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Connect the World
Matt Lauer: I Am Truly Sorry; Son Of War Faces Uncertain Future In Gaza; Fatah And Hamas Wants To Delay Gaza Handover; Officials: White House May Replace Tillerson With CIA Chief; Reviving The Arabic Language. Aired at 10-11a ET
Aired November 30, 2017 - 10:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[10:00:12] UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Whether it is a real video, the threat is real and that is what the President is talking about.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ZAIN ASHER, CONNECT THE WORLD GUEST HOST: Question about the president priorities and his judgment. Donald Trump dig in despite criticism over
his anti-Muslim tweets. And we have details of an extraordinary this hour, we will get a British lawmaker stake on that special take on that special
relationship that is now striking note.
Also ahead here on Connect the World, the U.S. says, North Korea actions brings the world closer to war. We will give you the latest on a brewing
crisis.
Plus, Back to Gaza, to see how people there are weathering war, deprivation and at last a promise of change.
I am going to give you all of those stories I just mention and more within the next hour here on Connect the World, but first I want to give you a bit
of significant breaking news from Wall Street that just happen about half an hour ago. Another major milestone. This time right at the opening
belt. Across the dow talking about, across the 24,000 mark for the first time ever. By the way, these milestones, this 1,000 point milestones
continue to get more and more frequent. The last time it hit 23,000 was actually just six weeks ago. Wall Street certainly excited about the
prospect of tax cuts, the strengthening U.S. Economy. The dow has actually spike nearly 6,000 points since Donald Trump won the election about a year
ago. The NASDAQ and the S&P500 also nearing record highs as well.
Now I want to turn to some political stories that are hovering right now, especially between the U.S. and the U.K. We are talking about an unheard
of clash between two countries who have often touted their special friendship. The U.S. and the U.K. are engaging started of all places on
twitter and the core, Anti-Muslim videos. I am sure you saw this videos, pretty much everywhere. Anti-Muslims videos from a far right U.K. group
seemingly endorsed or rather retweeted by the President of the United States. This by the way is just the latest in a series of tweets, insults
and accusations from the American President. Here`s Joe Johns with more.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
JOE JOHNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The president once again stepping on his own message distracted attention from his own agenda often straying off the
sidebars that go to dark places including the conspiracy zone. It is habitual for this president and we have seen it a number of times this week
especially over the last 24 hours. President Trump and (inaudible) touting what could become his first major legislative win.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This massive tax cuts will be rocket fuel.
JOHNS: But any legislative traction is being overshadowed by wild insults inflammatory tweets in the president`s long debunked conspiracy theories
raising more questions about his confidence to a source close to the president until CNN that Mr. Trump is now doubting his decision to finally
acknowledge that President Barack Obama was born in the U.S. Trump believing he would`ve done better if you continue to peddle his birther
conspiracy.
TRUMP: Why doesn`t he show his birth certificate?
JOHNS: A source also told CNN White House aides have given up trying to stop the president from tweeting inflammatory remarks. It comes after the
president retweeted three inflammatory videos purportedly showing Muslims committing acts of violence, the leader of the far right nationalist group
Britain first, who posted the videos praising Mr. Trump as the former KKK leader David Duke.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is like the president retweeting the Ku Klux Klan this is not a mainstream organization for the president of the United
States on our greatest allies a country to be retweeting to be providing a microphone to those voices.
JOHNS: World leaders condemning President Trump retweets. A spokesman for British Prime Minister Teresa May say, is wrong for the president to have
done this, refusing to let that go the president firing back to Teresa May should focus on combating radical Islamic terrorism in her country rather
than focus on him. The White House staunchly defended the president discounting questions over the veracity of the videos.
[10:05:01] SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, DEPUTY WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Whether it is real video, the threat is real and that is what the president
is talking about, that is the president is focused on, is dealing with those real threats and those are real, no matter how you look at it.
JOHNS: Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill again put in a position to explain the president`s tweets.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is not constructive and not sure what the purpose of that was. It is inappropriate, I just don`t know what you gain by doing
this.
