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President Meets with E.U. Leaders; American Charged in Plot to Assassinate Bush; Ex-Boyfriend Charged with Murder of Pregnant Woman, Son; Major Iraqi Political Party Announces Choice for Prime Minister
Aired February 22, 2005 - 13:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: New developments in the case of a missing Texas woman and her son. A forensics team is on the ground right now. You see them. Where police say searchers have found the body.
TONY HARRIS, CO-HOST: Plot against the president? An American citizen charged with conspiring to assassinate President Bush and supporting the al Qaeda terror network. We're live from Washington.
NGUYEN: And sliding away. Homes on the edge of disaster, after a deadly series of California storms.
HARRIS: From the CNN center in Atlanta, I'm Tony Harris in for Miles O'Brien.
NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Kyra Phillips today. CNN's LIVE FROM starts right now.
HARRIS: First off this afternoon, we're going to take you live right now to Brussels, Belgium, where President Bush is meeting in a joint news conference with other E.U. leaders. The question and answer session has begun. Let's take you there live.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: ... in a sensible way. It's in our interest because the values that caused the European Union to exist in the first place, the values of human rights and human dignity and freedom, are the same values we share. And we have an opportunity to work together to spread those values.
We talked about Iraq. And I appreciate the contributions and the new suggestion. I appreciate your contributions in Afghanistan.
We talked about how hopeful the Middle Eastern peace situation looks. And I told the leaders that my government will be very much involved in the process. We believe peace is within reach. And therefore, want to work with the European Union to achieve that objective.
We talked about aid, the need to work together to fight disease, like HIV/AIDS, which we are doing and will continue to do.
I brought up global warming. I said the Kyoto debate is beyond us, as far as I'm concerned. Now is the time to focus on our abilities and research capacity to develop technologies to make the air cleaner, so that our people can have the standard of living they expect at the same time that we're good stewards of the earth.
So it was a very optimistic, hopeful meeting. I appreciate so very much the hospitality of the leaders, and I'm anxious to continue our dialogue after this press conference.
I think that on behalf of the European commission that this visit of President Bush is really a very, very important one.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Europe and America have reconnected. This visit that unites Europe and America has focused the eyes of the world on the hope that we share. And I believe that the relationship between the United States and Europe is the world's strongest, most comprehensive and strategically important partnership.
The United States, united Europe, this is really the indispensable...
HARRIS: And there you are, just moments ago, the president outlining the conversations he's had with several European Union leaders, discussing topics such as Iraq, the Middle East, Afghanistan, which is something that we don't hear much about, unfortunately.
The president brought up global warming and the Kyoto treaty, and basically saying that, from his point of view, that discussion is gone. It's past. It's past him at this point. And they're working on -- the United States, at least, is working on additional technologies to reduce greenhouse gases tied to that Kyoto treaty.
It has been a busy 24 hours for Ahmed Abu Ali. Yesterday, the 23-year-old American returned to the states after 20 months in a cell in Saudi Arabia. Today, he's in a cell in Virginia, facing federal charges of supporting terrorists and contemplating a plot to kill the president.
We get details from CNN justice correspondent Kelli Arena.
Hi, Kelli.
KELLI ARENA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, there.
Ahmed Abu Ali says that he was tortured while he was in that prison in Saudi Arabia and that he has the scars on his back to prove it.
He was told that he could present that evidence at a detention hearing Thursday. And the judge also assured him that he would not suffer any torture or humiliation while he was in U.S. custody.
And the government says that Abu Ali conspired to assassinate President Bush, that he supported al Qaeda and that he was willing to set up a terror cell right here in the United States.
He did not enter a plea today. This is only an initial appearance. His parents, though, contend, as they have always contended, that he is innocent and that the government trumped up these charges to spare embarrassment. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The government -- they lied to us from the first day. They told the district court that this is a Saudi case and we have nothing to do with this case. Now they are cooking -- they cooked a new thing. They changed their story about Ahmed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ARENA: A bit of background here. Abu Ali was held in Saudi Arabia without being charged for 20 months.
Now, he is a U.S. citizen. He was born in Texas. His family says that he was held at the request of the United States. And they sued the government on behalf of their son.
U.S. government officials have insisted that the Saudis had their own interest in Abu Ali, having to do with bombings in Riyadh in May of 2003.
