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Gen. Colin Powell Dies At 84 Of COVID-19 Complications; Notorious Gang Believed Behind Mass Kidnapping In Haiti; U.K. Parliament Pays Tribute To Murdered M.P. David Amess. Aired 10-11a ET
Aired October 18, 2021 - 10:00:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:00:19]
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL ANCHOR: I'm Becky Anderson. Hello and welcome to CONNECT THE WORLD. The U.S. has lost a giant in American
political and military history. Colin Powell has died at the age of 84. He was the first black Secretary of State and has helped shape U.S. foreign
policy since the 1980s. His career took him from a soldier in the Vietnam War to President George H.W. Bush's top military adviser and eventually to
the nation's top diplomat.
Collin Powell's family says he died from complications from COVID-19. CNN's Wolf Blitzer takes a look back at his extraordinary life.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
COLIN POWELL, FORMER UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE: I will never not be a soldier.
WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): Colin Powell, a soldier turn statesman made history on many fronts. The first African-American and
youngest Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and later, the first African-American Secretary of State.
POWELL: So I've always felt strongly that you should try to solve conflicts in this world through negotiations, through diplomacy. Anytime we can solve
a problem that way and not use force and satisfy our objectives. Let's push for that.
BLITZER: Powell grew up in the Bronx, New York. His parents emigrated from Jamaica. By his own admission, he was not an outstanding student.
POWELL: It's been amusing over the years to have people come with me say well, Chairman Powell, you're the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
When did you go -- when did you graduate from West Point? Couldn't have gotten in.
BLITZER: He enrolled in the City College of New York. Geology was his major, but the ROTC became his passion. Powell flourished as a cadet, and
after graduating, excelled as a soldier. He served two tours of Vietnam before earning a prestigious fellowship, working for the Office of
Management and Budget during the Nixon era in 1972.
Afterwards, Powell returned to his troops, eventually becoming a general and went back to the White House in 1987, as President Reagan's national
security adviser. Then, in 1989, the general became the highest ranking officer in the U.S. military when President George H.W. Bush named him
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
POWELL: Our strategy to go after this army is very, very simple. First, we're going to cut it off, and then we're going to kill it.
How long (INAUDIBLE)
BLITZER: Powell because a household name during the first Gulf War. His policy of overwhelming force against Iraq became known as the Powell
doctrine.
POWELL: I express my sincere thanks to each and every one of you for being here to share my final day in uniform.
BLITZER: After a distinguished 35-year career, Powell retired from the army in 1993. 10 years later, the United States would become involved in another
Gulf War. And Powell again played a key role.
POWELL: My colleagues, every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources. These are not assertions. What we're giving you are
facts and conclusions based on solid intelligence.
BLITZER: Then Secretary of State Powell made a case in front of the U.N. Security Council, arguing that Iraq posed a grave threat to the world
because he said they had weapons of mass destruction. The following month, the U.S. invasion began. The war lasted more than eight years. No weapons
of mass destruction ever turned up.
POWELL: I regret it now because the information was wrong.
BLITZER: After four years as President George W. Bush's Secretary of State, Powell returned to private life. He spent his civilian years empowering you
through his projects, America's Promise Alliance, and the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership.
POWELL: We're going to go and educate the kids who are most in need. And when I heard their stories, I said I got to get -- this is where I belong.
I'm home again.
BLITZER: General Colin Powell, a leader and a patriot who devoted a lifetime to service.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin remembering General Powell is a good friend, and a mentor. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LLOYD AUSTIN, U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY: The world lost one of the greatest leaders that we have ever witnessed. Alma lost a great husband. And the
family lost a tremendous father. And I lost a tremendous personal friend and mentor. He has been my mentor for a number of years. He always made time for me.
[10:05:03]
AUSTIN: And I could always go to him with tough issues. He always had great counsel. We will certainly miss him. I feel as if I have a hole in my
heart.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Statement former President George W. Bush writes he was such a favorite of presidents that he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom
twice. He was highly respected at home and abroad, he said. And most importantly, Colin was a family man and a friend. Laura and I send Alma and
their children our sincere condolences as they remember the life of a great man.
Well, CNN Military Analyst Cedric Leighton joining us now from Washington, D.C. with his reflections on the life of Colin Powell. And tributes today
describing him as a statesman, a trailblazer, and a lifelong public servant. Your memories of the men and reflections if you will?