JOHNS: And there is even more reaction from London on the presidents retweet of this controversial videos this time from the mayor of London
city, he writes on twitter, President Trump has used twitter to promote a vile extremist group that exist solely to show the vision of hatred in our
country, it is increasingly clear that any official visit from President Trump to Britain would not be welcome. Zain back to you.
ASHER: Very strong words there from our Joe Johns talking about the fact that the mayor of London city just really does not want Donald Trump to
visit the U.K. given what he said or rather what he retweeted on twitter. In fact just an hour ago the U.K. Prime Minister double down on comments to
the president was wrong not to retweet those videos but he stood firm on maintaining the special relationship between the two countries, the
longtime special friendship between the U.S. and United Kingdom was actually a mutual interest, but the reaction from other politicians in
United Kingdom has now been set to give. I want to bring in on Nic Robertson, he is joining us live now from London. So Nic let us talk about
Trump`s visit to the U.K., because that is a major point of contention right now. I understand that this effort to visit the United Kingdom has
already been extended to the U.S. president, but isn`t racism a serious enough of an offense to revoke that offer, Nic?
NIC ROBERTSON, SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CNN CORRESPONDENT: So far City Con is just one of many voices many MP`s leading politicians to produce it in the
House of Commons for the first select committee, a bipartisan groups by pauses on committees has also echoed what city con has said and amplifies
that by saying the concern is that if President Trump comes he will again use this as a potential platform to further his ideas and his apparent
agenda to promote extremist right-wing organizations in Britain. And that is a very real and alive concerning. We heard from an M.P. today another
one who said, if President Trump comes here for a visit, he should be arrested, the overarching message today is from MP`s here in Britain as a
President Trump should take his tweets down and they`re all serious calls that he should not come here. Theresa May is taking a slightly more
consumers return setting this is part of a special relationship between the two countries that will endure. This is what she said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
THERESA MAY, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: I made my position clear on the tweet that I`ve seen from President Trump, but let me be clear about the
relationship between United Kingdom and the United States is a long-term special relationship that we have, it is an enduring relationship that is
there, because is on national interest to that relationship to be there.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ROBERTSON: An enduring relationship for many parliamentarians here it`s getting to feel like an endurance test at the moment, Zain?
ASHER: If you are Muslim and you live in the U.K. and you see this videos retweeted by the U.S. president, these racist videos to be retweeted by the
U.S. president and then he said that president is still welcome in your country in the United Kingdom. What on earth are you supposed to think?
ROBERTSON: You know 5 percent of the population of Britain is Muslim but I think you know, 99.9 percent of the population here would be deeply
concerned that you could have somebody with that expresses such divisive views that are against the views about 99.9 percent of the population.
Remembering Britain first is such a fringe right organization. Yes it will be a concerned, not just of the Muslim community, but for so many British
people, it`s a worry. It`s a worry that this forces the type of extremism that, that is counterproductive for building, you know a tight closeness
society that can get on with this office, and it is not the time in Britain at the moment for these sort of views to be expressed. That is the
overwhelming opinion here.
ASHER: All right. Nic Robertson live for us there. Thank you so much. Speaking of Donald Trump and twitter, do you remember that I.T. contractor
that actually shutdown the U.S. president page on twitter, taking him off twitter for about 11 minutes it happen about, I think it was the least a
month ago so, she actually spoke to CNN saying that it wasn`t deliberate, that it wasn`t planned the entire story and his entire explanation is on
CNN.com right now.
[10:10:01] All right President Trump still have even more insults to go around on Wednesday after threatening new sanctions against North Korea.
He called Kim Jong-un quote, a sick puppy. It comes after North Korea`s launch of the intercontinental ballistic missiles Tuesday. Expert say
images of the launch show major advances in Pyongyang`s missile technology. Here is our Will Ripley with more.
(BEGIN VIDEO)
WILL RIPLEY, INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT, CNN: New images of North Korea`s massive new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-15, Kim Jong-un
who stands 5 foot seven dwarfed by the 18 wheeler transporter erector launcher. North Korean television broadcasting a slick highly produced
video of the overnight launch a dramatic menacing site intended to intimidate.