Now, in the indictment against him, Abu Ali is charged with discussing two scenarios to assassinate President Bush, one in which he would get close enough to the president to shoot him on the street and another, in which Abu Ali would detonate a car bomb.
Now, when that charge was read in the courtroom, several of his supporters simply laughed out loud. And in an out of the courtroom, more than 100 people showed up to show their support.
Government sources say while they're sure that Abu Ali made those statement, the question of how serious he was remains unanswered.
Tony, back to you.
HARRIS: We know you'll continue to follow it.
ARENA: Sure will.
HARRIS: Kelli Arena in Washington, we appreciate it. Thank you.
ARENA: You're welcome.
NGUYEN: Well, the motive still a mystery. But if you've been watching CNN, you know police in Texas have just uncovered a major source of evidence in the capital murder case against a Fort Worth man: the bodies of his alleged victims, Lisa Underwood, who was seven months pregnant, and her 7-year-old son Jayden. They went missing on Saturday. And blood was found in their house.
Now their SUV turned up yesterday in a creek near the suburb of Denton. Their bodies found just a few hours ago after a one-time boyfriend of Underwood was arrested in Tyler and charged with murder.
We have CNN's Ed Lavandera on the phone in Fort Worth with the latest on this -- Ed. ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Betty, we can tell you, just a short while ago, the suspect in the case, who has been charged with capital murder, 37-year-old Stephen Barbee, was brought back from Tyler to Fort Worth and taken into police headquarters there in downtown Fort Worth, where we suspect that he will undergo questioning from investigators.
In the meantime, another set of investigators out -- what would turn out to be another crime scene, where the bodies of the Underwood family were found just a short while ago.
The investigators, who had held a press briefing just a few hours ago, are scheduled to hold -- are expected to hold another one here shortly, perhaps with more information as to the latest details in this case.
But we understand that the investigators are out at that scene, going through as much as they can, to try to find as much of the latest evidence that they can in this case as they build a capital murder case against 37-year-old Stephen Barbee -- Betty.
NGUYEN: As we're looking at video of investigators shot just a little while ago by WFAA, the affiliate there in Texas, how far is where the bodies were found compared to where the vehicle was found yesterday?
LAVANDERA: It's not too far. It's not terribly closes but it's not too far. We're probably talking 10, 15, 20 miles, at the most. It's all in the same general area. But from what I understand so far at this point, it's not like it's terribly close.
NGUYEN: All right, CNN's Ed Lavandera for us in Dallas.
We want to bring in now Don Clark, a former FBI investigator, to get some more information on this case.
Are you with us, Mr. Clark?
DON CLARK, FORMER FBI INVESTIGATOR: Betty, I am, go to be with you.
NGUYEN: Thanks for being with us.
All right. Even before the bodies were found, which they were just found just a little while ago, today, police in Texas said that they had already believed them to be dead. Why is that? Do you think there maybe was a confession in this case?
CLARK: Well, I think that they had some information to go about and say that. And I don't want to second-guess that, but I don't think they would have made that statement without some pretty hard- core evidence, Betty.
Keep in mind that since this crime has occurred, she was missing, they've been going 24 hours a day. And for them to get a charge and to go to that extent, you've got to believe that they had some more solid evidence.
NGUYEN: Yes. And speaking of that charge, a capital murder charge, are you surprised at all that that charge came about even before the bodies were found?
CLARK: No, not really. When you think about, you had to consider the act of kidnapping and also that you had two crimes committed there, with the 7-year-old and the mother, Lisa. So not at all surprised they would go with that type of charge.
NGUYEN: What's the connection between suspect Stephen Barbee and Lisa Underwood, victim in this case?
CLARK: From what I understand, and the research I've been able to do up to this point, in talking to people, is that there was -- there had been a romantic -- romantic relationship between the two. To the extent that where it was at this point, I don't know that, but there must have been some connection still there.
NGUYEN: So you don't know if he could be the father of Miss Underwood's unborn child?
CLARK: No, I don't have any information. Certainly, I suppose he could be, but I don't have any information at this point, Betty, that he actually is.
NGUYEN: Well, let's look at the evidence that already has been released from the police department.