CEDRIC LEIGHTON, CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Yes, Becky. It's a, you know, it's a very sad day for the United States. And I think really, for the people all
around the world. I -- the passing of General Powell brings back many memories. I first interacted with him when I was a young captain and I was
assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command down in Tampa, Florida. And he came down, General Powell came down to bid farewell to our commander who
was General Steiner at the time.
General Steiner was famous for invading Panama in operation just cause. And what General Powell did was he gave a speech that I still remember to this
day, where he talked about many of the things that made general Steiner a unique commander. And in that speech, he not only extolled the general
senator's accomplishments, but also his background. And due to the fact that he came from very humble beginnings.
And the way General Powell did it was a very unique blend of, you know, being a wordsmith and being somebody who could actually make the English
language come alive but also to personalize everything. And when he did that, you could tell that he not only saw general Steiner as a colleague,
but also as a friend. And he interacted that way with so many different people. I -- before that I had interacted with General Powell very
indirectly.
I wrote a staff paper for a -- our general which ended up on General Powell's desk. And it was a very sensitive, very classified message. But
when I saw that years later, I got to see a copy that General Powell had seen as chairman, and it had his initials C.P. on the top of the message
that had been sent. And that showed that even as a lowly captain, I had an example of the interactions that, you know, were so important.
And showed that I had had a very small but decisive impact -- decisions that General Powell ended up making. So, you know, from a micro perspective
-- Becky, from a micro perspective, he's a very --
ANDERSON: Sorry.
LEIGHTON: Very, very good -- very good leader. But from a macro perspective, he was an incredible statesman. And I think he personified the
military as well as the diplomatic efforts that, you know, made him such a successful servant of the United States.
ANDERSON: Yes. He was at one stage, of course, considered a leading contender to become the first black president of the United States. But the
now infamous faulty intelligence on Iran, that he pushed at the U.N. stained his reputation, didn't it? Appeared that he would later describe as
a "blot on his record" and his legacy will be stained by that, sir.
LEIGHTON: Yes, I think, you know, that certainly is a fair assessment that, you know, when you look at what happened in front of the U.N. and his
statement there. It was based on intelligence that the U.S. and allies had of Iraq's suppose program of weapons of mass destruction.
General Powell, of course, admitted his mistake, and he came to regret it. And I think that's also a very unique feature nowadays, a lot of
politicians, especially here in the United States don't know how to say that they were wrong.
General Powell knew how to say that he was wrong. And that I think, is a clear and important legacy for him. And it also shows the limits, you know,
that intelligence has it's, you know, kind of a vivid example for those of us who work in that profession to note that, you know, we're not always
right all the time and sometimes that can have major consequences. And I think it certainly did and General Powell knew that.
ANDERSON: Sir, it said a pleasure talking to you. Thank you very much indeed. Reflecting on both your memories and thoughts on the career of
Colin Powell who has died today. Thank you.
Well, to the urgent search for a group of Christian missionaries kidnapped in Haiti. The U.S. State Department has confirmed that 16 Americans and a
Canadian were taken Saturday after visiting an orphanage near Port-au- Prince. Haitian security forces believe a notorious gang stopped the group's vehicle at gunpoint. The gang blamed for a spike in kidnappings
this year in Haiti. Officials with the missionaries' organization say five children are among those abducted.
But U.S. officials had warned citizens to stay out of Haiti because of the risk. CNN's Melissa Bell was there recently and she is following the latest
developments. What do we know about this gang, Melissa?
MELISSA BELL, CNN PARIS CORRESPONDENT: For the time being, Becky, that they are believed to be in the hands of this group. Now that very neighborhood
from which they were kidnapped on Saturday to the north of the Haitian capital, also the scene of a kidnapping of some French missionaries back in
April, missionaries that were captured and then released under pressure from the Catholic Church.
But it's an important reminder of the insecurity that really is, Becki, a blight on the lives of Haitians going about their business every day. There
have been nearly 630 kidnappings since January. That's according to a local NGO. 29 of those were foreigners, the others, and you sense it on the
street of Port-au-Prince, just people trying to go about their business.
Now, as a reminder of that growing insecurity in the country only yesterday, the Prime Minister's convoy trying to get to a memorial to mark
the celebration of one of the founding fathers of Haiti unable to get they're forced to turn his convoy around under armed fire from one of those
gangs controlling that region. So a reminder really that no one is immune, and no one really safe, Becky.