North Korea pushing President Trump closer than ever to the most agonizing foreign policy choice facing his administration. Trying to stop Kim Jong-
un menacing nuclear advance with maximum pressure or military muscle. The hwasong-15 blasted through the Earth`s upper atmosphere 10 times higher
than the international space station, theoretically putting within striking range the entire US East Coast including New York and Washington.
North Korea boasting, Kim Jong-un declared with pride that now we finally realized the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force.
Also claiming the 23rd missile test of the Trump presidency reconfirmed the safety of the warhead in the atmospheric reentry environment.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: It is a situation that we will handle.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RIPLEY: President Trump tweeted Thursday the Chinese envoy who just returned from North Korea seems to have had no impact on little rocket man,
hard to believe his people and the military put up with living in such horrible conditions Russia and China condemned the launch. China`s leader
giving no indication he`s willing to take any actions that would destabilize Kim Jong-un`s government recently sending a special envoy and
even a gift to the North Korean leader. A North Korea official telling CNN diplomacy with the US is off the table for now until Pyongyang fully
demonstrates its nuclear capabilities including a possible aboveground thermonuclear test.
A threat first made by North Korea`s foreign minister in September reiterated by a senior diplomat in Pyongyang last month.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Should the world prepare for North Korea to detonate a nuclear device above ground?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE (TRANSLATOR): The foreign minister is very well aware of the intentions of our supreme leader. So I think you should take his words
literally.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RIPLEY: Analysts have accused North Korea of bluster saying the nation risks absolutely structured if it goes to war with the U.S. Republican
Senator Lindsey Graham telling CNN`s Wolf Blitzer this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN LINDSEY GRAHAM, (R) SOUTH CAROLINA: We have to go to war to stop this we will.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RIPLEY: Each provocation pushes Trump closer to one of the most critical presidential decisions since the end of World War II, except North Korea as
a nuclear power or take action that risks triggering a military conflict with potentially unthinkable consequences. Will Ripley CNN, Seoul.
(END VIDEO)
ASHER: All right that is a story we are following. 12 months ago, it was all smiles and handshakes from all around this room after OPEC members
finally agreed to cut oil production to raise high cut prices that this year`s meeting as it draws too close, is the mood as warm inside Vienna as
it was back then as it was a year ago. Let us go to our man on the ground. Merging market on our John Defterios who is taking the temperature today.
Let us talk about the extension in OPEC cuts or output cuts rather, has it been finalized and if so what affect would that have on oil prices?
JOHN DEFTERIOS, CNN EMERGING MARKETS EDITOR: Zain, so far we have very close to an agreement to a couple of OPEC governors as I believe were still
talking. There is a couple of wrinkles here that don`t make a big difference with a picture, Libya and Nigeria they need to decide whether
they cut their production in the future was a foregone conclusion that the extend the agreement by the end of March 2018 to the end of 2018 if that is
the case it was not into the strategy of Saudi Arabia and the Minister Khalid Al-Falih is very close associate and key Lieutenant of the crown
prince of Saudi Arabia. Now he rolled back the clock, he suggest a year ago, it was Saudi Arabia and Russia who came together to do this historic
deal. Take 1.8 million barrels a day off the market and we had risen $20 a barrel the last six months along 30 percent overall in the last years was
worth the so-called bromance between Saudi Arabia and Russia.
[10:15:09] But ask the Saudi minister is in fact those relations are getting stray, because Russia got a little bit concern, because of the
prices are rising too fast. Is it too much pressure from Russia to try to compromise the deal let us take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In fact we need as many producers as possible, the days of OPEC alone being able to take the load of supply to fix imbalances over.
In my views since last year and Russia has been a constructive partner.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Putting more pressure on you?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No pressure, I think they have their right to communicate their views on how they see the market and an important
participant in the market especially in Asia and Europe, they see things slightly different from some of the OPEC countries. And we take that to
consideration as we formulate our own decisions.
