Return to Transcripts main page

Connect the World

Pope Francis Becomes First-Ever Pontiff To Visit Iraq; China To Change The Group That Selects Hong Kong's Leader; European Nations Looking Outside EU For Vaccine Help; Mosul Slowly Rebuilds After Destruction By ISIS; Media Frenzy Ahead Of Harry And Meghan Interview; 118-Year-Old Woman To Carry Olympic Torch. Aired 11a-12p ET

Aired March 05, 2021 - 11:00   ET

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

[11:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: Live from CNN, Abu Dhabi. This is "Connect the World" with Becky Anderson.

BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST, CONNECT THE WORLD: Tonight's we begin in Baghdad it's become a byword for war, misery, suffering, endemic horridness, but

not here, not now. Not today for. On this day, Pope Francis is in town in a part of the world where many biblical scenes played out but where we have

never before seen a Pope.

But now he's the first Pope ever to set foot on Iraqi soil here. He is at a church in Baghdad where dozens of Christians were massacred in an attack in

2010. The country's Christian community is now a fraction of what it was before the 2003 U.S.-led invasion hit by ongoing violence and ISIS

persecution.

He said the 2010 killings were a reminder that violence discrimination and intolerance must stop. Well, the Pope took his message of healing to the

Iraqi people as a Presidential Palace in Baghdad, he called on the country's various ethnic and religious groups to work together to rebuild.

The 84 year old Pope Francis has an exhaustive schedule with plans to visit a number of cities over three days. He'll meet with the country's top Shia

cleric on Saturday. Well, let's take a moment and look at this historic day to see how it is unfolding?

I want you to soak in just some of these images these few steps here getting off the plane in Baghdad well years in the making. Here he's

getting an official welcome from the Iraqi Prime Minister and two Iraqi children greeting him with flowers.

The welcome continued inside you can see it was quite a festive greeting full of dance and music. He then sat down with the Prime Minister in the

airport's VIP hall. His transport a far cry from the Pope-mobile back home you can see his car flanked by horses as it made its way to the

Presidential Palace.

And more pomp and circumstance there for his official welcoming ceremony and his meeting with the President Barham Salih his latest stop, "The Our

Lady of Salvation" Syria Catholic Church the scene of that horrible massacre more than a decade ago. We'll CNN Vatican Correspondent Delia

Gallagher is traveling with the Pope and she talked with him on the way over. Delia what did he tell you?

DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN VATICAN CORRESPONDENT: Well Becky, when we go - Pope does come back and say hello to all of the journalists. And there was one

who was curious about he had mentioned a few years - from priest who has died here in Iraq and that he always carries that cross with him.

So I wanted to ask him if he's still had that cross. He said he didn't have it with him. He still has it. But he wasn't carrying it. He's carrying a

rosary from a priest friend of his in Argentina. But he also told us on the plane, Becky, that he felt it's his duty to come to this martyred land.

You know, you have to remember this is a trip that right up until - nobody thought was actually going to happen because of COVID because of security

here in Iraq, but the Pope was sure it was going to happen. And it's the reason why we're here because he was determined to come.

And in fact, as you mentioned, he went - one of his visits today was to that church in Baghdad, that was the site of a massacre in 2010, killed 58

people. So that's his reverence, the martyred land the suffering of Christians, and of Iraqis here his major message on this trip, Becky.

But really, aside from many of the things which we will hear him talk about, which of course will be about religious unity, peace, and so forth.

Many of the things you would expect to hear from a Pope.

I think the real message here is the fact that - here that he made it, he came this is a trip that Pope's even before him back to John Paul II really

wanted to do and Francis was determined that it was going to happen, Becky.

ANDERSON: This is a packed schedule the risks were clear, and as you rightly point out, he was warned the risks not least those of security and

of COVID. And yet he was determined to make this trip. You've traveled extensively with the Pope over the years.

You were here in 2019, in Abu Dhabi, when he signed the "Document of Human Fraternity" of course, and indeed you and I were together in Jordan as

well. A couple of years before that, how different is this experience?

[11:05:00]

GALLAGHER: Well, this is different, obviously, Becky for the security question, you know, normally when you come in from the airport with the

Pope's entourage, you've got people lining the street you got flags, you got huge crowds, even at least - we see a lot more crowds. I see for

reasons are going to be quite - so that crowds--

ANDERSON: We persevered but the technology grumblings are letting us down. But you heard importantly from Delia Gallaher, who is traveling with the

Pope there in Iraq. Well, as we discussed, the Pope visited "Our Lady of Salvation Church" in Baghdad in 2010, the site of the worst single massacre

of Iraqi Christians ever.