Underwood was headed to a baby shower on Saturday. She never showed up. But when police went to her house, they found, as they say, a significant amount of blood in the home and also no signs of forced entry. Does that mean that Miss Underwood may have known her victim (sic), may have even let -- I mean, I'm sorry, the person who attacked her, may have even let that person in?
CLARK: It's very possible that -- that she knew her attacker. And if it was Steve Barbee, clearly she knew him.
But we have to be careful when we say "no forced entry," Betty, because we tend to think of that as breaking in a door, kick -- a window, or something of that nature. But it may have been a person who opened the door and would simply use their physical force to get by them to come into the house. So that would be forced entry of the person not want it.
But there again, there's the other aspect of maybe this person was let in and things just transpired from there.
NGUYEN: OK. Blood found in the home. Then yesterday her car was found about 40 miles from where her home is, in Denton, Texas, in a creek. Is it going to be difficult to connect the dots in this case?
CLARK: Well, I think the police are probably well along on connecting those dots. As horrendous as this crime certainly is, it's certainly, at this point, from an outsider looking in, to what we know, does not appear that somebody really planned and really strategized how they were going to do this. So they may very well have a very good trail, and connecting the dots may be a heck of a lot easier.
NGUYEN: All right, don Clark, former FBI investigator, we thank you for your time and your insight today.
CLARK: Thank you, Betty good to be with you.
NGUYEN: Sure.
HARRIS: And let's get you back now to E.U. headquarters in Brussels, where President Bush and E.U. leaders are taking questions.
BUSH: ... where I'm getting advice from European partners. After all, Great Britain, Germany and France are negotiating with the ayatollahs to achieve a common objective, something that we all want, and that is for them not to have a nuclear weapon. It's in our interests for them not to have a nuclear weapon.
It's also in our interest for them not to continue funding terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, which has the desire to stop the Middle East peace process from going forward.
And so these are great interlocutors on behalf of the position we share. So there's an example of concrete action.
I'm also looking forward to working with our European partners on the Middle Eastern peace process. Tony Blair is hosting a very important meeting in London, and that is a meeting at which the prime -- President Abbas will hear that the United States and the E.U., is desirous of helping this good man set up a democracy in the Palestinian territories, so that Israel will have a democratic partner in peace.
I laid out a vision, the first U.S. president to do so, which said that our vision is two states, Israel and Palestinian, living side by side in peace. That is the goal. I look forward to working with concretely with our European friend and allies to achieve that goal.
And finally, this notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. Having said that, all options are on the table -- Bob.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. President, I wanted to follow up on -- questions by (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
BUSH: Question on Russia?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sir?
BUSH: This is a question on Russia?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir. BUSH: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you believe, sir, that Russia is backsliding in its march toward democracy? What troubles you the most about that? And how is that going to shape your situation President Putin in two days from now?
BUSH: I like a country with a free press and an independent free press. And there has been some moves where the Russian government -- I guess for better use of the word -- didn't license certain members of the press.
I think it's very important that President Putin hear not only from me in a private way, which he will, but also hear some of the concerns I heard around the table today. There were some concerns from the Baltic nations. And I look forward to carrying their message, that it's very important for President Putin to make very clear why he's made some of the decisions he's made, and as well as respect his neighbors.
And I'm confident that can be done in a cordial way. It's important for us to keep a constructive relationship with Russia. We've got a lot to do together.
We've got a lot of common projects that will make people more secure around the world, one of which is to make sure that nuclear stockpiles are safeguarded. I look forward to talking to him about that. But I also will remind him that the United States believes strongly in democratic values.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.
HARRIS: There you have it. The president and E.U. leaders wrapping up their joint news conference.
A couple of things were touched on that are worth repeating.
The president took a question there about Iran. And there was an interesting -- a moment there, where the president, maybe was even unprompted, said -- called the rumors that the United States is planning to attack Iran ridiculous, and then quickly added, but all options are on the table.
There have been wide-ranging talks between the E.U. leaders, conversations about Iraq and help for Iraq, the Middle East peace process, the Palestinians and Israelis moving toward more normalized relationships and bringing peace and stability to that region, Afghanistan, as well.