Like I said it is going to take 24 countries to come to an agreement and my scenario require nine months of equal or better performance in 2018.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DEFTERIOS: So once again Khalid Al-Falih the administer of energy and industry and industry of mining for Saudi Arabia saying, you know where he
stands, they like to have the Saudi Aramco IPO in 2018 so higher price between 60 and $65 a barrel helps him out a lot. Even Vladimir Putin in
early October suggested if we are going to talk about extension was to throughout 2018 will probably have final word about an hour, early
indications are that this is going to go through by nine month extension with the caveat to the Russians we can revisit this in three months the
price spikes up too high which helps U.S. Shell producers if you will.
ASHER: All right. John Defterios lice for us there. Do let us know when the deal is finalized. Thank you so much, a appreciate it. Connect the
World more on our top news story, Donald Trump may just put a few bucks for lying when he reposted those tweets, but he is pushing people in far more
significant ways. We will speak to a British Muslim member of parliament next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:20:20] ASHER: Welcome back everybody there is a new signal at the U.S Special council of the Russian investigation, zeroing in on former national
security adviser Michael Flynn. Flynn was the focus of discussion when the council team spoke to senior Trump advisor Jared Kushner. Kushner lawyer
says its plan voluntarily cooperated. The story we are following very closely here at CNN. Welcome back everybody I`m Zain Ashley you are
watching Connect the World, now if you ever use twitter, you have heard the disclaimer that a retweet is not necessarily an endorsement when you`re
president of the United States and you are retweeting insanity videos that single out religious minorities then you have a problem especially when it
the first time you seem to have targeted Muslims specifically in the United Kingdom, even before becoming president Mr. Trump accused Muslims in the
U.K. of quote, absolutely not reporting suspected terrorist he gave no proof, no proof whatsoever to back up that claim and it did not go
unnoticed when the President lambasted London`s first Muslim mayor straight after the attack on London Bridge onto he said there was no need for a
long. Trump disagreed saying there was a lot of reason to be alarmed and during his presidential campaign, he proposed a travel ban on Muslims and a
war of words with a Muslim Goldstar family.
The FBI says that year, get this, that year hate crimes against Muslims actually rose by 20 percent versus second-largest city him as a campaign to
ban Donald Trump from ever visiting that city, Birmingham a significant Muslim population, Khalid Mahmood is a labor MP, she joins us now from
London. So I am curious what you think of Theresa May`s response, because her response has been, listen I condemn these tweets I don`t agree with
these retweet, but the fact is that president in the United States come and go and there is no point ruining the U.K. special relationship with the
United States over one individual. What do you make of that?
KHALID MAHMOOD, BRITISH CATHOLIC MP: Well I wish that was the case I think this one individual is putting all of our community relations into peril.
More than he`s increasing the hate crimes not just in the U.K, but particularly also in the U.S. and some are likely making visitor comments
will give succor to people who think it`s ok to go out and to be xenophobic to be against Muslims under say those sort of things. And my grant to the
Prime Minister Harry is when she was a homesick street she would ban anybody that made comments about radicalization, about people supporting
people who have committed a radical acts here, the person in question is going to the court`s, already been arrested once before and discharge and
go through courts and therefore his is making extremist comments by that she will not allow this people to enter United Kingdom.
So I asked him the parliament today, what is the difference here?
ASHER: OK. Your concern above all out, these retweet the horrific, your concern about the hypocrisy of the whole thing. Why didn`t you think the
U.S. President is taking the special relationship with the U.K. as seriously as the U.K. takes the special relationship with the United
States?
MAHMOOD: Well I don`t think it take a special relationship seriously. He has no concern for anybody else`s feeling as he has shown quite clearly.
He is putting the United Kingdom into jeopardy. Particularly, today in the chamber across all parties, everybody condemned conservative liberal
Scottish nationalists, everybody condemned this silly act which is dangerous not just for the Muslim, but all of our communities and people
have said that regularly.
ASHER: When you see just -- I mean, fact that the U.S. President has legitimize hate. A lot of people take right with not just the travel ban
or this retweets, but other various sort of underhanded comments he is made toward minorities, religious minorities, and ethnic minorities. Do you see
this a part of a deliberate thought out strategy by the U.S. President?