CNN's Ben Wedeman is in Iraq, and he spoke to survivors of that massacre, about the terror they experienced and the difficult future that followed.

Have a look at this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The image of Pope Francis graces the blast walls protecting Baghdad's Our Lady of Salvation

Church, the messages of brotherhood a facade perhaps to the bitter memory of the worst ever massacre of Christians in Baghdad.

Each one of these red squares represents the spot where somebody died in October 2010. A total of 58 people were killed in the attack. Terrorists

from the Islamic State in Iraq, the precursor to ISIS burst into the church during evening mass.

Deacon Lewis Clements was inside and recalls the attackers made their purpose clear. Their intention was evil. It was to kill he says they

considered everyone in the church and infidel deserving of death. CNN's Arwa Damon reported from the church in the immediate aftermath.

ARWA DAMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: When the attackers stormed and half of the congregation came back here into this room trying to keep themselves safe.

They had barricaded the door but the attackers were throwing grenades in. There's blood on the walls here.

People have been leaving candles throughout the evening. Here we were told the residue of one of the grenades exploded and all over the ceilings and

the walls just splattered with blood.

WEDEMAN (voice over): Deacon Clements shows us exactly where he was cowering on the floor with his son and dozens of others taking cover during

the attack. Shrapnel ripped into his head. We stayed here for four hours in terror and fear he recalls.

We had surrendered to fate and put our lives in the hands of the Virgin Mary. Grainy amateur video shows the panic and trauma moments after Iraqi

anti terrorism troops stormed the church. The massacre was the final straw for many of Baghdad's Christians.

Since the attack almost everyone is left says - a survivor before mass was held three times in the morning and twice in the evening. Now, there's just

one massive a day. The specter of terror has receded for now yet corruption, political paralysis, chaos and perceived discrimination have

left the Christian community desperate for help.

We need someone to stand with us as Deacon Clements because we live in a jungle, a jungle controlled by political monsters, a jungle in need of

saints.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Well, Ben Wedeman joining us now on the phone from Baghdad a moving piece and important piece, Ben. Let's talk about the Pope's schedule

because it is exhaustive while he is on the ground in Iraq. Talk us through where he will be who we will meet and the significance of that agenda.

WEDEMAN: Yes, the next two days really his agenda is jam packed. And let's keep in mind this is a man who is 84 years old and only has one lung as a

result of an operation. Tomorrow he will be going to "The Ruins of Orr" which is of course the birthplace of the patriarch Abraham who is revered

by Muslims, Christians and Jews.

And the point is that that is that point of unity, the bridges that he's always trying to build between the different faiths.

[11:10:00]

WEDEMAN: Afterwards, he's going to the Holy City of Najaf, where he will be meeting with the Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, who is one of the leading

authorities of Shia Islam. And that's part of his bridge building effort. He was met with Ahmed Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar a few years ago in

Abu Dhabi.

He signed that "Agreement of human Fraternity". So that is really been one of his major efforts to bridge the gap. And then of course, on Sunday, he

will be going north, you will be going to Mosul to pray the church that was destroyed by ISIS during its occupation of that the largest city terror

group was able to take over.

Afterwards, he's going to Qaraqosh of a town, largely Christian counted was also under occupation, by ISIS, where we've seen - I've seen with my own

eyes, basically, they would every symbol of Christianity, they tried to destroy.

Crosses, they chiseled out if they were a stone, they would deface various religious paintings from the churches. And of course, they drove the entire

population out of the city. Finally he will go to Erbil, and they're in a stadium will address what we're being told will be 10,000 people his

largest gathering there.

Erbil is a one of the cities that has a large Christian population. And that's part of the Kurdish Regional Government, which itself has long

prided itself for the rest of Egypt provided for Christians during the ISIS war.

And then of course, Monday, he is off. So it's a whirlwind tour for a man of his age. But he definitely is trying to get across A, his support for

the Christian community here and B, his desire to see Christians and Muslims. Shia and Sunni come closer together Becky.

ANDERSON: Ben Wedeman on the ground in Iraq for you, Ben, thank you. But it's hard to overstate the importance of these images the Pope back in the

Middle East. The importance of this trip will unfold for years to come.

I want to look at another important development that is affecting you right now. Whether or not you know, it's out of the world's fasting - fastest

emerging superpower China, tightening its control of Hong Kong's leadership, Beijing plans to exert more control over the group that picks

Hong Kong's Chief Executive.