ANDERSON: Is there any indication where the group is being held at this point?
BELL: We have had confirmation both from the group itself, the missionary group that had sent them out there from the State Department as well, and a
security source close -- Haitian security or rather backing has confirmed that they are believed to be in the hands of this particular group. A group
that had begun specializing in (INAUDIBLE) has made its modus operandi these last few months again with a group of French missionaries back in
April, the kidnapping of large groups.
Now what happens is, they are then held for ransom. We have no news on whether in April, by the way, any money changed hands or for the time being
any demand for money as far as we know, in this case. But for the time being very little is known about their whereabouts or what is happening
behind the scenes from the Catholic Church, from local authorities to try and get them back, Becky.
ANDERSON: Melissa Bell on the story for you. Melissa, thank you. Well united in grief and fear. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaving the
tributes in Parliament at this hour to David Amess. Much loved lawmaker was killed on Friday as he met with constituents in the quiet town of Leigh-on-
Sea not far from London. His family says they are absolutely broken and they are urging people to "Show kindness and love to all."
Britain is stunned especially the people in his community in the southeast of England. Now remember, this is the second murder of an M.P. in five
years. In 2016, Lawmaker Jo Cox was stabbed and -- shot and stabbed to death by a man with far-right views. Well, today, the stabbing death of
David Amess is sparking more questions about security for M.Ps. Let's get you to London and to CNNs Fred Pleitgen.
This deadly attack on Sir David, seen as an attack on British democracies. Lawmakers showing their respects again once again today, but also looking
to balance their safety with staying accessible to their constituents, Fred.
FRED PLEITGEN, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes. I think you're absolutely right, Becky. And that's exactly really what this -- what the
session of Parliament is about. On the one hand, of course, it is to pay tribute to the life of Sir David Amess -- David Amos and also some of the
causes that he represented and especially the way that he conducted himself as a member of Parliament which is, of course, being very close to his
constituents.
Being there for his constituents, having an open ear for them. And of course, meeting with him face to face as well, which was so important in
his life and also in his work. And if we listen to some of the session earlier that's going on right now, of course, there was that moment of
silence. And there were a lot of people who are, of course, very much in grief. But at the same time, that very question that you were just talking
about Becky, is how to uphold the Democratic process here in this country.
And of course, that's an international question, as well as many other countries how to uphold that Democratic order, the Democratic process of
politicians being able to meet with their constituents, but at the same time, of course, being able to keep those politicians safe as they do that
as well.
[10:15:07]
PLEITGEN: Some of the things that I jotted down at the early stages as this tribute was going on was how to make democracy itself function securely.
It's nothing less than that that is being talked about. Of course, today is more a day of grief. But that is certainly one of the core issues. And it
was quite interesting, Becky, because throughout this weekend, you've had British politicians come forward.
And for instance, the Speaker of the House of Commons saying, look, he doesn't want any knee jerk reactions right now as far as security is
concerned. The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab coming out and saying, yes, of course, security needs to be rethought. There needs to be measures
taken. But at the same time, of course, it is very important to keep those channels open to make sure that elected officials are as close as possible
to their constituencies, Becky.
ANDERSON: And meantime, what more do we know about the suspect? His motivations? Why he did what he did?
PLEITGEN: Yes, I mean, that investigation is of course ongoing. From what we have so far. It's a 25-year-old individual, a British National Somali
origin, Ali Harbi Ali. And one of the things that we're hearing so far from the investigation is that apparently investigators believe that he did act
alone.
And so therefore, there isn't a threat to the public from him anymore. He has been taken into custody under the U.K. Terrorism Act which means that
authorities are going to be able to keep him in custody until Friday.
And then of course, decide whether or not he is going to be -- going to be charged. Now, this is a terrorism investigation. Of course, that's
something we've been talking about. And the authorities believe that there could be an Islamic extremist motive behind all this of course, the
investigation however, is still ongoing. It is of course a very important one, but also one that as we've been talking about, Becky, has sparked this
national debate.
After the murder of Jo Cox five years ago and after this murder right now is how to keep those politicians safe and at the same time of course keep
the Democratic process upheld as well, Becky.
ANDERSON: Fred Pleitgen is in Westminster for you. Fred, thank you. Well, still ahead on CONNECT THE WORLD, more deaths confirmed in southern India.
I'm afraid where heavy rainfall is causing flooding and landslides and is displacing thousands.