MAHMOOD: Well, I think he did not need to seek out these hate for messages. We do not validated it by the way. For somebody who goes on
about fake news, there is no validation in these tweets at all that they are correct or that there right. For him to do that and then to put that
forward, he is at a conservative campaign, during his election campaign to look toward the right wing parties and individuals across the U.S. to
bolster his vote.
[10:25:07] He is done that. And what he is trying to do now is do the same in the U.K. without taking notice of what the prime ministers views are,
what the government parties view are, what the opposition party`s view are, he is fairing it up and nobody would be allowed to do that and that is why
I am asking our prime minister who is the former home secretary that she wouldn`t accept that of any other Muslim leader or politician and would not
allow them to come to the United Kingdom, because based just purely on those comments, let alone anything else that he has done.
ASHER: And as the debate continues about whether or not the U.S. President should be allowed to come to the U.K. given, you know, these retweets and
various other comments he has made, the fact is, the one group that is benefiting from all this attention is of course, ironically Britain First.
MAHMOOD: Well that is right. And they would be glorified and that will again add to the recruitment that will also add to further hate crimes in
the United Kingdom. And that is why, we`re all so upset about what he is done and he is done it deliberately and he has no remorse for it. That is
the one reason why I think the prime minister needs to take far more harsher action in dealing with him.
ASHER: All right. Mr. Mahmood, thank you so much for coming on the show and sharing your thoughts. I appreciate that. All right this is Connect
the World, I am Zain Asher in for Becky Anderson. Still to come here, we last saw him after he was born at the height of the fighting. As we return
to Gaza, the future of this young boy is still very uncertain. That story is next.
[10:30:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ZAIN ASHER, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, you`re watching CNN and this is Connect the World. I am Zain Asher, welcome back. One day later, an apology from U.S.
TV journalist, Matt Lauer.
Lauer, of course as you remember yesterday was fired from NBC`s flagship morning program, the Today show after being accused of sexual misconduct.
And our Brain Stelter reports more accusations have now surfaced.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE, HOST, NBC TODAY: Good morning.
BRAIN STELTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The Today show once again addressing Matt Lauer`s firing this morning.
HODA KOTB, HOST, NBC TODAY: Our top story is, once again, about our former colleague Matt Lauer.
GUTHRIE: And, in fact, we just moments ago received a statement from Matt, and let me read it to you. "There are no words to express my sorrow and
regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions.
To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. As I am writing this, I realize the depth of the damage and disappointment I have left behind at
home and at NBC.
Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and
ashamed."
STELTER: Alarming new allegations of sexual misconduct emerging against Matt Lauer. A former NBC employee telling The New York Times that in 2001,
Lauer, summoned her to his office, locked the door, and sexually assaulted her. She says she never reported the incident because she felt ashamed and
feared losing her job.
Variety magazine also reporting accounts from three women who say Lauer harassed them. One says the veteran Today show anchor gave her a sex toy
and then detailed in a note how he wanted to use it on her. Another employee says he exposed himself in his office and then reprimanded her for
not engaging in a sexual act.
Ten current and former employees telling Variety that Lauer was fixated on women, especially their bodies and looks, and was known for making lewd
comments verbally or over text messages, the big question is who knew what, when. Variety quoted several staffers who said they tried alert executives
about Lauer`s behavior.
In response to that, NBC says, we can say, unequivocally, that prior to Monday night, current NBC News management was never made aware of any
complaints about Matt Lauer`s conduct.
NBC has known for weeks that damaging stories were coming. In a staff memo, NBC News chief Andy Lack alluded to this, saying on Wednesday, we
have also been presented with reason to believe this may not have been an isolated incident.
On Monday night, a female NBC employee and her attorney met with NBC H.R. and detailed, quote, egregious acts of sexual harassment and misconduct.
A source telling CNN the behavior began in 2014 at the Sochi Olympics and continued after that assignment. That accuser is remaining anonymous, as
are the women speaking to Variety and The New York Times.