According to Hong Kong state media, that means setting the size and membership of the election committee. Well, the changes were announced

during China's Annual National People's Congress, one official blames the change or loopholes that lead in what the - what he calls anti-China

destabilizing elements. David Culver is joining us from Beijing with a look at this new rule. And what is going on at the People's Congress, David?

DAVID CULVER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Becky, this isn't surprising for those who are a part of the pro democracy movement within Hong Kong. It's another

step, as you put it, of Beijing tightening their grip over Hong Kong. And what's interesting here is this is the National People's Congress that

opened up on Friday, it's going to last about a week.

And generally the focus is on economic growth and the target that was set around 6 percent GDP and also military spending. But the real headline is

on Hong Kong, something that some may look at and say, well, these are pro democracy movements that go back now two years to 2019.

However, it is still fresh in the mind amongst officials here and something that obviously they're determined to put an end to as they describe it, its

chaos. It's rioting, and it's causing the destruction of the territory.

So this is why they're moving forward with this new move to essentially exert more control over the legislature there. As you mentioned, it's the

election committee that's very much pro-Beijing that generally chooses the chief executive.

Now it extends into those who will make up the legislature and it's not being met with a lot of joy, for obvious reasons amongst those who are

pushing for democracy within Hong Kong to sustain. And it's coming after many of those who were part of that movement, were put under arrest or

facing charges and are watching as slowly it's now moving in the direction of favoring Beijing.

[11:15:00]

CULVER: It is something that Beijing is determined to make a priority as they have with the premier coming forward with some of the focus is on

economic growth, obviously, but then beyond that it's about stability, as they put it at the domestic level.

As they have really reinforced over and over, Becky, this is China's business. This is an internal affairs deal. That's domestic matters the

rest of the world as they have described, it should just keep out, Becky.

ANDERSON: So how is the man on the street is it where? Man or women on the streets in Hong Kong, reacting to this news?

CULVER: There's frustration for those who have really pushed for the pro democracy movement. There's no question there. But I think there's also a

reality that's surfaced over the past year plus certainly coming out of the 2019 protests.

I think people began to see where the tide was shifting. They saw that Beijing and its leadership is heavily focused on making sure that it is

seen certainly from the outside world that Hong Kong is part of China.

However, it's interesting because those same lawmakers here the officials in Beijing are stressing that it's still the one country two systems'

though it seems that is becoming a more and more blurred line.

But there's also the reality of those who have been instrumental in pushing for the pro democracy movement, facing more and more criticism and really

just legal challenges at this point. Their own freedom is being challenged at this point, as many of them who raised the ranks to become quite

popular, or they themselves now facing charges and in some cases behind bars.

ANDERSON: David Culver on the story for you, David, thank you. Well, Europe's frustratingly slow vaccine rollout has some member states of the

blog, seeking out their own vaccines and others holding on to what they have got ahead the latest on the rollout and its fallout.

Moldova becomes the first European country to get vaccines from the global Covax scheme. I'll be speaking with the country's president coming up. And

historic city in ruins, churches and mosques reduced to rubble. But on Sunday, Pope Francis will travel to Mosul with a message of hope and

healing.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: Well, Europe's slow vaccine rollout is back in the spotlight amid a worrying spike in Coronavirus cases. The European Union has been plagued

by what many have described as an unmitigated disaster as far as its rollout is concerned.

Manufacturing delays supply shortages distribution challenges this all comes as a - with drug giant AstraZeneca intensifies over vaccine supply.

France now says it may follow Italy and block COVID vaccine exports made in the EU from export.

[11:20:00]

ANDERSON: Well, earlier Italy invoked EU powers for the first time to block the shipment of a quarter of a million vaccine doses to Australia. The EU

is blaming AstraZeneca's systematic under delivery on its contracts. Well, the chaos making some member states reaches outside the block for help from

countries like Israel, China and Russia.

There's also some help to be found in the Covax scheme for some European countries. The Republic of Moldova has become the first European nation to

receive Coronavirus vaccines from Covax which as you know, is the global initiative for to provide fair vaccine access.

Now, Moldova, not in the EU, but it does work closely with the blog. Moldova's President tweeted her appreciation saying she is thankful that

the first 14,000 doses had arrived in the country last evening. And President Maia Sandu joins us now live from Moldova's Capital. It's good to

have you I trust you and your family are well.