And this hour, a look at Lebanon's uprising two years on what was supposed to be the fight for a brighter future now sees a very much darker present.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: At least 27 people have died in the southern state of Kerala in India after rainfall caused landslides there over the weekend. Look at some
of the devastation. Within seconds this entire house was swept away by rushing rivers, helpless onlookers simply stood by. The Indian Army and
Navy were deployed to help rescue residents. Thousands of people in the region have been evacuated and are sheltering in camps.
[10:20:08]
ANDERSON: Vedika Sud is in New Delhi and she has been monitoring the situation in southern India. And what more do we know about the rescue
efforts now taking place because these images are extremely shocking.
VEDIKA SUD, CNN REPORTER: Becky, I want to start with that strong video again that you refer to briefly right at the top of this interaction where
you can see an entire building collapse. For me in many ways, Becky, that does refer to the human tragedy, the human loss that people are suffering
and experiencing on ground in the State of Kerala in South India. Over 6000 people have been evacuated.
Like you mentioned, the death toll has risen and this includes six children as well. And the death toll is likely to rise over the next few days.
Rescue efforts and search operations have been stepped up. We also have about 154 relief camps that have been stationed in separate areas.
The armed forces have been deployed. Now if you do remember in August 2018, Kerala one of the worst flash floods triggered by a heavy downpour that led
to over 320 deaths and with over 100,000 people being displaced.
That was the worst tragedy as far as floods is concerned for the state of Kerala in almost a century. What we're seeing today is actually a bit
extraordinary because Kerala experiences the monsoon season between May and September, we're in October, and we've seen these flash floods. And this
has been happening off late in the last few years. A lot of environmentalists say this could be because of urbanization, as well as
other reasons like construction of roads, in hilly areas.
Two landslides have been the main cause for deaths. Two children were also recovered from under a wall that collapse, to other people from a vehicle
in which they were trapped. So very disturbing images and visuals coming out. The officials have told CNN that the rains have stopped for the day,
but in the coming days, there would be more rain. And we just hoping the devastation stops as of today, Becky.
ANDERSON: Absolutely. Vedika, thank you. Well, 2019 not rising in Lebanon was supposed to usher in a better tomorrow for the embattled country. Two
years later, the October 17th revolution as all but fizzled out It seems protesters demanded the end of the political class that ruled the country
for decades and slowly drove Lebanon into the ground. Lebanese citizens grew tired of not being able to climb out of poverty watching the political
elite line their pockets as the economy collapsed.
These are images from back then in 2019 in Beirut. Well then came up a one- two punch show a global pandemic that spread thin the country's dwindling resources and then this. A deadly explosion of Beirut's port that literally
send a shockwave across the city.
Well, people who remain in that group, that uprising gathered in Beirut on Sunday to mark two years since the so-called revolution began. Our Ben
Wedeman was there.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The chants, the flags are out again on Beirut's martyrs square to mark the
second anniversary of the mass uprising against a political elite that is ruled, many say misruled Lebanon since the Civil War.
But were two years ago there were tens of thousands on this day, just a few 100. The demands however haven't changed.
We want our country back says (INAUDIBLE) we want our rights. We want to live like everyone else. And they want accountability for the catastrophes
this country has suffered in recent years. Sohel Asus (ph) lost his job as an interior designer. Now he has the time to construct a model of the fate
he hopes for Lebanon's politicians.
What matters, he says, is that people need to wake up and arrest all the murderers and crooks to put them in an iron cage and set them on fire.
At dusk they gathered near the city's port. A symbol of the fatal negligence and corruption that have plagued Lebanon for decades. And the
impunity of a ruling class that is yet to be brought to account.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Ben Wedeman joining us now from Beirut. And over the weekend, Sunday, there were several small demonstrations in cities around the world
in Paris, London and in Montreal with the Lebanese diaspora simply wanting to put a marker down, Ben, and call for a change to this parliamentary
system and to begin to talk about a way forward and a future.
[10:25:21]
ANDERSON: But as you rightly pointed out the demonstration, of course small in Beirut this weekend. In many ways the situation worse now than it was
two years ago. Just explain.
WEDEMAN: It is dramatically worse, Becky. You'll recall that two years ago, the protests broke out the spark, so to speak, was a WhatsApp tax, which
would have cost people using WhatsApp a few dollars a month. Since then the economy has utterly collapsed, the value of the Lebanese Lira has dropped
by 90 percent, or rather, is lost 90 percent of its value that for instance, the minimum wage two years ago was the equivalent of $450.