For now, NBC`s handling of the official complaint against Lauer is getting praise from the accuser`s attorney. He writes, our impression at this
point is that NBC acting quickly and responsibly.
It is our hope that NBC will continue to do what it can to repair the damage done to my client, their employee, and to any other women who may
come forward.
Just two months ago, Lauer grilled Bill O`Reilly, who was also fired when multiple sexual harassment allegations surfaced against the former Fox News
host, allegations that O`Reilly denies.
MATT LAUER, FORMER ANCHOR, NBC TODAY: Think about those five women and what they did. They came forward and filed complaints against the biggest
star at the network they worked at, think of how intimidating that must have been, how nerve-wracking that must have been. Doesn`t that tell you
how strongly they felt about the way they were treated by you?
STELTER: Now, the Lauer floodgates may just be opening even as his former morning show family tries to move on.
AL ROKER, WEATHER ANCHOR, NBC TODAY: We`re still dealing with the news of a friend of 30 years and we`re all trying to process it.
GUTHRIE: We are grappling with a dilemma that so many people have faced these past few weeks. How do you reconcile your lost for someone with the
revelation that they have behaved badly?
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: That is an important question. That was our senior media correspondent Brent Stelter reporting there and the domino effect continues
because we just got this news to CNN like moments before I came on air, Russell Simmons -- Russell Simmons, the famous hip-hop mogul, the founder
of Def Jam Record and CEO of Rush Communications is stepping down from his company in the wake of accusations of harassment and sexual assault.
Well, right now let`s turn now to the latest developments in the Palestinian reconciliation process. CNN`s Ian Lee last reported from Gaza
three years ago at the height of the fighting with Israel. Now he`s back there to see how life has changed after years of isolation. Ian -- we
connected with the family he met in 2014.
[10:35:00] His reports now on how the surviving in Gaza. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
IAN LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Pharos` (ph) sister Rahaf (ph) can whip him many times in a wrestling. The three-year-old likes to instigate the bouts
as most sibling rivalries go. It`s a picture of innocence far remove mother Raada says from adult here.
RAADA AL DAN, MOTHER (through a translator): Life in Gaza is full of pain on all levels, economically and socially, it`s very difficult.
LEE: It`s three years since the last war here which began after Hamas fired rockets into Israel. Israel responded with a military operation in
Gaza.
That`s when I first met the family, the moment baby Pharos (ph) was born. Raada needed an emergency C-section stress from the constant aerial
bombardment at induced complications, doctors told me. But a 8 pounds, 2 ounces, Pharos (ph) emerged healthy.
AL DAN (through a translator): He was born during the war. That`s why we call him the son of the war. He`s always very angry but with a brave
character.
LEE: Life hasn`t changed much since the guns fell silent. Electricity is still unreliable, currently just four hours a day. And for Raada, a fresh
concern, the state of medical care. She`s been recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
AL DAN (through a translator): The only way to get proper treatment is to go abroad but it will be difficult. I will have leave my children.
LEE: We went to see what treatment for cancer patients is like in Gaza. Doctors describe a constant struggle to keep hospital stocked with
medicines and equipment. Children get priority but for adults, if their chemotherapy treatments are delayed, doctors say the prognosis is bad.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have 13 patients died because there is no chemotherapy. And when they can`t find their chemotherapy here, the
doctors make medical referrals for West Bank or Jerusalem and if they can`t leave Gaza, they should wait. And even if they can`t find it here, their
final decision would be just unfortunately.
LEE: The Palestinian authority denies accusations that medical supplies to Gaza have fallen and blames Israel for any short fall. It also says that
provisions are made for all Gaza cancer patients to be moved to hospitals in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
For its part, Israel says it provides what it calls humanitarian assistance to Gazans, delays to any shipments or to make sure nothing gets in that
could benefit Hamas and its militants, caught in the middle, the people.
The United Nations describes a society slipping backwards. Untreated sewage flowing into the sea making beaches unsafe in contaminating seafood
and when it rains, aging sewers quickly overflow. Back at Pharos` (ph) house, he wants to show me the rain. He wants to touch it.