MAIA SANDU, MOLDOVAN PRESIDENT: Thank you very much.

ANDERSON: Good. You've just become the first European country to receive Coronavirus vaccines from the Covax scheme. What does that mean for

Moldova?

SANDU: We are very happy to be able to receive this first chance. And given that we are in a very difficult situation, and the figures look pretty bad

these days. Unfortunately, this vaccine is going to help us save the lives of the medical workers. And this is where the vaccine is being used now to

immunize the medical workers across the country.

ANDERSON: You described the situation in your country, as pretty bad; just describe what's going on at present?

SANDU: Well, unfortunately, the indicators, the figures have been going up after pretty good situation in January and beginning of February. But now

it looks that the new type of the COVID has reached Moldova, and the capacity of the health sector was already on the edge. And it's pretty

difficult for us to face the situation.

So the vaccine is actually the most important now, also because the economy's in a pretty bad situation, Moldova, is a poor country.

Unfortunately, it didn't get much support from the government. So the economy is not doing well, people's incomes have been going down.

So we really need to get the access to the vaccine. And we're very grateful to the donors who have been contributing to the Covax platform and to the

World Health Organization, UNICEF, those who have been distributing the vaccine to countries like Moldova.

ANDERSON: This we've - yes, this week you've also received the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines, as I understand it, from Romania. That's a

neighbor and an EU member. And you have begun your country's rollout. Just explain why is it that you've been struggling to get hold of vaccines up

until now?

SANDU: Indeed, we are lucky to have a donation from Romania. But otherwise, it's pretty difficult for a small country like Moldova, to be able to

secure contracts with the producers. And even within the current donations from Romania and then through the Covax platform, we had to return

ourselves to some of the producers, and then to get the approval for the vaccine to actually be delivered to our country.

So both because we're small country, maybe not only because of that, it's pretty difficult to do secure contracts on the vaccine and it's not only

about the money because of course this is a priority. And we could reallocate the money. It's actually the access to the vaccine.

And that's why we appreciate it so much that both Romania and the Covax platform have delivered first vaccines to Moldova now.

ANDERSON: I know that Moldova has just approved the Sputnik V vaccine, that's the Russian vaccine. But before that you were accused by your

predecessor of trying to block its use. I interviewed the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs earlier in the week and he had this to say

about Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. Have a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GABRIELIUS LANDSBERGIS, LITHUANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: If EU and well, other countries cannot provide vaccines like Moderna, Pfizer, or AstraZeneca to

the countries like Ukraine and Georgia, Moldova and other countries in the Eastern partnership region, then they would be pressed so hard to accept

either Sputnik or even Chinese vaccines and they would be very tough position.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[11:25:00]

ANDERSON: As part of the vaccine let's be quite clear about this as - has been peer reviewed by the English Medical Journal, "The Lancet" and has an

extremely high efficacy. After much talk about it, still it being rolled out too quickly and various other things.

Look, what do you make of what you just heard? Do you feel like you were put in a tough position to approve that Russian vaccine?

SANDU: Well, first of all, is not the presidency which approves the vaccine, we have an institution, so is the decision of the medical agency.

But at the same time, of course, we need to provide people with a vaccine sooner than later because this is about saving lives.

Ideally, we would like to have several types of vaccine because there might be people who would want to use the national vaccine. There are lots of

people who want to use the vaccines that have been used in the EU countries. But indeed, there is pressure and there is a big need to secure

as many vaccines as possible.

ANDERSON: I wonder Italy has just using its EU powers blocked the export of some quarter of a million vaccines to Australia and Italian MPs speaking to

our team earlier about whether other EU nations might actually follow suit. Do you think the EU is vaccine issues have in some way impacted on the

supply that Moldova has got?

SANDU: We have got the vaccine and we are the first country in the region to get it from the - and as I said, we got the first vaccines from the EU

countries. So we actually have been receiving a lot of support. And I've been in contact with the EU institutions on a daily basis almost.

So everybody wants to help. But the situation unfortunately is not is not good yet. We hope that the production capacity is going to increase soon

enough, and that there is going to be access to everyone.

ANDERSON: And with that, we'll leave it there. But we thank you very much indeed. We haven't spoken before. I hope we speak again soon. We wish you

and the people of Moldova, the very best. Thank you very much indeed for joining us.

SANDU: Thank you.

ANDERSON: Well, the Czech Republic is asking for help treating its COVID patients. The Health Ministry there is making that request to Germany,

Poland and Switzerland. And only 14 percent of the Czech Republic's ICU beds are at present available and the infection rate continues to rise. The

ministry adds new patients have been transferred as of yet.

