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Charles Taylor Trial Sparks Controversy in Liberia; Chris And Jamie Spatola Interview; Coyote Loose In Central Park

Aired March 23, 2006 - 15:30   ET

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

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Liberia in search of peace and prosperity after too much war and despair. To many people, putting Liberia's past to rest means putting Liberian warlord-turned-president Charles Taylor on trial. Others warn that could spark a whole new civil war.
Liberia's new president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, talked about that very thing with us on LIVE FROM.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: I've got to ask you about Charles Taylor, the former president. Allegations of corruption, ties to al Qaeda -- how are you going to keep him away from you, away from your new government, and away from infiltrating in any way what you're trying to do?

PRES. ELLEN JOHNSON-SIRLEAF, LIBERIA: Well, I tell you, three million people want a new life and want to put one person behind them. And that's what we are pursuing. We've asked the African leadership to consult among themselves to come up with the right decision to give Mr. Taylor the day in court which he has asked for, to do it in an atmosphere that's free and fair to him with him having the right of self-defense, and we think that's the right way to go. Liberia deserves a new day.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PHILLIPS: CNN's African correspondent Jeff Koinange takes a closer look at the man behind the controversy.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PRES. CHARLES TAYLOR, LIBERIA: President Taylor is supposed to be a war criminal. That my name will be tarnished on the pages of history by some new, zealous prosecutor who is looking for maybe a governorship or appointment in the government of the United States.

JEFF KOINANGE, CNN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): That was former Liberian President Charles Taylor in mid-2003. The International Criminal Tribunal sitting in neighboring Sierra Leone had just issued an arrest warrant charging him with war crimes for his role in directing the Sierra Leone rebel movement which massacred civilians in Monrovia.

TAYLOR: I mean some little American prosecutor wants to disgrace an African president. This is what it amounts to. Nonsense! KOINANGE: But world leaders didn't see it as nonsense. They back the prosecutor's call for Taylor's removal.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: President Taylor needs to step down.

KOINANGE: Bush sought the help of African leaders and Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo stepped up to offer his Liberian counterpart a soft landing -- asylum. And he dared anyone to question his decision.

PRES. OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, NIGERIA: Nigeria and I will not be harassed by anybody ...

TAYLOR: Yes.

OBASANJO: ... for inviting President Taylor to Nigeria. Nigeria will not be harassed by anybody or by any organization or any country.

KOINANGE: The rest, as they say, is history. One August morning in 2003, these were the pictures seen around the world. The warlord- turned-president had become a man without a country, headed for exile in Nigeria. But, not before he'd offered a parting promise.

TAYLOR: I leave you with these parting words -- God willing, I will be back.

KOINANGE: That may happen sooner than he could have expected, and perhaps not in the way he would have expected. Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has appealed to her fellow African leaders, and all the way to the White House, for Taylor's extradition to face a war crimes court.

JOHNSON-SIRLEAF: If the collective decision of the African leadership is that Mr. Taylor, in bringing this to closure should go to the courts, then that will be the decision that will be taken collectively.

KOINANGE: But Taylor has always maintained that if he's brought back in chains, it could spell trouble for Africa's oldest republic, where he still commands both respect and fear, like among these former child soldiers whose song simply says "anyone who says no more Taylor, we'll kill you like a dog."

TAYLOR: No one can want lasting peace in Liberia where the leader of the Liberian revolution is supposed to be whisked away to some Sierra Leone court and someone else behind me is supposed to be comfortable. That's never going to happen.

If this process is to succeed in the international community, it is a political decision. They made it, Washington was consulted, London was consulted. They did it and they're going to have to fix it.

KOINANGE: But helping to fix it could prove tricky, at best. And dealing with the fallout is something everyone here is trying to avoid, in a country still trying to find its feet after decades of bloodletting.

Jeff Koinange, CNN, Johannesburg.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: And straight ahead, March Madness and the Sweet 16 is set. Tonight it's Duke and LSU. You better believe Coach K will be in the house. Somebody else is going to be here, too, a member of the Coach K clan -- actually, two members. One is home from Iraq. The other one is very happy that he is here. Both of them stop by to talk to us, so stop your dribbling. We'll meet them in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: OK, we don't normally talk much sports on this show, but today we couldn't resist. Besides, this is the only sports- related in a roundabout way type of story. It's Sweet 16, time for the NCAA Basketball Tournament. And when the Atlanta Regional tips off tonight, well, watching courtside will be a latecomer to a college hoops royal family.

He's Chris Spatola -- Army Captain Chris Spatola, I should say. He's on leave from deployment in Iraq. He's going to be with his wife's family, the Krzyzewski family. Yes, Coach K's family. Chris and his wife Jamie join us here. And I always butcher your dad's name, Jamie.