The president talked about the global warming Kyoto treaty and the fact that that agreement will not have an American signature to it, that the discussion, as far as the president is concerned, has moved on. There was some conversation about the talks to come in the next day or so with Russian President Putin on the reversals of the democratic process in that country. The president will make it clear that he looks forward to having those conversations with President Putin about moving the process forward and not about curtailing democracy in Russia. Cutting off press access, is one of the things that will be mentioned.
So a wide-ranging press conference on a number of issues. We'll continue to follow the president's trip in Europe, of course.
Take a close look now, moving forward, at the man we're about to show you, because he will figure prominently in the future of Iraq. He will likely be Iraq's new prime minister. More on him just ahead on LIVE FROM.
And later on LIVE FROM, 25 years ago today, they called it the miracle on ice. We will take you back to Lake Placid.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: The Shiite Muslims who dominated the vote in Iraq's election have chosen their man for Prime minister. Ibrahim al-Jafari, seen here on the left was selected today as the candidate to lead Iraq's first democratically elected government in 50 years.
Who is al-Jafari and what are the chances he'll be named to the post?
From Baghdad, here's CNN senior international correspondent Nic Robertson.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's taken the United Iraqi Alliance, the Shia Muslim grouping that has just over more than half the seats in the assembly, well over a week to come up with their nomination for prime minister.
It happened because Ahmed Chalabi decided to stand down, saying that he wanted to maintain the unity of the party. It could have been that the interim prime minister, who just yesterday said that he was throwing his name back in the ring for the possibility of prime minister, although he's not inside that -- inside that particular political bloc, that perhaps that propelled the United Iraqi Alliance to look very seriously at their own position and say, we must come up with a nominee, a nomination.
They did that today, Ibrahim al-Jafari, widely seen as a good figure to unify the government. Why? Because in his period of time in exile, in opposition to Saddam Hussein, he was seen as somebody who was able to work with and bring together some of the disparate political elements of that time. And perhaps that's why he's emerged as a top nominee.
While he was in exile, he lived in Iran, he moved to London. He is a medical doctor. He is a -- seen as a moderate Islamist, within his party. There are many more extreme Islamists, if you will, within the United Iraqi Alliance.
He is seen, as well, as a politician who's reached out to Sunnis. And it's certainly the view a lot of people here that if the country is going to be united, then whoever the prime minister is needs to be able to encourage the Sunnis into the political process. Otherwise, divisions could open up.
But this isn't the end of the political road, if you will, in nominating the prime minister. The United Iraqi Alliance has put their candidate, Ibrahim al-Jafari, forward, but now they have to get the backing of other political groupings.
And in principle, the Kurdish alliance will have to give their support. And at this time, they're indicating that that could take quite some time. There's a lot of issues that are very important to them that they want to negotiate, want to hear the government's position on certain key policies that are key to them.
So -- so before there is a final nomination for prime minister, it still could be quite some time.
Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Well, first lady Laura Bush traveled to Germany today to visit with U.S. troops. Speaking at an aircraft hanger in Ramstein Air Base, Ms. Bush thanked the troops for their dedication in fighting for democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan. As part of her visit, the first lady met with wounded soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The president travels to Germany tomorrow.
Rescue crews in Iran are frantically searching through piles of rubble for survivors of a powerful earthquake. The 6.4 magnitude quake struck near Zarand last night, destroying mud-brick homes and flattening villages. Look at this video.
Right now, at least 370 people are reported dead and more than 950 injured. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are found beneath piles of dirt and debris. An earthquake in the same region over a year ago killed some 26,000 people.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS (voice-over): Next on LIVE FROM, a security breach allows criminals access to personal information of thousands of people across the United States. We'll show you what you can do to protect yourself from identity theft.
Later on LIVE FROM...
MARTIN SCORSESE, FILM DIRECTOR: I've didn't receive any Oscar for best director. I'd have liked to win.
HARRIS: Director Martin Scorsese opens up to CNN and reveals his hopes for "Aviator" to fly high on Oscar night.
And tomorrow on LIVE FROM, best-selling spiritual author Deepak Chopra join us for the LIVE FROM interview about why he thinks peace is the way.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: You know, the list of the most admired companies is out. Dell is No. 1. But no love for big blue. IBM has fallen out of the top ten?
NGUYEN: Really, IBM? David Haffenreffer joins us from the New York Stock Exchange. Michael Dell has created quite an empire, hasn't he?