Now it's about $34.00 if we look at the Lira as it is today. And of course, if you look behind me, Becky, you'll remember you were here two years ago,
martyrs square is empty, somebody set up a sound system in the back of their car. But there is no protest, there is no call, there are no calls
echoing for a change in the system. And one thing that struck me yesterday when we covered this small protest of perhaps 300 people is that many of
the protesters were of a certain age closer to me.
They many of the young have given up hope, those who can have left the country in search of a better living. And many people for instance, I was
told, don't have the money to pay for transportation, a taxi, petrol to put in their car to come here to participate in a protest. So it is really just
night and day. And what is really missing now is a sense that Lebanon is going in the right direction.
Many few -- many people feel that if anything, things are just getting worse and worse, and the bottom is not yet in sight, Becky.
ANDERSON: Ben Wedeman with the story of Lebanon in 2021. Thanks, Ben. We are coming to you live from Expo 2020 in Dubai on what it is day one of
space week here. Still ahead, we're going to hear from veteran American astronaut Scott Kelly. He spent a lot of time working closely with Russian
cosmonauts in space. We'll find out if he thinks U.S.-Russian tensions could bring all of that to an end.
And we have our very own homegrown astronauts here with us as well to talk about the mission that is the UAE in space. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:30:39]
ANDERSON: Welcome back. I'm Becky Anderson in Dubai for you this evening. You're watching CONNECT THE WORLD. And we are not just connecting you to
the world today, we are going above and beyond it into outer space. It is space week here at the Dubai Expo.
The future of space exploration and research front and center at discussions here. Space of course in Vogue in the news this past week were
90-year-old William Shatner, Captain Kirk of Star Trek fame became the first -- or the oldest human to cross the Karman line the boundary between
Earth's atmosphere and outer space.
You saw it right here on CNN. The short voyage, historic and inspirational even though skeptics are calling it a distraction from the challenges we're
facing here on Earth. The biggest of all, of course, being the topic of experts first theme week, the climate crisis. But this week, here at Expo,
the goal is to examine how the future of space exploration and research can help us protect and improve our shared future here on Earth.
It's going to be as Captain Kirk's first officer in Star Trek. Mr. Spock would say fascinating. Now it's no small detail to note that this country
of the UAE has made space exploration a priority. The UAE launching a research satellite into orbit sending an astronaut to the International
Space Station and launching the Hope space probe that is now orbiting Mars. Part of what is an ambitious plan to build a Mars settlement less than 100
years from now.
The UAE a notable addition to what is this global space race that started more than six decades ago. It kicked off in 1957 when the Soviet Union
launched Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite. A few years later, 27-year-old Yuri Gagarin became the first man to travel to outer
space. In 1969, NASA's Apollo 11 mission put the first men on the moon. It is now been nearly 49 years since the last person landed there.
The Soviet Union's Salyut 1 one was the first space station. It's three-man crew became the only people ever to have died in space when they're
captured the pressurized on the return journey. In 1981, NASA launched its first shuttle Columbia. The program would prove vital in the construction
of the International Space Station. Sojourner was the first successful Mars Rover. The NASA robot touchdown in 1997.
And last year, SpaceX made history with the first private crewed rocket launch. Well, interest in space has grown in this region ever since he
first Emirati, Hazza Al Mansouri lifted off and spent eight days aboard the International Space Station. He joined me to talk about that a couple of
years ago before he went. He joins me now here at Expo 2020 to talk about life in space. And I remember you telling me at the time that your friends
laughed at you when you said you wanting to go to space.
You did, you spent eight days there. Just remind our viewers what your best memories were of that experience on the ISS.
HAZZA AL MANSOURI, EMIRATI ASTRONAUT: Thank you for having me here today. And indeed they laugh at me. But now they are really proud of what I did.
You know, just going into space, it's not easy, and it's demanding a lot of preparation. A lot of things that you have to be committed to. And it's
scary, but you have that fear and you feed it with the preparation and with the knowledge that you will gain through your preparation for the mission
itself.
And I remember that when I saw earth for first time from space, it was beautiful. And it was something that I will not forget looking at Jessica
Meir. She was like beside me and because both of us was -- it was first time for us looking at the earth and experiencing microgravity. It is a
profound moment that I will not forget and all was talked about to my kids and to the whole next generation here in the United Arab Emirates. Because
I believe that they will carry on that job and that dream with them and future.