JAMIE SPATOLA, COACH K'S DAUGHTER: That's OK.

PHILLIPS: I just like saying Coach K. It's so much easier.

J. SPATOLA: It is.

PHILLIPS: Was it hard for you to get the name down too?

CAPT. CHRIS SPATOLA, MIKE KRZYZEWSKI'S SON-IN-LAW: It was. I figured that before I at least proposed that I needed to get the name right.

PHILLIPS: You couldn't say Coach K?

C. SPATOLA: He's used to it. They're used to it having messed up.

PHILLIPS: Krzyzewski. Is that all right?

SPATOLA: Exactly. Perfect.

PHILLIPS: I'll just say it six times. Maybe it will come to me. All right, so Chris, wow! Do you wish you were playing basketball or do you wish you were in Iraq?

C. SPATOLA: Well, I always wish I'm playing basketball. But, you know, it's good. I've been there six months. And it's always good to, first and foremost, come home and see my wife and see family that you haven't seen in a while. And to be able to come back and be here and support his team, because he's given me and my unit over there so much support since I've been there. So to come and be with my wife and with her family in this venue is great.

PHILLIPS: Well, and Jamie, your dad actually spoke to the troop, right? Before Chris took off?

J. SPATOLA: He did. Just before Chris and his unit went to Iraq, my father came out to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, which is where he's stationed and spoke to them. About 3,000 troops, I believe, were in the gym there. And many of them, including Chris and his unit, were about to deploy. So it was kind of an inspirational, motivational, like a pre-game pep talk, sort of speech. And it was great. And I think it was really well-received.

PHILLIPS: Did the guys in the...

C. SPATOLA: It was good, yes. And, you know, it was not only good for our guys to see that, hear that, for the community, but I think it was good for him, as well. You know, he and his wife had lived there for a period of time while he was an officer. So I think to come back, he saw it kind of as an opportunity to give back to something that gave a lot to him.

But it meant a lot to the community, and it was -- the timing was perfect, because it was right before we were about to leave. You know, he's the ultimate coach, the ultimate team guy. So for him to be able to speak about, you know, being a part of a team and what we were doing was great.

PHILLIPS: I mean, it sort of makes sense. To be such an amazing coach -- and, my gosh, I was -- Jen Bernstein (ph), my producer, was showing me all this background of everything that he's won, his records.

I mean, from championships to Final Four appearances, consecutive Final Four appearances, Final Four wins, tournament appearances. My gosh, it goes on and on and on, Coach K. It kind of -- it sort of makes sense. I mean, a general in the military and a winning coach sort of have the same values, morals, standards, expectations. Right?

C. SPATOLA: Well it's a perfect fit, yes. I mean, it's a lot of what he instills in his team -- and he would say that his West Point education was his foundation and still is. And, you know, it's a perfect fit to go from being a leader of men in the military to now doing it for the last almost 30 years as a coach. It fits perfectly for what both professions take.

PHILLIPS: Jamie, what was it like growing up with him? I mean, my goodness, all girls. You guys probably drove him crazy.

J. SPATOLA: I think we probably did. But, what he says is that everybody, you know, is quiet to listen to what he has to say when he's at work. And, you know, all of those big, strong guys are silent and waiting for his next word. And when he got home, he couldn't get a word in edgewise. So that's what he says about it, and I think it's probably true. But I think we taught him a lot and obviously growing up around that environment -- we had 15 older brothers our whole life. And being around that has -- I mean, we're lucky. Nobody gets to do that. So, I mean, it's...

PHILLIPS: It's a unique experience.

J. SPATOLA: It is. It is.

PHILLIPS: Well, and it's really neat how you guys met. That was really unique. You both come from families of coaches. You were at a Duke basketball camp, is that right? And you were working the concession stand, Jamie?

J. SPATOLA: That's right.

PHILLIPS: So what happened? Did you go for a coke and say I'm madly in love, will you go out?

C. SPATOLA: I did. We dispute who spoke to who first. With her being the coach's daughter, you're a little wary of it, especially as a camper. But, you know, from day one, I think what's great about it is we started out as friends and she would -- when I finally went on to West Point, she would drive up. I think much to the chagrin of her mom, she would drive the eight hours up to West Point to see some games, and, you know, we've been together ever since.

PHILLIPS: Well, that's interesting. She just took a very long drive to come pick you up when she got the word that you were home from Iraq. Explain that, Jamie. It was like the travel trip from hell, wasn't it? For you and for you.