(STOCK REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired February 22, 2005 - 13:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: New developments in the case of a missing Texas woman and her son. A forensics team is on the ground right now. You see them. Where police say searchers have found the body.
TONY HARRIS, CO-HOST: Plot against the president? An American citizen charged with conspiring to assassinate President Bush and supporting the al Qaeda terror network. We're live from Washington.
NGUYEN: And sliding away. Homes on the edge of disaster, after a deadly series of California storms.
HARRIS: From the CNN center in Atlanta, I'm Tony Harris in for Miles O'Brien.
NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Kyra Phillips today. CNN's LIVE FROM starts right now.
HARRIS: First off this afternoon, we're going to take you live right now to Brussels, Belgium, where President Bush is meeting in a joint news conference with other E.U. leaders. The question and answer session has begun. Let's take you there live.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: ... in a sensible way. It's in our interest because the values that caused the European Union to exist in the first place, the values of human rights and human dignity and freedom, are the same values we share. And we have an opportunity to work together to spread those values.
We talked about Iraq. And I appreciate the contributions and the new suggestion. I appreciate your contributions in Afghanistan.
We talked about how hopeful the Middle Eastern peace situation looks. And I told the leaders that my government will be very much involved in the process. We believe peace is within reach. And therefore, want to work with the European Union to achieve that objective.
We talked about aid, the need to work together to fight disease, like HIV/AIDS, which we are doing and will continue to do.
I brought up global warming. I said the Kyoto debate is beyond us, as far as I'm concerned. Now is the time to focus on our abilities and research capacity to develop technologies to make the air cleaner, so that our people can have the standard of living they expect at the same time that we're good stewards of the earth.
So it was a very optimistic, hopeful meeting. I appreciate so very much the hospitality of the leaders, and I'm anxious to continue our dialogue after this press conference.
I think that on behalf of the European commission that this visit of President Bush is really a very, very important one.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Europe and America have reconnected. This visit that unites Europe and America has focused the eyes of the world on the hope that we share. And I believe that the relationship between the United States and Europe is the world's strongest, most comprehensive and strategically important partnership.
The United States, united Europe, this is really the indispensable...
HARRIS: And there you are, just moments ago, the president outlining the conversations he's had with several European Union leaders, discussing topics such as Iraq, the Middle East, Afghanistan, which is something that we don't hear much about, unfortunately.
The president brought up global warming and the Kyoto treaty, and basically saying that, from his point of view, that discussion is gone. It's past. It's past him at this point. And they're working on -- the United States, at least, is working on additional technologies to reduce greenhouse gases tied to that Kyoto treaty.
It has been a busy 24 hours for Ahmed Abu Ali. Yesterday, the 23-year-old American returned to the states after 20 months in a cell in Saudi Arabia. Today, he's in a cell in Virginia, facing federal charges of supporting terrorists and contemplating a plot to kill the president.
We get details from CNN justice correspondent Kelli Arena.
Hi, Kelli.
KELLI ARENA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, there.
Ahmed Abu Ali says that he was tortured while he was in that prison in Saudi Arabia and that he has the scars on his back to prove it.
He was told that he could present that evidence at a detention hearing Thursday. And the judge also assured him that he would not suffer any torture or humiliation while he was in U.S. custody.
And the government says that Abu Ali conspired to assassinate President Bush, that he supported al Qaeda and that he was willing to set up a terror cell right here in the United States.
He did not enter a plea today. This is only an initial appearance. His parents, though, contend, as they have always contended, that he is innocent and that the government trumped up these charges to spare embarrassment. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The government -- they lied to us from the first day. They told the district court that this is a Saudi case and we have nothing to do with this case. Now they are cooking -- they cooked a new thing. They changed their story about Ahmed.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ARENA: A bit of background here. Abu Ali was held in Saudi Arabia without being charged for 20 months.
Now, he is a U.S. citizen. He was born in Texas. His family says that he was held at the request of the United States. And they sued the government on behalf of their son.
U.S. government officials have insisted that the Saudis had their own interest in Abu Ali, having to do with bombings in Riyadh in May of 2003.
Now, in the indictment against him, Abu Ali is charged with discussing two scenarios to assassinate President Bush, one in which he would get close enough to the president to shoot him on the street and another, in which Abu Ali would detonate a car bomb.
