Return to Transcripts main page

Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Protests in Ferguson Turn Peaceful; Israel and Hamas Working on Peace Deal; Iraqi Premier Minister Maliki Steps Down; Ebola Outbreak Might Have Been Underestimated; Ukrainians Check Russia's Convoy with Humanitarian Help for Eastern Part of Country; Pope Francis Visiting South Korea

Aired August 15, 2014 - 04:00   ET

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

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news overnight. Violent marches replaced by peaceful protests as crowds turn anger into advocacy. The deadly police shooting of an unarmed black teenager energizing communities across the country in this morning. We are just hours from knowing new details about the officer who shot and killed Michael Brown.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Crisis in Iraq, a new warning about the Islamic militants terrorizing that country. As a power struggle over -- lead Iraq into the future? Well, it ends. We are live in Baghdad with the very latest.

ROMANS: Silence over Gaza for now. In Cairo, negotiators working on a longer lasting peace plan as Palestinians rebuild. And the United States investigates possible war crimes by Israel. The very latest from the region, ahead.

Good morning, welcome to EARLY START. I'm Christine Romans.

BERMAN: And I'm John Berman. It is Friday, August 15th, 4:00 a.m. It is Friday everywhere in the world, which is why I want to welcome our viewers here in the U.S. and around the world.

Up first, order finally restored in Ferguson. Passionate, but peaceful protests running deep into the night in this embattled Missouri town. The streets now demilitarized. Imagine saying that about a U.S. city. Later today, Ferguson police planned to release the name of the officer who shot and killed Michael Brown. The unarmed teen who witnesses say had his hands in the air when the fatal shots were fired. After four nights of violence turned the city into a battle zone, the governor of Missouri finally stepped in ordering state police, the highway police to take over jurisdiction from the Ferguson police force.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. JAY NIXON (D) MISSOURI: These are, you know, deep and existing problems not only in Missouri, but in America. And this has clearly touched a nerve. And that nerve is not nearly from this horrific incident that happened just a few short days ago or any of the interim things. It touches a deeper nerve. (END VIDEO CLIP)

BERMAN: There's so much frustration so much pain in Ferguson right now. CNN's Don Lemon got a look a firsthand look during the demonstrations overnight.

DON LEMON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Don Lemon in Ferguson, Missouri where the night after night, after night of violent protests. Finally, a calmer, peaceful night in this community. And that is due in large part because of the new man in charge. The head of the Missouri Highway Patrol, Ron Johnson is now in charge here. People here say they don't feel like they live in a militarized zone anymore. They don't feel intimidated by police. They started showing up earlier in the day by the hundreds, really by the thousands for impromptu protests. For the most part, but also some of them saying, they were getting messages from their churches and from community leaders on their cell phones, text messages.

At one point during the day, protesters showed up on the very street where Michael Brown lost his life to chant, "No justice, no peace." They were holding their hands up in the air in the way, they say, Michael Brown did before he died.

But on this night, finally, a peaceful protest in Missouri that we have witnessed. I'm Don Lemon reporting from Missouri.

ROMANS: All right, advocacy replacing anger this morning. The parents of Michael Brown have been assured by the Attorney General Eric Holder, the circumstances surrounding their son's death will be fully investigated. Family members say that that that and the removal of the Ferguson police department from the scene is bringing them much needed solace.

ERIC DAVIS, MICHAEL BROWN'S COUSIN: At the present time, we have no trust in the Ferguson police department. Because there was no transparency. They have not reached out to us. Actually, today was the first time that they did reach out to us. Actually today, was the first time that they did reach out to us, but we did not feel like we needed to sit down with someone when they took five days before they would even come out and reach out to the family to say we express our sympathies. And we still didn't want to talk with them at this time because of the delay.

ROMANS: Michael Brown's shooting stirring passions across the country. More than 1,000 demonstrators tying up traffic last night in New York Time Square. Police made several arrests there. More than 100 communities across the country held vigils honoring the fallen teen.

BERMAN: Now, to the crisis unfolding in Iraq. That country's embattled Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki finally agreeing to step down. This clears the way for his successor, Haider al-Abadi to form a new government. The move driving praise from the Obama administration. Secretary of State John Kerry urging Iraqis to unite under Abadi against the threat from ISIS. That threat is becoming formidable. The U.S. intelligence official tells CNN ISIS is now a credible alternative to al Qaeda with fighters from around the world traveling to Syria to join in.