J. SPATOLA: I just felt horrible for him, because he -- obviously, it's like a three-day trip, pretty much. And I know he's not getting a lot of rest, and when he is, it's in the airport or on an airplane. And he finally got to Dallas -- and we, like I said, live up in Oklahoma. The flight got canceled.

And so he -- they decided that -- I don't know how this is acceptable, but they decided that they were going to put them all on a bus, his whole flight, on a bus and bus them up to Oklahoma. And he told me -- 15-second phone conversation, told me that they were going to stop in Wichita Falls, Texas. I said, well, get off the bus there. I'll be there. And it's not too far.

PHILLIPS: I'm in the car, I'm picking you up.

J. SPATOLA: It's not too far away, but it was...

C. SPATOLA: It's amazing, they can get from you Baghdad to Kuwait, from Kuwait back to the United States, but we had major issues getting from Dallas to Lawton, Oklahoma.

PHILLIPS: Well, I see didn't take long for to you lose the camies and get the Duke goods. C. SPATOLA: No, my father-in-law felt that I had been wearing desert camies long enough. So he had a bag of clothes waiting for me when I got here. And you can't go wrong wearing Duke gear at this time of year.

PHILLIPS: So you went to the practice. You were sitting over at the Georgia dome. Was it great just to be there on the hardwood?

C. SPATOLA: It was -- yes. The atmosphere -- and that was one of the reasons I wanted to go over yesterday and -- you know, we do everything together, the two weeks while I'm here. So I said, you know, you're going to come with me and we're going to take it all in. It's amazing.

You know, when you think about where I was sitting, you know, no more than a week ago and then you look around the Georgia dome and you see that environment and you see what -- where you are then, and then again tonight, it's an amazing transformation that I've been through, she's been through, and then as a couple that we've gone through. It's great.

PHILLIPS: Have you been able to play any basketball in Iraq?

C. SPATOLA: I have. You know, it -- one of the things that they've -- they always try and take -- you know, give you some sort of recreation over there. And there's -- where I'm at over there, they've got a basketball court and they put together some tournaments. And my guys -- you know, one of the months in December, they convinced me to play. We got a team together and we ended up winning the whole tournament.

PHILLIPS: Wow.

C. SPATOLA: Yes, we play a little bit over there.

PHILLIPS: That's great. You get to influence, and then come back here and talk about what's happening in Iraq. All right, we've got to wrap up, but I just want to get your call. I'm surrounded by LSU fans. But, of course, right now I know I got to be pro-Duke, at least right here while we're sitting here. Are you calling the scores? What do you think?

C. SPATOLA: You know, it's -- as long as they win and we can see them play Saturday night...

PHILLIPS: You don't care about the score.

C. SPATOLA: I don't care about what the score is.

PHILLIPS: Jamie, you've been helping your dad all these years?

J. SPATOLA: Duke by 12. How's that?

PHILLIPS: OK. I'm taking notes. I know Jen's taking notes on the brackets there. Then again, I think she already. Jen, did you pick Duke? OK, she picked Duke. J. SPATOLA: All right, Jen.

PHILLIPS: Yes, you got to meet my producer. She's quite the basketball fan.

C. SPATOLA: Well, she's smart.

PHILLIPS: Yes, she is. In more ways than one.

Great to see you guys!

J. SPATOLA: Nice to see you. Thank you for having us.

PHILLIPS: Yes, it was such a pleasure. I hope you have a great time at the game. Good luck to your father, your father-in-law, Coach K. We'll be rooting on. And good luck back in Iraq.

C. SPATOLA: Thank you very much.

PHILLIPS: We look forward to seeing you back here safe and sound.

C. SPATOLA: Thanks for having me.

PHILLIPS: All right, guys.

J. SPATOLA: Thank you.

PHILLIPS: We're going to take a quick break. More LIVE FROM right after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Oh, we all know the song. Web sites list hundreds of versions, and it's been in more than a dozen movies, including "The Lion King." But finally the daughters of composers Solomon Linda can rest easy thanks to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

After a six-year battle with the company that holds the copyright, they've settled for 25 percent of past and future royalties every time it's played, like right now. That means millions for the three sisters who live in virtual poverty in South Africa and for their heirs. Family legend says the song was inspired by Solomon Linda's childhood chore, chasing lions away from the cattle.

New Yorkers like to say they've seen everything and maybe after yesterday's adventure in Central Park, well, they have. Our Jeanne Moos was hanging on every twist and turn.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): You're looking at a tranquilized coyote after an anything but tranquil chase.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Through the fence.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That is one elusive and quick coyote that has cops going in circles.

MOOS: This year-old coyote has become a star.

ADRIAN BENEPE, NYC PARKS DEPT. COMMISSIONER: Actually a very attractive, male coyote.