Now, when that charge was read in the courtroom, several of his supporters simply laughed out loud. And in an out of the courtroom, more than 100 people showed up to show their support.
Government sources say while they're sure that Abu Ali made those statement, the question of how serious he was remains unanswered.
Tony, back to you.
HARRIS: We know you'll continue to follow it.
ARENA: Sure will.
HARRIS: Kelli Arena in Washington, we appreciate it. Thank you.
ARENA: You're welcome.
NGUYEN: Well, the motive still a mystery. But if you've been watching CNN, you know police in Texas have just uncovered a major source of evidence in the capital murder case against a Fort Worth man: the bodies of his alleged victims, Lisa Underwood, who was seven months pregnant, and her 7-year-old son Jayden. They went missing on Saturday. And blood was found in their house.
Now their SUV turned up yesterday in a creek near the suburb of Denton. Their bodies found just a few hours ago after a one-time boyfriend of Underwood was arrested in Tyler and charged with murder.
We have CNN's Ed Lavandera on the phone in Fort Worth with the latest on this -- Ed. ED LAVANDERA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Betty, we can tell you, just a short while ago, the suspect in the case, who has been charged with capital murder, 37-year-old Stephen Barbee, was brought back from Tyler to Fort Worth and taken into police headquarters there in downtown Fort Worth, where we suspect that he will undergo questioning from investigators.
In the meantime, another set of investigators out -- what would turn out to be another crime scene, where the bodies of the Underwood family were found just a short while ago.
The investigators, who had held a press briefing just a few hours ago, are scheduled to hold -- are expected to hold another one here shortly, perhaps with more information as to the latest details in this case.
But we understand that the investigators are out at that scene, going through as much as they can, to try to find as much of the latest evidence that they can in this case as they build a capital murder case against 37-year-old Stephen Barbee -- Betty.
NGUYEN: As we're looking at video of investigators shot just a little while ago by WFAA, the affiliate there in Texas, how far is where the bodies were found compared to where the vehicle was found yesterday?
LAVANDERA: It's not too far. It's not terribly closes but it's not too far. We're probably talking 10, 15, 20 miles, at the most. It's all in the same general area. But from what I understand so far at this point, it's not like it's terribly close.
NGUYEN: All right, CNN's Ed Lavandera for us in Dallas.
We want to bring in now Don Clark, a former FBI investigator, to get some more information on this case.
Are you with us, Mr. Clark?
DON CLARK, FORMER FBI INVESTIGATOR: Betty, I am, go to be with you.
NGUYEN: Thanks for being with us.
All right. Even before the bodies were found, which they were just found just a little while ago, today, police in Texas said that they had already believed them to be dead. Why is that? Do you think there maybe was a confession in this case?
CLARK: Well, I think that they had some information to go about and say that. And I don't want to second-guess that, but I don't think they would have made that statement without some pretty hard- core evidence, Betty.
Keep in mind that since this crime has occurred, she was missing, they've been going 24 hours a day. And for them to get a charge and to go to that extent, you've got to believe that they had some more solid evidence.
NGUYEN: Yes. And speaking of that charge, a capital murder charge, are you surprised at all that that charge came about even before the bodies were found?
CLARK: No, not really. When you think about, you had to consider the act of kidnapping and also that you had two crimes committed there, with the 7-year-old and the mother, Lisa. So not at all surprised they would go with that type of charge.
NGUYEN: What's the connection between suspect Stephen Barbee and Lisa Underwood, victim in this case?
CLARK: From what I understand, and the research I've been able to do up to this point, in talking to people, is that there was -- there had been a romantic -- romantic relationship between the two. To the extent that where it was at this point, I don't know that, but there must have been some connection still there.
NGUYEN: So you don't know if he could be the father of Miss Underwood's unborn child?
CLARK: No, I don't have any information. Certainly, I suppose he could be, but I don't have any information at this point, Betty, that he actually is.
NGUYEN: Well, let's look at the evidence that already has been released from the police department.
Underwood was headed to a baby shower on Saturday. She never showed up. But when police went to her house, they found, as they say, a significant amount of blood in the home and also no signs of forced entry. Does that mean that Miss Underwood may have known her victim (sic), may have even let -- I mean, I'm sorry, the person who attacked her, may have even let that person in?