AL DAN (through a translator): I wish their life will be better than ours. I hope this generation will be different and better than ours.
LEE: A future with a small son of war and finally live in peace and flourish. Ian Lee, CNN, Gaza.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: Remarkable that there is still so much hope you had -- his mother that basically tells him about that she still has hope despite the abysmal
condition that they are living in.
And that was of course very powerful reporting from our, Ian Lee, and we have word of a new snag in the reconciliation process. Fatah and Hamas say
they will need more time to complete the civilian hand over of Gaza.
It was to actually happen on Friday but now both sides tell Egypt, they actually want to delay the process a little bit more for a few more weeks
until the 10th of December. I want to dig in a little bit deeper now.
I`m joined now from Jerusalem by Nickolay Mladenov. He`s the U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. All right, Nickolay, thank
you so much for being with us. Do you still have faith at this point that the two side, Hamas and Fatah will come to an agreement, if so, why?
NICKOLAY MLADENOV, U.N. SPECIAL COORDINATOR, MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS: I hope that they will come to an agreement because I think if they failed to
come to an agreement, we`re going to see a very rapid escalation of the crisis in Gaza.
The people live in really desperate conditions over the last few months, they have seen hope and disperses. And if this hope is taken away, it is
very likely that will end up with another round of violence and this is something that needs to be avoided at all cost.
If they need to delay the timing, the deadlines of the agreement, they must delay them as long as the negotiations between the two sides continue and
as long as the full return of the legitimate Palestinian authority to Gaza is facilitated. That is the most important thing. That will alleviate the
humanitarian crisis.
[10:40:00] That will help people see a perspective for the future and hopefully that will lead to changes in access and movement regime that they
face, and all the limitations that exist on their lives.
ASHER: So there is so much hope writing on this, especially as you mentioned the people in Gaza for a way out of the dire conditions that they
are living in.
So just walk us -- walk us through what exactly the holdup is because right now, it`s delayed until the 10th. What specifically are the sticking
points?
MLADENOV: Well, when they went earlier -- last month in Cairo, they parties agreed that in the beginning of December, they will assess with the
return of the government to Gaza because it`s been fully enabled. And there are disagreements over that.
The Palestinian authorities still sees a number of obstacles that Hamas has to over come in order for the government to be able to fully function in
Gaza.
One of the obstacles, a very substantial one is control of security on the ground. And as far as the other side is concerned, they have done most of
what has been required of them.
Now the particular hiccup right now I think is the fact that in the agreement of state of the salaries of public sector employees in Gaza will
be picked by the Palestinian authority in December. Now that is a very, very complicated process.
It is very difficult to see how that will actually happen in December and this is why the party is now need to find a framework with Egypt which
extends the deadlines of the agreement and allows them to continue the talking and certainly addresses a very fundamental concern for the
international community.
And that is supporting the question of security and the control of weapons on the table. Everybody agrees that this comes have change overnight.
There will be a step-by-step process. This has been the framework of the agreement.
But certainly, they both need to get down to discussing how and when the Palestinian authority can have security control over Gaza as well.
There is one issue that is extremely urgent, I think for the people of Gaza and this is to alleviate the humanitarian situation on the ground.
Lifting some of the restrictions that have been put on, electricity, medicines, et cetera, this is vital for the survival of people there.
ASHER: So, just assuming that deal goes through, right now it`s date until December 10th -- assuming it goes through, just walk us through what the
Palestinian authority`s plan of action is once they take up their responsibilities in Gaza.
MLADENOV: I think these plans are still under development. The first step was to take control back of the crossings. Then it should be -- to enable
the ministers to go back to their respective ministries in Gaza and to function.
There are many issues related to that, begin delivering services -- very important to healthcare. We`ve seen some progress in education, a number
of teachers that were previously employed by the Palestinian authorities have retuned back to work.
We`ve seen quite substantial movement on the registration of public sector employees that were previously employed by the Palestinian authority ensure
in the future also return back to work.
There are a lot of these details that need to be worked but again, it is extremely important that the people of Gaza see a gesture from their
leadership, from their government, and that needs to reflect, and alleviate some of the humanitarian situation on the ground.