This, as Yazidi leaders dispute U.S. claims that the ISIS siege of Mt. Sinjar is over. They claim, tens of thousands of people are still stranded on that mountain facing dire conditions.

We are bringing Nick Paton Walsh tracking this developments live from Baghdad. Nick, let's start with the peaceful transition of power.

NICK PATON WALSH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John, on a huge day already for Iraq, Maliki gripped on power for eight years. The first four, America thought he was a stable hand. Then pretty much hours after they left, he plunged the country in sectarian divisions. And those have persisted, alienating many of the Sunni minority in Iraq making it so easy for ISIS to find communities that would receive them in the north of the country. Yesterday, though, he made that remarkable speech, 12 minutes long appearing on state television. Saying that he would finally after days of pressure, step back, release himself from the job of prime minister. And allow Haider al-Abadi, the prime minister designate, to take over that job. Washington really hoping Abadi can hail the rift between the Shia who are currently in power here in government in Baghdad and the Sunni minority who some say assisting ISIS so much.

But he has a huge job ahead of him, Abadi. That rift is significant, enormous. AL Maliki took so long to accept the inevitable political writing on the wall, many think, perhaps, he was holding out for some sort of assurance, some sort of deal that his future would be safe here in Iraq. But as I say, a very difficult task. ISIS, we understand, moving south and west now of the Kurdish held areas choosing different fronts to perhaps try and advance on fighting heavily against the Peshmerga. In one town called Karatapa. Many (INAUDIBLE) has not solved, many why there are still Yazidis under threat. And now, the focus here, the political deadlock having lifted. And now, a new cast, Haider al-Abadi and his team have to try and get the country running again. Make it seem like the country's unified because only then when Sunni, Shia and Kurd represent the government here in Baghdad, will Washington consider boosting the military aid that's so vitally needed by Iraq to fight ISIS. John?

BERMAN: The new Prime Minister Abadi will have to make some overture toward unity at the way and see how far he is willing to go. Nick Paton Walsh in Baghdad, thank you so much.

ROMANS: This morning, signs of potential progress in the Gaza peace talks. The five-day cease-fire brokered in Cairo appears to be holding between Israel and Hamas. Palestinian negotiators expressing cautious optimism that a deal can get done. This, as the State Department confirms it plays greater scrutiny on U.S. arm shipments to Israel during the fighting in Gaza. Israelis gearing up now for a legal battle against international allegations they committed war crimes against the Palestinians. The U.N. Human Rights Counsellor investigating those charges.

Frederick Pleitgen live from Cairo -- from Gaza, rather, this morning. Fred, tell us what's new this morning. FRED PLEITGEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Christine. Well, the ceasefire

certainly is holding. And that certainly is good news for many people here in Gaza. The big question is how these negotiations are going to progress in the next couple of days. The latest that we are hearing is that both the delegations from the Palestinians as well as the ones from the Israelis have left Cairo. They are back at their home bases talking to their respective people there to try and hammer out some sort of a deal and to see where they can find sort of inroads with each other to try and make some sort of deal happen.

The big sticking point right now is, obviously, lifting the blockade here in Gaza. As you know, since 2007 Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade vastly limiting the amounts of goods that can go in and out, vastly limiting people getting in and out here of the Gaza Strip. The big question is, will Israel agree to lifting the siege entirely? The Israelis have very big security concerns about that fearing that cement, for instance, that could be brought in could be used for building bunkers, to -- that rocket parts could be brought in, other arms could be brought in, but many people that you speak to here on the ground say it's an absolutely central issue for them to get the blockade lifted. And that's certainly something that especially the Hamas delegates are going to be going for in those negotiations. There's other things that the Palestinians want as well. For instance, they want to build their own seaport, they want to build their own airport. And the way that the delegation is going to try to get around those issues is they are going to propose to talk about lifting the blockade first and then possibly speaking about a sea port and other things a little bit later on down the line once some sort of longer term ceasefire agreement has been reached.

There have been delegates from the Hamas delegation, the militant group that, of course, reigned power here in Gaza, who have said they believe that a cease-fire is possible, that negotiations can move forward. And that possibly it could be a very long term ceasefire. The Israelis so far have not commented on how the negotiations are going. But certainly, the fact that this is a five-day ceasefire, rather than a three-day ceasefire seemed to give some route for optimism and, of course, also the fact that the ceasefire is holding. And basically, throughout the better part of yesterday, we did not see any sort of hostility. It's something that also gives at least some cause for optimism. But it does appear, as though, from what we are hearing on the ground, the divide between the two sides is still a very, very large. However, they are trying to work through those issues, Christine.

