediately after the Rantisi's assassination, the Israelis made it bantering clear that Rantisi was a target. they said he was a marked man. He had been keeping a low profile as you might imagine recently, but he was attacked this evening as he was in his car in Gaza City.
WHITFIELD: And Paula we're looking at some videotape of people who are clearly enraged, climbing over the debris of the vehicle that Rantisi was in. What more, you know, can you say about the reaction of those witnesses on the ground as to what transpired?
HANCOCKS: From what we're hearing from people on the ground, there is a lot of anger on the streets of Gaza City this evening there are thousands of Palestinians. As you can see from the pictures they really are extremely angry. This just insights more Palestinian anger as some Palestinians officials have been telling us. As I said, we have had a reaction from Hamas, very soon after this assassination of it's leader Adela (ph) Rantisi, vowing revenge for Israels assination of Rantisi and also saying it won't be deterred in its struggle to destroy the Jewish state so this just makes those Hamas activists, the militants more determined, it does appear to carry out their threat of destroying the Jewish state.
The Israeli's do insist that it is necessary to carry out these so-called targeted killings or assassinations as these people are behind suicide bombings. Hamas was actually a group behind the south Banews (ph) suicide bombing as well. The militant part of Hamas along with al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, which is affiliated to Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement, both claiming joint responsibility for a suicide bombing on the border between Israel and Gaza, just a few hours ago, about six hours ago.
WHITFIELD: And Paula I'm seeing wire copy now that last year in June the Israeli government tried to assassinate Rantisi. Then unsuccessfully even though you said in the last few weeks the threats have become louder and more clear the Israeli government will certainly be trying target him soon.
HANCOCKS: That's right. They have tried to assassinate Rantisi once before. He was in his car that time as well. He was at traffic light and they launched a missile attack against him. But he was only slightly injured in that particular attack. Obviously very different story this evening. He has been killed in the assassination attempt as he was in his car. We're still trying to find out exactly what happened though. People on the ground just say that the car exploded and was engulfed with flames.
So that may not suggest that it was a missile attack, but we're still trying to find out exactly what it was. People on the ground also saying that there was a lot of activity in the sky immediately afterwards. They can hear helicopters in the sky. But whether or not it was a booby trap or whether it was a missal attack, we still have to find out. The Israelis are not giving us any information at the moment. We are constantly phoning them but they're not giving any information.
WHITFIELD: And I see on one of these reports Paula that the explosion of this vehicle apparently did take place next to his home but of course what we don't know is whether he was leaving his home, whether he was going to it. Either way you made it very clear the Israeli government had been keeping a close watch on him for some time.
HANCOCKS: That's right, yes. He hadn't had very much of a high profile recently. Just after Sheikh Ahmed Yassin's assassination when he did take power in -- he replaced him if you like in Gaza itself. He was -- he held a big conference with a lot of Hamas activists, which was held in a football stadium. There were thousands of them there and each activist came up in turn and kissed him on both cheeks to show their support for him.
But since that time, he didn't see very much of Rantisi at all. The threats against him from the Israelis, he had to do take seriously so he had been underground for some time. According to sources the fact that he was attacked outside his house, the fact that the assassination took place just outside his house would suggest that maybe he felt a little more comfortable going out and about and being back at his house. But as you say, it was not his place really to feel comfortable, as the Israelis had said repeatedly he was a marked man and they were going to try and assassinate him.
WHITFIELD: Paula Hancocks thanks very much for that update. We'll be checking again with you as soon as we get any more information. Fawaz Gerges is an analyst that we like to frequent and help us sift through details like this when things like this happen. He's on the telephone with us now. We haven't heard an official explanation from the Israeli government yet. But it is expected that they will say this was justified. Is it?
FAWAZ GERGES, SARA LAWRENCE COLEGE (via telephone): Well I think what we need to understand is that the Israeli government has made it very clear that the entire senior leadership of Hamas and Jihad is marked for assassination. I mean Israeli government is on record and as such I think that, yes, we have the right to be shocked but should not be surprised because I think Israel has been looking for targets of opportunity. Not just Rantisi, but the entire senior echelon leadership. The Hamas and Jihad leadership. Two points here. I think the first point it seems to me after the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the spiritual leader of Hamas, as you know, Hamas has very much vowed to avenge his death. And now it has been almost more than two weeks and Hamas has not been able to respond. So I think in this particular sense convinced Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon that the infrastructure of Hamas and Jihad has been destroyed. And secondly I think what Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon believes that he has the green light from the Bush administration.