The U.N. is doing everything that we can to help hospitals survive. Just to give you an example, currently and practically all hospitals in Gaza run
on U.N. delivered fuel which is certainly not sustainable.
The sewage system is still functioning. Portable water is available every few days and we`re heading into winter, where the rains will increases and
certainly the health risks will be much higher for everyone.
So along with the political negotiations that now take place, we also must see some alleviation of the humanitarian suffering of people.
ASHER: Right, the conditions that you describe are quite simply appalling and the people watching at home -- I`m not even sure if it`s possible to
really actually imagine it unless have actually lived it or at least seen it first hand. Nickolay Mladenov, we have to leave it there. Thank you so
much, appreciate that.
All right, you are watching Connect the World. Still to come, young Arabs believe the Arabic language is actually crucial to their identity and yet,
many say its use is on the decline. We explore one place trying to reconnect with its culture, up next.
[10:45:00] (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:50:00] ASHER: All right, welcome back everybody. I want to update you with some breaking news we`re getting just out of the White House.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: We just learned a major shakeup is being discussed in the White House right now. In fact, multiple government officials say the White
House is considering replacing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson within the next few months.
The White House is considering replacing (Inaudible) Rex Tillerson within the next few months. Now, the replacement that is being discussed, is this
man -- current CIA director, Mike Pompeo.
Tillerson`s departure has actually been expected and talked about for months because there has sometimes been tension or rather strain in
Tillerson`s relationship with the U.S. President Donald Trump.
But we don`t have any firm word yet on when that replacement will happen but once again, it is being discussed that Rex Tillerson will likely be
replaced from his job as U.S. secretary of state.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ASHER: In today`s Parting Shots, we take you to the show`s hometown of Abu Dhabi where a young Emirati looks to explore why Arab youth are losing
touch with their language and difficulties she had in trying to balance her heritage with the influence of Western culture. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Imagine being surrounded by words in your own language completely unfamiliar to you. I`m part of the generation who`ve
lost touch with an important part of our Arab identity, our language.
We can speak colloquial Arabic but struggle with modern standard Arabic which is used in literature, media and the workplace across the Arab world.
By living in the Arab country, English is heard and seen everywhere.
Here in the United Arab Emirates, there now initiates helping us reconnect with our exchange language. I`m on my way to NYU Abu Dhabi which offers a
course that encourages Arab students to understand and see the relevance of their language.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Arabic is something that has not been modernizing, it`s fasting us compared to other languages. We don`t teach this course in a
traditional passion. We try to get them to use the language. I think it is really being used.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Sarah is one of many students who benefited from the class.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It`s always good be in touch with your culture and your language. And there`s always so much more to learn. That would be
easier to communicate with now just locals but other Arabic speaker.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: while people like, Sarah and me try to reconnect with out language, those younger than us are going out on gulf version of Sesame
Street.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Many schools were allowed to grow in region and then they would only have one type class of Arabic or religion. And (Inaudible)
they use simple classical Arabic and we focus on teaching them the words, the concepts, the grammar, all of it is included in the program.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Being part of the generation that missed out on educational programming like this, pushed me to find a fresh way to
appreciate my language. Ruh Al-Alam (ph) fell in love with his language when studying the history of Arabic calligraphy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My style of calligraphy is more of modern abstract. It is more up-to-date. It`s more close to the new generation. It is not just
to the calligraphy that people just attracted to.
[10:55:00] There are effected first to the design and then they started to be more curious of what the words actually says.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: His works really capture the beauty and elegance of Arabic calligraphy.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I used to be in control of the opinion here, (Inaudible) in control.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Calligraphy is the something we can all admire. It`s important to hold on to our language, preserving it means breathing
bringing new life into our identity and heritage. The Egyptian poet Hafiz Ibrahim wrote about this around 100 years ago.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): I hope we continue to seek all the pearls the Arabic language has to offer.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ASHER: All right everyone, that`s a buzz. I`m Zain Asher and that was Connect the World. Thank you so much for watching. Have a lovely weekend.
END