[10:35:03]
ANDERSON: It is the stuff that dreams are made of for every little boy and girl, but this is important stuff that's going on up in the ISS. Now, I
just want our viewers to get a sense from you of what does happen. I mean, you carried out some 15 experiments while you were out there. Just give me
a sense of a life in the day of those on the ISS.
MANSOURI: So at the beginning, actually, the life and station is really very dynamic. We have a very tense schedule. It's about 7:00 am until 7:00
p.m. Lots of experiments, outreach during the maintenance for the station itself. So as an astronaut, you have a lot of job, and you will wear
different hats during the day. So sometimes you will be the plumber, sometimes you'll be the reporter, and sometimes you will be the scientist
eyes and hands, doing a couple of experiments onboard the station.
So just to give you a glimpse about our time, we are witnessing from where the station nine -- 16 sunrises and sunsets. Our speed is 28,000 kilometers
per hour. If we are above expo, after 19 minutes will be again above expo. So we are -- this is not our like time and relative time for our daily
activities. We are using the GMT time to do our activities, to do everything. So it's a busy day. But one of the amazing thing is we have
this cupula window, 360 window.
From it we can see Earth which is really amazing view. We are enjoying that. Talking about it always.
ANDERSON: We're looking at some of the images of you here which I don't think anybody in this country will forget. And you're right to point out
and I've heard it said a lot that the kids here have taken real inspiration from the -- from these -- this space project that is here.
And I think, you know, many people were surprised when they heard that the UAE was getting involved. Now, two of the goals for the Emirates, Mars
mission that we have now are as I understand it -- Mars climate and to explain how the weather there changes.
What lessons on earth can this sort of research provide? Because this is the next stage of course, isn't it? For the Emirates.
MANSOURI: Definitely, yes. The (INAUDIBLE) the leaders, our objective from going to Mars is science mainly and to understand how Mars atmosphere ends
up like this by taking a full picture of the lower and the upper atmosphere layer, knowing how that oxygen there escaped from the atmosphere itself.
Because here on Earth we have a lot of similar problems and future probably. So by understanding this we will reject what we can happen here
on Earth.
And also to understand during our environment of this whole prop, we learned a lot by knowledge transfer. And because one of the challenges here
on United Arab Emirates is food security, energy security and also water security. So, by developing our knowledge and equipments, we will
understand more how we can overcome these challenges in future.
ANDERSON: Let's talk about the Mars mission now. The project director has said and I quote here, "In a country like the UAE where over 200
nationalities live every single one contributed to putting the country's name around Mars. The message is: Let's be better integrated with the
global system. And let's make scientists and engineers part of the journey to build the region." This will resonate with you.
What impact does this mission have on this country and this part of the world? I know the project director talks a lot about the importance that
the space mission as a whole will play in both local and regional economic growth for example. So just explain how that might work.
MANSOURI: Definitely is -- our objective here to build our economy and the economy based on knowledge, innovation, and not based on oil. So by
involving in space sector and when we are talking about space, it's really a big spectrum of sectors there. So we are involved in all of them.
Development satellites, preparing scientists, engineers in this sector that will increase our knowledge about future.
And how to overcome the challenges and future. So we would like a future to export not on both the minds here to United Arab Emirates but to export
them to the whole world.
ANDERSON: As a -- I'm going to have to leave it because we got to take a break but it's a pleasure having you on. Your life changed the day that you
arrived at the International Space Station. In fact, the day that you won the competition to become the first astronaut to go. It's been a pleasure
having you on. We thank you very much indeed --
(CROSSTALK)
MANSOURI: Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you.
ANDERSON: We'll see you again soon.
MANSOURI: Thank you so much.
[10:40:05]
ANDERSON: All right. Still to still to come. The extradition of a Colombian businessman is fueling the latest standoff between the U.S. and Venezuela.
More on that after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[10:42:25]
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.
ANDERSON: Well, a somber British Parliament on a grim Monday in the U.K. Britain is remembering a much loved lawmaker colleague and friend. A short
time ago British Prime Minister Boris Johnson led the tributes in the House of Commons to M.P. David Amess who was brutally killed as he talked to
voters on Friday in his constituency of Leigh-on-Sea Leon, not far from London. The community that he had served for decades.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BORIS JOHNSON, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: Mr. Speaker, I beg to move that this house do know John. The passing of 72 hours has done little to numb the
shock and sadness we all felt when we heard of the tragic and senseless death of Sir David Amess. This house has lost a steadfast servant. We've
lost a dear friend and colleague. And Julia and her children have lost a loving husband and devoted father.