CLARK: It's very possible that -- that she knew her attacker. And if it was Steve Barbee, clearly she knew him.
But we have to be careful when we say "no forced entry," Betty, because we tend to think of that as breaking in a door, kick -- a window, or something of that nature. But it may have been a person who opened the door and would simply use their physical force to get by them to come into the house. So that would be forced entry of the person not want it.
But there again, there's the other aspect of maybe this person was let in and things just transpired from there.
NGUYEN: OK. Blood found in the home. Then yesterday her car was found about 40 miles from where her home is, in Denton, Texas, in a creek. Is it going to be difficult to connect the dots in this case?
CLARK: Well, I think the police are probably well along on connecting those dots. As horrendous as this crime certainly is, it's certainly, at this point, from an outsider looking in, to what we know, does not appear that somebody really planned and really strategized how they were going to do this. So they may very well have a very good trail, and connecting the dots may be a heck of a lot easier.
NGUYEN: All right, don Clark, former FBI investigator, we thank you for your time and your insight today.
CLARK: Thank you, Betty good to be with you.
NGUYEN: Sure.
HARRIS: And let's get you back now to E.U. headquarters in Brussels, where President Bush and E.U. leaders are taking questions.
BUSH: ... where I'm getting advice from European partners. After all, Great Britain, Germany and France are negotiating with the ayatollahs to achieve a common objective, something that we all want, and that is for them not to have a nuclear weapon. It's in our interests for them not to have a nuclear weapon.
It's also in our interest for them not to continue funding terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, which has the desire to stop the Middle East peace process from going forward.
And so these are great interlocutors on behalf of the position we share. So there's an example of concrete action.
I'm also looking forward to working with our European partners on the Middle Eastern peace process. Tony Blair is hosting a very important meeting in London, and that is a meeting at which the prime -- President Abbas will hear that the United States and the E.U., is desirous of helping this good man set up a democracy in the Palestinian territories, so that Israel will have a democratic partner in peace.
I laid out a vision, the first U.S. president to do so, which said that our vision is two states, Israel and Palestinian, living side by side in peace. That is the goal. I look forward to working with concretely with our European friend and allies to achieve that goal.
And finally, this notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. Having said that, all options are on the table -- Bob.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr. President, I wanted to follow up on -- questions by (UNINTELLIGIBLE)...
BUSH: Question on Russia?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Sir?
BUSH: This is a question on Russia?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir. BUSH: OK.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Do you believe, sir, that Russia is backsliding in its march toward democracy? What troubles you the most about that? And how is that going to shape your situation President Putin in two days from now?
BUSH: I like a country with a free press and an independent free press. And there has been some moves where the Russian government -- I guess for better use of the word -- didn't license certain members of the press.
I think it's very important that President Putin hear not only from me in a private way, which he will, but also hear some of the concerns I heard around the table today. There were some concerns from the Baltic nations. And I look forward to carrying their message, that it's very important for President Putin to make very clear why he's made some of the decisions he's made, and as well as respect his neighbors.
And I'm confident that can be done in a cordial way. It's important for us to keep a constructive relationship with Russia. We've got a lot to do together.
We've got a lot of common projects that will make people more secure around the world, one of which is to make sure that nuclear stockpiles are safeguarded. I look forward to talking to him about that. But I also will remind him that the United States believes strongly in democratic values.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Thank you.
HARRIS: There you have it. The president and E.U. leaders wrapping up their joint news conference.
A couple of things were touched on that are worth repeating.
The president took a question there about Iran. And there was an interesting -- a moment there, where the president, maybe was even unprompted, said -- called the rumors that the United States is planning to attack Iran ridiculous, and then quickly added, but all options are on the table.
There have been wide-ranging talks between the E.U. leaders, conversations about Iraq and help for Iraq, the Middle East peace process, the Palestinians and Israelis moving toward more normalized relationships and bringing peace and stability to that region, Afghanistan, as well.
The president talked about the global warming Kyoto treaty and the fact that that agreement will not have an American signature to it, that the discussion, as far as the president is concerned, has moved on. There was some conversation about the talks to come in the next day or so with Russian President Putin on the reversals of the democratic process in that country. The president will make it clear that he looks forward to having those conversations with President Putin about moving the process forward and not about curtailing democracy in Russia. Cutting off press access, is one of the things that will be mentioned.