Well next we'll get you back to Iraq piles of rubble roofs ripped away and a sense of lost identity. We are going to speak to UNESCO's Iraq

Representative about the importance of preserving Mosul's cultural heritage after a three year reign of ISIS terror.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[11:30:00]

ANDERSON: The historic City of Mosul still in ruins four years after the defeat of ISIS that victory overshadowed by the slow pace of reconstruction

and hundreds of thousands still without homes, I'm afraid but on Sunday a symbol of hope and healing on its way.

Pope Francis is set to visit Mosul, where he is expected to pray for the thousands who lost their lives during the Islamic states brutal rampage.

Well, Mosul is one of the oldest cities in the world like the rest of Iraq. It's an ancient land, rich in culture, tradition and prices, archaeological

treasures.

During ISIS's reign of terror, heritage sites were reduced to rubble, churches and mosques destroyed. But as Iraqis have proved over, and over

and over again, they are both resilient and proud. The determination to rebuild signifying more than just a fighting spirit, but the preservation

of identity this is so important, and the United Nations is helping with that effort.

Joining me now to talk more about rebuilding and reconstruction is the UNESCO Representative to Iraq Paolo Fontani. It's great to have you, sir. I

trust you and yours are safe and well, during this COVID period. Let's just start with the Pope's visit to Iraq, and your sense of the enormity of this

occasion, if you will.

PAOLO FONTANI, UNESCO REPRESENTATIVE TO IRAQ: Well, I think it's really important for the Iraqi people, and this visit happens and, you know, the

will of a Pope to do it despite many, many difficulties. I think it's very important.

He's here, I think everybody is eager, I mean, being around talking to both government people and the people in the streets, there's a lot of eagerness

and that to receive the Pope. And it's important for Iraq to be seen under different lights, and this is a good opportunity for them. So yes, I think

it's really exciting work for the people here.

ANDERSON: Well, you have a history filled file in Iraq. UNESCO has made it a mission to rebuild the country's landmarks as well as religious sites,

both Christian and Muslim, specifically in Mosul. Let's talk about Mosul, why?

FONTANI: Well, as you know, there was actually a call from the Director General of UNESCO - in 2018 and after you know, the - to rebuild the city

of Mosul. Rebuilding Mosul is not just a fact of rebuilding stones or houses. But it's really the idea of rebuilding a spirit of a city that has

always been a symbol of connection among the people, whether religion or culture the city of a publishing - your books to see your art.

The call was actually responding with a lot of generosity from a number of donors. And this allowed us since 2019, to start rebuilding, both very

important landmarks that you were talking about churches, the - and the - church, but also the - the iconic - Mosque, and --.

Not only that, we're also rebuilding houses, hundreds of houses, in your city center, in order to bring back that idea of Mosul it used to be. And I

want to add that this is not just an exercise in rebuilding heritage, but it is really willingness also, to bring back cultural identity to bring

back this period of living together.

And to do that also, you know - get a little - we are involved at any step that we're taking. So we want to build an identity, we want to build a

heritage, and we want to do it with them. And that's what's happening.

And by doing that, by the way, we also created a lot of job opportunities, which is also a good thing because we want to show that culture and

heritage can be also bringing together economic development.

ANDERSON: Which is an extremely important point? Revive the spirit of Mosul is an initiative launched by UNESCO in 2018 funded by the UAE where I am

brought costing from today and by the EU and others.

[11:35:00]

ANDERSON: Some sites that you are working on to revive are mosques and churches, as you rightly pointed out. What difficulties have you faced

throughout this rebuilding process?

FONTANI: Well, I mean, it was very easy to say that the biggest difficulty has been actually COVID and - but I think that what we need to what we need

to understand is this is an effort that means that a lot of people around the table they have to agree they work together.

I mean, the support of the local authorities, the governor, the mayor, the support of our people the support of our university, the support of our

armed forces or the mining, for example, the support of our Ministry of Culture, department activities, Prime Minister's office, president's,

everybody has to be together because the city is iconic, the places are iconic.

We cannot make mistakes; this has to be done with them. So coordinating all the instances is one of course the challenges we have. But I think that you

know, we are slowly, slowly but surely build a strong trust ship with all these people and all these partners.

So we all now are together working together doing this. I think this wasn't very important. COVID last year brought some troubles because we had to

delay a number of actions because of lockdown, like everybody else in the world had to suffer through that.