Nothing I or anyone else can say will lessen the pain, the grief, the anger, they must feel that this darkest of times. We hold them in our
hearts today. We mourn with them. And we grieve alongside them. So David was taken from us in a contemptible act of violence. Striking at the core
of what it is to be a member of this house and violating the sanctity both of the church in which he was killed and the constituency surgery that is
so essential to our representative democracy.
But we will not allow the manner of Sir David's death in any way to detract from his accomplishments as a politician, or as a human being. Because Sir
David was a patriot who believed passionately in this country, and its people and its future. He was also one of the nicest, kindest and most
gentle individuals ever to grace these benches. A man who used his decades of experience to offer friendship and support to new members of all
parties, whose views often confounded expectation and defied easy stereotype.
And who believed not just pointing out what was wrong with society, but in getting on and doing something about it.
[10:45:08]
JOHNSON: It was that determination to make this country a better place that inspired his outstanding record on behalf of the vulnerable and the
voiceless. The master of the private member's bill and 10-minute rule bill, he passed legislation on subjects as diverse as animal welfare, fuel
poverty, and the registration of driving instructors. He was a prodigious campaigner for children with learning disabilities.
And for women with endometriosis, a condition on which he became an expert after meeting a woman at one of his constituency surgeries. Behind the
famous and irresistible beam, lay a seasoned campaigner of verve and grit, whether he was demanding freedom for the people of Iran, or courting votes
in the Westminster dog of the year contest. Whether he was battling for Brexit or fighting his way to the front of the Parliamentary pancake race.
And as every member of this house will known, as you've just confirmed, Mr. Speaker, he never once witnessed any achievement by any resident of South
End that could not somehow be cited in his bid to secure city status for that distinguished time. Highlights of that bulging folder included a world
record for playing the most triangles at once. A group of stilt walkers traveling nonstop from the Essex coast to Downing Street.
And a visiting foreign dignitary allegedly floating protocol by saying he liked South End more than Cleethorpes. A compelling case, Mr. Speaker. As
it is only a short time since Sir David last put that very case to me in this chamber. I am happy to announce that Her Majesty has agreed the south
end will be accorded the city status (INAUDIBLE) that's a day that spent almost 40 years in this house.
But not one day in ministerial office tells everything about where his priorities lay. He was not a man in all of this chamber, nor a man who
sought patronage or advancement. He simply wanted to serve the people of Essex, first in Basildon, then in South End. And it was in the act of
serving his constituents that he was so cruelly killed.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: Boris Johnson paying tribute to the murdered M.P. David Davis. We'll take a very short break at this point. Back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: We're live at Expo 2020 in Dubai this week and let me tell you why. This week, some of the brightest minds in space science are coming
together here. Looking to the future of space exploration. Retired astronaut Scott Kelly has been here for the event visiting the U.S.
pavilion. He famously spent a year in space. Earlier he spoke with CNN's Scott McLean.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SCOTT MCLEAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Russia is planning to start their own space station, China is doing its own thing. The Emiratis are sending a
probe to Mars. Do you think that that era where everyone was sort of a big happy family of Earthlings out in space, do you think that era is passed?
SCOTT KELLY, RETIRED ASTRONAUT: No, I think we it still kind of exists on the International Space Station. I mean, I've spent, you know, 500 -- over
500 days in space with cosmonauts, Russian guys, you know, people that their government, their country, we sometimes don't get along with very
well. Sometimes we get along with them better, but it never -- those, you know, earthly political tensions never transmit the space because what's
important to us is, you know, supporting each other, being friends, helping each other with our jobs. And literally relying on each other for our
lives.
MCLEAN: But if the Russians leave, you might not have that same kind of dynamic with countries that maybe don't get along on earth up in space.
KELLY: I don't think they'll leave.
MCLEAN: Really? Do you think that they're bluffing?
KELLY: Every few years, they say they're going to leave. And so far they haven't.
MCLEAN: Do you think that the United States should be inviting China onto the International Space Station?
KELLY: That's a complex question.
MCLEAN: Why?