ROMANS: All right. Fred Pleitgen for us this morning from Gaza, thank you.

BERMAN: And moving on to the Ebola outbreak. The magnitude of that outbreak may be greater than we even knew. The World Health Organization says the crisis is being vastly underestimated. With evidence of unreported cases mounting in West Africa. The Centers for Disease Control puts the death toll right now at nearly 1100 with another 900 people fighting the disease.

Meantime, ZMapp, the drug that has helped two Americans solely recover from Ebola has arrived in Africa, but no patients have received it yet. As Liberian officials try to decide who gets the drug. That's going to be a very difficult ...

ROMANS: All right, Friday morning, time for an "EARLY START" on your money to wrap up the week. European stocks are higher. Stalled economic growth throughout Europe -- hopes that European Central Bank may step in with more stimulus measures. Asian stocks also under the day higher. U.S. stock futures right now up slightly. Stocks here made gains. Yesterday, they are now at the highest for the month.

Brand-new on CNN Money this morning, more teens are getting hired. The unemployment rate for 16 to 24 years old was 16.6 percent in July, that's the lowest it's been since 2008. A significant improvement from more than 15 percent last year. It's still much more than the 6.2 percent unemployment rate for all Americans. But you're starting to see these signs in the labor market that things are loosening up.

BERMAN: Across the board.

ROMANS: Across the board. That's absolutely right.

BERMAN: All right. We do have breaking news this morning. Russian trucks supposedly filled with humanitarian aid now being inspected on the border by Ukraine. Has Vladimir Putin been offering a genuine helping hand all along? We are live with the very latest.

ROMANS: Plus, stunning new information this morning revealed about Robin Williams, the secret burden he was carrying. We're going to tell you after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROMANS: 14 minutes past the hour. We may soon find out what's really being hauled by that mysterious Russian convoy. Moscow insisting all along those 260 trucks contain nothing but humanitarian aid for the people of eastern Ukraine. And right now, Ukrainian authorities are being allowed to inspect those vehicles.

Will Ripley is live from Kiev this morning. And so, Ukrainian officials actually, we are told, are crossing the border to see what is in those trucks and in that convoy.

WILL RIPLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, Christine. Right now, they are in the beginning of that inspection process. About 60 of them, which are custom officers and border guards from Ukraine have crossed into Russia's Rostov region and are looking through those trucks right now to see if the contents really are as Russia has insisted all along, humanitarian aid destined for the people of eastern Ukraine. You can understand, though, why there's a lot of suspicion on the Ukrainian side, considering that we get nearly daily reports of Russian weapons being smuggled across the border from Russia to the rebels in the overnight hours and then the offer of humanitarian aid during the day. One official here put it this way: It's like someone who's intentionally starting a fire, and then the next day offering a small bucket of water to help put it out. Christine?

ROMANS: The fight intensifying in eastern Ukraine. Who will - has the upper hand right now?

RIPLEY: As it appears right now, it looks like the Ukrainian government has the upper hand. And here is why. They report that the city of Donetsk is surrounded. They are shelling in all areas of the city now. The most intense fighting that's been seen so far. All the supply lines getting to the rebels in Lugansk have now been cut off. But we continue to get more reports of civilians who are caught in the middle of all of this. 11 more killed overnight. And the day before, 15 were killed, waiting at a bus stop, including three children. So, one can only hope the situation will soon come to a head and come to some resolution, Christine, so people can start rebuilding their lives.

ROMANS: Absolutely. All right, Will Ripley for us this morning in Kiev. Thank you.

BERMAN: The Army's investigation of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl's disappearance and capture in 2009, that investigation is wrapping up today. Bergdahl was questioned for two days by the Army's lead investigator, Major General Kenneth Dahl. Officials expect his final report will be ready for review in just about three weeks. Some who served with Bergdahl claim he deserted their unit in Afghanistan. He was freed in May in exchange for five Taliban prisoners.

ROMANS: Texas Governor Rick Perry's efforts to secure the border are in motion. The first wave of National Guard troops taking up observation posts along the Texas/Mexico border. 1,000 troops were called at by Perry last month. The governor says they are necessary to help secure the border and deal with a surge in illegal immigrants.

BERMAN: He lost a run off in Mississippi's Republican Senate primary, but Chris McDaniel isn't giving up the fight. The state senator filed a lawsuit Thursday asking a judge to declare him the winner in the race against incumbent Thad Cochran. Or a new election, Cochran won the race by just over 7600 votes. McDaniel's claim there were enough votes illegally cast by Democrats to change the outcome.