Now we're trying to go back again in full speed enrage the visit of Pope is of course is an element of enthusiasm and willingness to work even faster

and better.

ANDERSON: The biggest projects, as I understand it, you are working on began in 2019. It's Mosul Grand Al-Nuri Mosque it has over 800 years of

history and was reduced to rubble after being destroyed by ISIS in 2017. It was the very spot ironically, where its leader first declared the creation

of his caliphate in 2014. What stage of reconstruction are you currently at there?

FONTANI: Well, the mosque, we are - as you point out, you know, both the mosque and - really from 1184 I think some time. So this is - we're talking

about something that is actually the same time as Notre Dame Affairs.

And it is an iconic building - the mosque at the moment we have launched in November, an architecture competition, open to everybody around the world,

including Iraqis of course, in order to rebuild the prayer hall and the outbuildings.

We will - we have an international jury, we're working with International Union of Architects. And the jury will meet to deliberate the winner at the

beginning of April, and by mid-April, we should have chosen the project that will be realized in the coming months.

For the meantime, we are finishing the consolidation part, and we will start - the beat for the rebuilding of a - which will rebuild exactly the

way it was before destruction. This is strong - we have consulted with people recently, we did a survey with the University of Mosul.

And there's a strong, strong willingness on the part of a people you know, we're talking about percentages or like 80 or 90 percent. People want to

see both the minaret and the mosque, the way they were just before destruction in 2017.

There's a strong willingness to see the skyline of Mosul going back to where they was in front of their eyes what they saw.

ANDERSON: The scars of the U.S. invasion nearly 20 years ago, in 2003 still evident, of course in the Iraqi psyche. And then on top of that, of course,

the layer that was ISIS is oppressive rule and the war that followed. I just wondered just how deep you believe these wounds go and whether you

think that Iraqis are on the road to an extent of healing at this point, if at all?

FONTANI: Look, I've been in this country for a couple of years now almost as is not a long time and not a longtime expert of Iraq but I can tell you

that talking to the people here. I think the country is going to go - you know recuperate the discipline that we had in the past.

There's a strong capacity, there's a strong willingness here to do things. The period of wars behind is a difficult one. But, you know, we - everybody

contributes little card for with concerns as a UNESCO of course we're contributing particularly with cultural and with education because these

are the parts that we think can help by rebuilding identity.

[11:40:00]

FONTANI: But also using education as a means to meet people a lunatic get together understanding how important that is. But I have to say that, you

know, coming to the country in the yes, 6000 years of history is also humbling in terms of - you have to recognize that, you know, they've been

going maybe, for difficult times, but I guess this is a place that could always find a new birth and that's what I believe.

ANDERSON: Paolo, it's a pleasure catching up with you. Thank you. Paolo Fontani, on a day - an historic day in Iran - the day that the Pope, Pope

Francis, touched down in Baghdad. Well, up next, forget the Tudors the Windsor war of words escalating and the world is watching. I'll bring you a

closer look at the media's role as Harry and Meghan prepare for battle with Buckingham Palace.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: Well, a high stakes interview a drip feed of teasers or trailers all week and the most famous royals in the world are at war using words as

ammunition and the media to get those words out. It is a double edged sword for all concern; reputations are very much on the line.

Harry and Megan's the "House of Windsor" even the media itself some are calling this a media feeding frenzy. Well, by now you probably know there

is an upcoming Oprah Winfrey interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex where Harry and Meghan talk openly about why they step back from royal

life?

Well, just about everyone has an opinion ahead of that interview that is this Sunday, but nobody has been asked to pick sides yet CNN's Royal

Correspondent Max Foster says it is abundantly clear on social media, at least that people are doing just that picking sides. Let's connect to him

and the view, at least from the United Kingdom Max.

MAX FOSTER, CNN ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's interesting, isn't it? We've had this trip drip of teasers for this big show on Sunday. None of us

have actually seen it. But that has become such a big talking point. It speaks to so many narratives.

And the Duchess clearly showing that she's happy now she's thriving in her new role, if you can call it that in California, she's enjoying it. She's

feeling liberated from all the freedoms she now feels and because of this vacuum of information, the Buckingham Palace side not saying an awful lot

about it.

People are taking sides online before we've even seen it but we had another clip just released a couple of hours ago, Becky. And in that Oprah Winfrey

asks Meghan why she didn't take up the opportunity to be interviewed like this when she was in her royal role?