As we know, even though most European governments and world governments condemn the assassination of Ahmed Yassin, virtually that Hamas. The Cush administration did not condemn the assassination. And as such, I think the Israeli government believes that it has a green light to move against Hamas and Jihad. And as you again --
WHITFIELD: Particularly from the most recent meeting of President Bush and Aerial Sharon, that being the most recent green light?
GERGES: Not just the most recent meeting which also represented as we know a strategic shift on the part of the Bush administration, the U.S. government towards the Palestinian, Israeli conflict, for the first time the United States now does not look at settlements as illegal or obstacles for peace or the first time the U.S. president -- U.s. president is on record saying that the Palestinian refugees can not return to their original home they must remain in what ever future --
WHITFIELD: And one of the most recent announcements were made from the White House, about the settlements, about the West Bank in your view did that kind of trigger some thoughts or some concerns about oh, oh this just might be that green light that you just referred to?
GERGES: Well I think we need -- this is really much bigger than just the announcement. I think the Bush administration has made it very clear that the Israeli class with the Palestinians is an extension of the U.S. war on terrorism. And I think Ariel Sharon has succeeded in convincing the Bush administration that his clash and struggle with the Palestinian is similar to the American war against terrorism. And this is, I think, one of the major achievements of Ariel Sharon.
Secondly I think what we need to understand is that the Bush administration has refused to condemn the so-called assassinations of killing Palestinian leaders. In particular the killing of Hamas and Jihad leaders. And also I would argue that all this -- along with the new shift in the administration, new policy, all these steps have convinced Ariel Sharon that he has a carte blanche or green light to move against Hamas and Jihad.
In fact a few days ago, Ariel Sharon said even Yasser Arafat, the president of the Palestinian national authority, is also marked for assassination. Yet the Bush administration moved very quickly to say that the United States is opposed to the assassination of Arafat that the bush administration has never condemned attacks or the assassination against Hamas and Jihad leaders.
And this why I think the Israeli government believes it has a green light to move against leadership of Hamas and Jihad coupled with the fact that Hamas has not been able to basically strike against Israel after the killing of its spiritual leader Yassin. In this particular sense, Ariel Sharon believes he has a historical opportunity, a major military opportunity to really escalate the confrontation against Hamas and Jihad and to do it for good. But unfortunately what we need to remember is that escalation begets counter escalation and I believe that violence will bring about more violence. And the peace process becomes more and more distant and more Jewish and Palestinian blood will likely be shed as a result of today's events.
WHITFIELD: Is it your gut feeling after the assassination of Yassin that perhaps that put Rantisi on notice like never before? That perhaps he felt fairly serious that the Israeli government was fairly serious about its next assassination attempt on him?
GERGES: Well as you know, as your correspondent made it very clear the Israeli government tried to kill Rantisi last June. And he escaped with some injuries. And I think Rantisi is considered by the Israeli government as one of the most radical leaders within the Hamas leadership. And as such he has always been a target on the Israeli -- but I think after his election, by Hamas, he became target number one. But also the big point I want to make here today is that the Israeli government has made it very clear that the entire leadership the entire senior echelon of Hamas and Jihad leadership, number around 72 leaders are marked for assassination. I think Ariel Sharon believes that he can win this struggle militarily. He can really strive against the Palestinians using overwhelming force in order to force the Palestinians to except his vision of these and fortunately.
We know that since 1948 the establishment of the state of Israel, even though that Israel has won almost every single war against Arabs and the Palestinians, it has not been able to impose a peace settlement on its Arab natives.
And this is why I believe today's events unfortunate and as bloody as they are, will not contribute to bringing the Palestinians and Israelis closer to a peace settlement. This is why it is essential. The Bush administration becomes more involved, more actively involved in trying to at least exercise the restraint, not just against the Palestinians, but also against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon because Ariel Sharon is thinking that he has a green light from the Bush administration and he's taking the confrontation to a new level now.
WHITFIELD: Fawaz Gerges thank you very much for joining us. Of Sarah Lawrence College. And a frequent analyst here on CNN. Thanks very much.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