MOOS: Nicknamed Hal, he apparently made his way into Manhattan from woodsier areas upstate. When he was sighted in Central Park, the NYPD mobilized with tranquilizing jab sticks and dart guns. News choppers circled as Hal managed to stay just out of reach of his pursuers. And just when you thought he had nowhere to run, he took a leap.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Whoa, he's swimming.

MOOS: Swimming under a bridge, leaving land-locked pursuers in his wake.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There he goes.

MOOS: You'd go too if you had a cop with a gun shadowing you. And we do mean shadowing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This guy is fast.

MOOS: Faster than Wile E. Coyote. Unlike Wile E., this guy got his bird.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I thought it was a wolf at first. It was running after a bird.

BENEPE: The Central Park services staff has observed at least one pile of feathers.

MOOS: Either duck, or more likely, pigeon. As the hunt for Hal continued, so did the one for Vivi. Remember the Westminster Show dog, the Whippet that escaped from her cage at JFK Airport last month?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Vivi!

MOOS: Well, there have been a dozen or so apparent sightings of Vivi near this cemetery in Queens. One guy even fed a dog that fits her description, Italian-bred, through the cemetery fence.

One of the Vivi's owners has flown back to New York and set traps baited with roasted chicken. Maybe that would have worked on Hal.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He's like lightning.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Breaking news from Central Park, they've captured that coyote.

MOOS (voice-over): Hal was eventually cornered somewhere near this fence and shot with a tranquilizer dart.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I fired one dart at the coyote. MOOS (voice-over): Sedated but safe, Hal will be returned to the wild. He was never a danger to humans, just pets. And unlike that other Wile E. Coyote, at least Hal wasn't a danger to himself.

Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILLIPS: Coyotes to Wolf, Wolf Blitzer standing by live in "THE SITUATION ROOM" to tell us what's coming up.

WOLF BLITZER, CNN ANCHOR: I knew that was coming, Kyra. I had no doubt. Thanks very much.

PHILLIPS: You know me so well.

BLITZER: I know you.

President Bush trying to rally his party on immigration issues. Will Republicans stand united or will this hot-button topic become as divisive as the Dubai ports deal?

Plus, what President Bush did not do today that puts him in the record books. You'll have to tune in to "THE SITUATION ROOM" to find out.

And a CNN security watch. Is big brother about to get even bigger in New York City? You could be caught on camera literally at any moment. Kyra, all that coming up in a few moments.

PHILLIPS: Looking forward to it. Thanks, Wolf.

Can't decide between that new piece of jewelry or a cute little pet? You may not have to, if you don't mind a roach crawling across your chest. Bejeweled, bothered and bewildered. Coming up on LIVE FROM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Matt looks so bored. Come on, Matt. Oh, he's showing the bling on the ring. I got you. All right.

Got a jones for jewelry but high prices leave you bug-eyed? Well, so will these bobbles, but not because of the cost. We don't know whether to call PETA or pest control. These are live Madagascar hissing roaches, festooned with jewels and put on a tiny leash.

The designer says he got the idea when he learned these roaches are pets in some countries. Jared Gold's roach pins go from $40 to $80 each and are showing up on the reality series "America's Next Top Model." Yes, like they're going to wear these? I'd like to see that. We thought it was going to be on "Fear Factor." Wouldn't that make more sense?

Almost time for the closing bell on Wall Street. Some investors may be headed out to the clubs in just a little while, but they may have to find some new clubs soon, some that aren't so naughty, you might say.

ALI VELSHI, CNN ANCHOR: Did you know -- I mean, unbelievable. I didn't even realize this until reading this -- I follow these stories, but I was reading "USA Today," that you can deduct the expense of going out to a strip club with your business co-workers.

You know, recently a fellow -- a CEO of a company -- a tech company, settled a bill for $241,000 that he charged to his corporate American Express. And the company said, no, you need to pay that.

PHILLIPS: How do you get business done at a strip club? I'm just curious. Aren't you a little distracted?

VELSHI: I wouldn't have any idea. I don't do business at strip clubs.

PHILLIPS: Got it. Never. Never been to one.

VELSHI: I don't even -- I mean, I don't charge a hamburger to the company when I should. And these guys charged almost a quarter million dollars -- $4,000 bucks an hour he spent.

PHILLIPS: Really?

(CROSSTALK)

VELSHI: I have no idea. I don't know how you spend $4,000 in an hour anywhere. Creative. They're creative people out there, Kyra. Good to see you, as always.

PHILLIPS: Nice to see you, too, Ali. We always have something interesting to talk about, don't we?

VELSHI: We always do. I shall see you tomorrow.

PHILLIPS: OK, great.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

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