So a wide-ranging press conference on a number of issues. We'll continue to follow the president's trip in Europe, of course.
Take a close look now, moving forward, at the man we're about to show you, because he will figure prominently in the future of Iraq. He will likely be Iraq's new prime minister. More on him just ahead on LIVE FROM.
And later on LIVE FROM, 25 years ago today, they called it the miracle on ice. We will take you back to Lake Placid.
ANNOUNCER: You're watching LIVE FROM on CNN, the most trusted name in news.
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HARRIS: The Shiite Muslims who dominated the vote in Iraq's election have chosen their man for Prime minister. Ibrahim al-Jafari, seen here on the left was selected today as the candidate to lead Iraq's first democratically elected government in 50 years.
Who is al-Jafari and what are the chances he'll be named to the post?
From Baghdad, here's CNN senior international correspondent Nic Robertson.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, it's taken the United Iraqi Alliance, the Shia Muslim grouping that has just over more than half the seats in the assembly, well over a week to come up with their nomination for prime minister.
It happened because Ahmed Chalabi decided to stand down, saying that he wanted to maintain the unity of the party. It could have been that the interim prime minister, who just yesterday said that he was throwing his name back in the ring for the possibility of prime minister, although he's not inside that -- inside that particular political bloc, that perhaps that propelled the United Iraqi Alliance to look very seriously at their own position and say, we must come up with a nominee, a nomination.
They did that today, Ibrahim al-Jafari, widely seen as a good figure to unify the government. Why? Because in his period of time in exile, in opposition to Saddam Hussein, he was seen as somebody who was able to work with and bring together some of the disparate political elements of that time. And perhaps that's why he's emerged as a top nominee.
While he was in exile, he lived in Iran, he moved to London. He is a medical doctor. He is a -- seen as a moderate Islamist, within his party. There are many more extreme Islamists, if you will, within the United Iraqi Alliance.
He is seen, as well, as a politician who's reached out to Sunnis. And it's certainly the view a lot of people here that if the country is going to be united, then whoever the prime minister is needs to be able to encourage the Sunnis into the political process. Otherwise, divisions could open up.
But this isn't the end of the political road, if you will, in nominating the prime minister. The United Iraqi Alliance has put their candidate, Ibrahim al-Jafari, forward, but now they have to get the backing of other political groupings.
And in principle, the Kurdish alliance will have to give their support. And at this time, they're indicating that that could take quite some time. There's a lot of issues that are very important to them that they want to negotiate, want to hear the government's position on certain key policies that are key to them.
So -- so before there is a final nomination for prime minister, it still could be quite some time.
Nic Robertson, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Well, first lady Laura Bush traveled to Germany today to visit with U.S. troops. Speaking at an aircraft hanger in Ramstein Air Base, Ms. Bush thanked the troops for their dedication in fighting for democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan. As part of her visit, the first lady met with wounded soldiers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. The president travels to Germany tomorrow.
Rescue crews in Iran are frantically searching through piles of rubble for survivors of a powerful earthquake. The 6.4 magnitude quake struck near Zarand last night, destroying mud-brick homes and flattening villages. Look at this video.
Right now, at least 370 people are reported dead and more than 950 injured. The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are found beneath piles of dirt and debris. An earthquake in the same region over a year ago killed some 26,000 people.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS (voice-over): Next on LIVE FROM, a security breach allows criminals access to personal information of thousands of people across the United States. We'll show you what you can do to protect yourself from identity theft.
Later on LIVE FROM...
MARTIN SCORSESE, FILM DIRECTOR: I've didn't receive any Oscar for best director. I'd have liked to win.
HARRIS: Director Martin Scorsese opens up to CNN and reveals his hopes for "Aviator" to fly high on Oscar night.
And tomorrow on LIVE FROM, best-selling spiritual author Deepak Chopra join us for the LIVE FROM interview about why he thinks peace is the way.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: You know, the list of the most admired companies is out. Dell is No. 1. But no love for big blue. IBM has fallen out of the top ten?
NGUYEN: Really, IBM? David Haffenreffer joins us from the New York Stock Exchange. Michael Dell has created quite an empire, hasn't he?
(STOCK REPORT)
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