KELLY: It's sort of a political question. Because there's a, you know, our government has, you know, issues with human rights, violations, you know,
issues with, you know, technology transfer or -- so, that's the challenge there.
MCLEAN: The government has similar issues with the Russians.
KELLY: Our government does. Yes. But --
MCLEAN: Alexei Navalny, Exhibit A.
KELLY: Yes, exactly. But I am not -- I don't work for the government. So it's not for me to decide.
MCLEAN: But just broadly speaking, you know, do you -- wouldn't it be nice for sort of global cooperation to have everyone on board and kind of put
the Earth differences aside?
KELLY: I think it would be, yes. But that's not for me to decide.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANDERSON: Scott Kelly there. Well, space is a place that is full of challenges. And its place full of planets to discover or as the case may
be, to rediscover. A key component innovating Mars mission is figuring out ways to sustain life on the planet. Vera Mulyani is the founder and CEO of
Mars City Design. She is building a prototype of what could be a sustainable city on Mars. These are the images. Tell me what we are looking
at here.
VERA MULYANI, CEO, FOUNDER AND CHIEF MARSCHITECT MARS CITY DESIGN: So this is one of the projects that is the most recent. We have to figure out how
to use the In-Situ Resource in -- on Mars where we are going to land, where we're going to build the first case.
ANDERSON: Are we? Are we really?
MULYANI: I hope so. It's much more hopeful to wake up in the morning with that kind of looking up kind of projects, right?
ANDERSON: So tell me about this. Because last week, Prince William said, and I quote, "We need some of the world's greatest brains and minds fixed
on trying to repair this planet, not trying to find the next place to go and live."
MULYANI: Yes.
ANDERSON: I'm assuming that you don't agree with him there. I'm assuming that the interest in in space and specifically Mars, to your mind is about,
you know, efforts in sustainability, correct? So just explain why.
MULYANI: That's correct. I think there is always a problem on Earth because we're human, and we keep progressing. And I think there is not creation
versus evolution, it's about understanding creation by evolving and within the evolution, we will be able to see the progress in understanding the
creation. So what happened is, when we work on something so extreme, and we come back home, we will bring all this stuff that we have discovered and
suddenly everything else looks so easy, so much easier.
ANDERSON: The 2017 announcement of the Mars mission here, the Hope probe came alongside a ambition that in 100 years there may be a city or the hope
was that there will be a city on Mars. So let's just go back to these -- to these images that that we've seen here in the -- in the Mojave Desert in
the U.S. Just talk us through what it is then, that you have been created because you haven't been up there yet clearly. So this is quite -- this is
quite a project, right?
MULYANI: I just actually arrive from Mars. I still have the jetlag.
ANDERSON: Good to see you.
[10:55:06]
MULYANI: No, actually. So this is the different prototypes. If we talk about a million people in 2100, on Mars, or even somewhere on Earth, we
need to think about how to sustain the community, the placement, the whole resources because otherwise, we will repeat the same mistakes over and over
again. Look at all the cities that are just traffic jam everywhere today. It's not designed for the progress yet.
ANDERSON: Is this more art installation than architecture? Because your background is in books, of course.
MULYANI: That's correct. I think my role really is to be the mortar of all these bricks of intelligence that will create the wall. So this is just an
example of a vision that we can include. It's a suggestion, it's not something concrete that that forms supposed to be that way. So it's just a
speculation of idea how energy production based could be looking that way. How habitat could be looking that way. But then if we're far from the
planet home, and how can we place them together?
ANDERSON: Elon Musk has said, and I quote, "If we make life into a multiplanetary, there may come a day when some plants and animals die out
on Earth but are still alive on Mars. Is that -- is that the right approach to Mars Exploration do you think?
MULYANI: I believe that there are already certain extremely -- extremophiles bacterias that are alive really beneath the surface of Mars
because wherever there is water, there is life. Right? So they have found evidence of water existence billions of years ago, maybe, but it's still
there.
So I think the idea is really to just project what could be and accept the benefit coming out of that. It makes people think, it makes people reflect
on what they're doing today on Earth. Like, are we just keep consuming or are we going to give back?
ANDERSON: You look amazing on the jetlag coming in from Mars. We very much appreciate your time of the day. I do enjoy the week because I know there
are a lot of really important discussions going on here about research and, you know, what the future for space is and why. Enjoy your time here. We
thank you so much for joining us. I'll be top of the hour with more from here connecting the world for you today.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