[11:45:00]

FOSTER: And Meghan expands on that explains to Oprah why she couldn't say yes sooner.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MEGHAN, DUCHESS OF SUSSEX: And also that we have the ability to make our own choices in a way that I couldn't have said yes to you, then that wasn't

my choice to make. So as an adult, who lived a really independent life, to then go into this construct that is different than I think what people

imagine it to be.

It's really liberating to be able to have the right and the privilege in some ways to be able to say yes, I'm ready to talk.

OPRAH WINFREY, TALK SHOW HOST: That not to have to consult with anybody, at this point.

MEGHAN: Yes, to be able to just make a choice on your own and just be able to speak for yourself.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

FOSTER: The issue, of course, with being part of a monarchy Becky is that you can't represent yourself all the time; you're always representing the

Queen, and the country. Anything you say reflects on the Queen. So that's where the restrictions come into place that she's talking about.

She couldn't speak freely, because everyone could always interpret it as speaking on behalf of the monarchy. And she found that very suffocating.

But I also understand in the upcoming interview, there's going to be more about how she feels effectively there was a campaign working against her

specifically within the monarchy and they couldn't find some sort of compromise role.

So she felt she had to leave. Well, she forced out. I think she'll speak to that a bit more on Sunday.

ANDERSON: Fascinating. She said she couldn't speak then. Then being before the wedding in 2018, which cost about 45 million as I understand it, and

she couldn't speak before the wedding. When Oprah reached out to her for what we call in the industry an exclusive.

Oprah Winfrey was in their early wasn't she? Certainly wanted this interview well she's got it. It is this weekend and it is apparently

extended to two hours. So there will be an awful lot in that one assumes. Thank you, Max. Max is our Royal Correspondent.

CNN's Chief Media Correspondent Brian Stelter now joining me, because I want to talk about this. I mean, you know, this is fascinating, and CBS who

are running this interview, have extended the window for this to two hours, they've been teasing this interview like mad.

Skirmishes raging on both sides of the Atlantic for days, you can really see very clear competing narratives in both the UK and U.S. media. As a

media expert what do you make of all of this?

BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA CORRESPONDENT: This reminds me of all the political conversations we've had about competing realities, alternative

universes of information in politics, but it is also true on this story.

And as you said, 90 minutes was not enough. When Oprah Winfrey originally announced this special it was going to be an hour and a half airing on CBS

this Sunday night. It's since been extended to two hours CBS making more space for this. Because apparently when the interview was taped, there was

more than enough material.

We know it was taped the other day in California, and they've been able to roll out these clips all week long as Max was saying, to drive more

attention. And as a result, this is one of the most anticipated television interviews in many years. It's also an unusual arrangement.

I think this is worth looking at a little bit. CBS News is not producing this interview. It is not being billed as an act of journalism. However,

Oprah Winfrey is an accomplished interviewer who's broken a lot of news over the years, through her interviews in daytime and in primetime.

So Oprah went out on our own, secured this interview, then went to CBS with the interview and said, I'm going to produce this. I'm going to sell this

to you from my company to CBS. And now Viacom CBS is also selling the rights to the interview all around the world, including in the UK, but all

around the world.

This is a very valuable property that Oprah has, via Harry and Megan. So by securing their trust, she is now presenting this to the world. And you

think about the optics of that, or the significance of that. It's that Oprah is in some ways, introducing Harry and Meghan to the rest of the

world.

After all, there's a lot of Americans who don't know any of the backgrounds that you and Max and I know this is new to a lot of people, and it's all

going to be coming from Oprah.

ANDERSON: Cynics will say and this is sort of irony laden to a certain extent. These two have pulled away from Royal Life seeking privacy, seeking

a life away from the limelight, a life away from the light that was shone on Harry's Mom, Princess Diana.

[11:50:00]

ANDERSON: And yet, this is possibly one of the most anticipated TV moments. Well, to a certain extent you can compare it to the incendiary BBC

interview with Princess Diana way back when? What do you make of that?

STELTER: I think what's changed in the media climb in the last couple decades is that the subjects the people being interviewed have a lot more

power now a lot more control. So you know, you talk about Harry and Meghan seeking privacy, I think they're seeking to better control their story and

do it on their own terms.

And you can do that now more than ever. You can launch a podcast or launch a YouTube series; you can go out and create your own social media accounts.

You can create your own media brands, the way that Harry and Meghan are apparently doing.