ROMANS: Tony Stewart announcing he won't race at this weekend's NASCAR event in Michigan. It will be the second NASCAR race Stewart is sitting out, the second race since he struck and killed 20-year old driver Kevin Ward Jr. during a dirt track race in upstate New York last Saturday. Ward's funeral was held Thursday. Police investigators have questioned Stewart now twice, but they say there's no evidence to support criminal charges.

BERMAN: Calling his conviction unfair, lawyers for James Whitey Bulger are appealing. Federal appeals court that trial judge refused to let jurors know Bulger in their words had been promised immunity for his crime decades ago -- crimes decades ago. The 84-year old Bulger was found guilty of participating in 11 murders. He's serving two consecutive life sentences at a federal prison in Arizona.

ROMANS: New insight since of a struggle Robin Williams faced in his final hours. A statement released Thursday by the late actor's wife, Susan reveals Williams had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She says the illness was in its early stages. Parkinson is known to cause depression and may have exacerbated Williams' condition. His wife says, he was not ready to share that diagnosis publicly.

All right, happening now, the pope in South Korea holding mass before tens of thousands of people. We are live with what he had to say, that's right, after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Pope Francis calling for reconciliation on the divided Korean peninsula. The pointiff's making the first papal visit to South Korea in 25 years. North Korea marked the occasion by test firing short range rockets before and after his arrival.

Paula Hancocks is live from Seoul this morning. Paula, the young people of Asia that seems to be the focus of the pope's visit.

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, John, yes. The Vatican already said that it's a young, vibrant and growing church. And that's the crucial part, that it is a growing church. When the Catholicism, of course, is waning, another part of the world, the pope wants to come here to Asia and specifically South Korea because he knows that there is a youth here that can be encouraged in the future of Catholicism. Now, of course, he has been dubbed the Brock star hope.

We've seen a little bit of that here in South Korea. Due to his popularity, we saw him entering a stadium, a World Cup stadium a few hours ago, with 50,000 people. And the crowd was going berserk as he came in. He came in and his Popemobile, a Kia Popemobile. Of course, the South Korean carmaker. And he has a wonderful welcome. And he has everywhere he is being. Now, right now, he's at the Seoul Holy Ground, this is a place where he's meeting the Asian youth themselves to make a speech to them. He'll also be asked a couple of questions by some of those young Catholics from around Asia. And according to the Vatican, this is what he enjoys. He likes to be talking to young people, he likes to be in and among the crowd. And he really is a very good communicator.

And we have seen on this trip as well, that he's been making some of his speeches in English. The Vatican saying he's really been trying with his English. He wants to make sure he can communicate with the youth. And, of course, that is a crucial part of this trip. John.

BERMAN: Paula Hancocks, with the pope there making a difference, seems, wherever he goes. Appreciate it.

ROMANS: All right, after nights filled with tear gas and gunfire, the protester finally turning peaceful in a Missouri town. At the center of this, controversial police shooting. An unarmed black teenager killed by an officer. This morning, dramatic new details set to be revealed in the case. We'll break it all down for you after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Breaking news. This morning, in just hours, police will reveal the name of the officer who shot and killed unarmed teenager, Michael Brown. Nights of violent protests now turned peaceful. We have this dramatic new video from overnight to show you, next.

ROMANS: Happening now, a new beginning for Iraq. Prime minister Nouri al Maliki stepping aside, paving the way for a new government. Politics help fight off the terrorist. Slowly taking over that country. We're live with the latest.

BERMAN: A temporary truce holding in Gaza as Hamas and Israel work on a longer lasting peace. This was the clock ticking down in the current ceasefire. We'll tell you about progress that might be being made. We are live with the latest on the negotiations.

Welcome back to EARLY START, everyone. Great to see you. It's Friday. I'm John Berman.

ROMANS: I'm Christine Romans. It's 30 minutes past the hour. We welcome all of our viewers here in the U.S. this Friday morning and around the world.

In embattled Ferguson, Missouri, passionate, but peaceful protests running deep into the night. The streets now demilitarized after four nights of violence. Later today, Ferguson police plan to release the name of the officer who shot and killed Michael Brown. An unarmed teenager who witnesses say had his hands in the air when the fatal shots were fired.

After four nights of violence turned the city into a battle zone. The governor of Missouri finally stepped in ordering state police to take over jurisdiction replacing the Ferguson police force.