You can also pick your interviewer; pick the way it's going to roll out the time, the date the number of hours, with a friend like Oprah. And that is

really what we are seeing here. I think it's that subjects, celebrities really have more power than ever to try to set the story on their own

terms.

And then of course, the rest of us can dissect it and can figure out what's missing and can apply some skepticism and cynicism, which is appropriate in

situations like this.

ANDERSON: Couldn't be a better marketing moment good there for these two, as they set out to provide content, a multi-million dollar deal with

Netflix, as I understand it signed last year.

STELTER: That's right.

ANDERSON: So like you say, they're managing their message. And many will say good for them. Others will say there is some irony in this in that they

have said they seek privacy only to get involved in what is this huge TV moment, fascinating. Brian, always a pleasure thank you very much indeed.

STELTER: Thanks.

ANDERSON: The paradox there, isn't it? Still ahead, trying something new at the age of 118?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How are you feeling?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: She's asleep.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: 118 years old, you got to take your naps where you can get them.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: The world's oldest person did talk to CNN's Blake Essig about her upcoming role in the Olympic torch relay. I promise you she did and you're

going to hear it. That's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANDERSON: A feat for the ages; the oldest living person on the planet will soon add an Olympic sized achievement to what has been her remarkable life.

At the age of 118 Kane Tanaka will carry the Olympic Torch ahead of the "Tokyo Games".

The two time cancer survivor and now two time pandemic survivor will participate in the relay in May. Her grandson in his 16 says she still

keeps an active lifestyle. Well, CNN's Blake Essig spoke to Tanaka and her family and found out some of the secrets to her longevity.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BLAKE ESSIG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The Olympic Torch Relay starts March 25th in over the course of 121 days, about 10,000 torchbearers will

carry the Olympic Flame across Japan, including one very special woman. How are you feeling?

Meet 118 year old Kane Tanaka. 118 years old, you got to take your naps where you can get them?

KANE TANAKA, WORLD'S OLDEST LADY: Good.

ESSIG (voice over): Sure she might have been a bit tired while talking with me, but that's probably because she's conserving energy.

[11:55:00]

After all in just a couple months, this super centenarian will become the oldest person ever to carry the Olympic Flame as a torch bearer.

EIJI TANAKA, GRANDSON: We thought it was a great thing. It's great that people of all generations can take part in the Torch Relay.

ESSIG (voice over): Tanaka is almost as old as the modern Olympics itself, first held in Athens, Greece 1896, just seven years before she was born.

She was 61 years old when Tokyo held its first Olympics in 1964, and has already lived through 49 summer and winter games. But this is the first

where she'll participate.

E. TANAKA: We think she'll be in a wheelchair for the designated relay distance, whether that's 100 meters or so.

ESSIG (voice over): Born in 1903, Tanaka has lived nearly her entire life in what's now known as Fukuoka. Married at 19 she and her husband had five

kids. She survived cancer twice, endure two pandemics, ran a rice cake shop until she was 103 years old, is currently listed by Guinness World Records

as the oldest living person on the planet, and she has her very own Twitter account.

Despite her advanced age family says the 118 year old has the heart and mind of a woman at least half her age. The avid board game aficionado still

practices math and studies the writing form - focused on activities that keep her mind sharp.

She tells people it's her secret to longevity, for more than a year as a result of the pandemic. This is his closest Tanaka's family is able to get

to, but they say COVID-19 concerns won't stop Tanaka from participating as a torchbearer.

Instead, her family says her involvement depends on how she's feeling on the day of the relay. And if all goes to plan, she might even have a little

something special planned.

E. TANAKA: If she could walk for the last few meters because she can still walk, it would be great. She could walk over and hand the torch to the next

relay runner, and we could be by her side as she does that.

ESSIG (voice over): A historic opportunity in an already extraordinary life, one which proves monumental memories can be made at any age. As it

stands now Tanaka will carry the torch on May 11th in Fukuoka, and she's currently listed by Guinness as the third oldest person to ever live, but

her family says she has her sights set on breaking that world record, which currently stands at 122 years and 164 days old. Blake Essig, CNN, Tokyo.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ANDERSON: Of course she does. Wow! Just wow! What a fabulous, fabulous woman. And speaking of which, Monday is International Women's Day and we've

got an exciting lineup for you then. That's a tease isn't it? For now though, good night stay well and do remember to keep your mind busy with

some pseudo code or a crossword or something. Good night.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

JOHN KING, CNN HOST: Top of the hour, welcome to "Inside politics". I'm John King in Washington.

END